Construction work is high-risk enough without adding the possibility of negligence from third parties. When a third-party supplier delivers sub-quality construction equipment, even careful adherence to safety standards may not protect construction workers from accidents.
Normally, when construction workers sustain injuries at a job site, they expect workers’ compensation to compensate them for damages. However, if the accident is due to the negligence of a third party, the affected construction worker may also be in a position to pursue a third-party liability claim.
Suppose a construction worker falls from a scaffold and injures their shoulder. In that case, they may have concerns about surgery, recovery and whether the shoulder injury might hinder them from returning to work. Understanding how to hold a negligent party accountable under such circumstances can make a big difference in one’s journey to justice and recovery.
Immediate impact of a scaffolding fall
A construction worker’s fall from scaffolding is a terrifying experience with potentially life-altering consequences. It’s quite common for workers to experience serious shoulder trauma in such accidents. Scaffolding accidents often occur because of negligence by a third party, such as an outside contractor or maintenance crew who failed to secure the scaffolding properly.
It’s crucial for affected workers not to try to continue working after the accident. Injured workers may experience intense pain and limited mobility around their shoulders if they don’t seek medical intervention. Medical providers may recommend surgery to stabilize the shoulder joint to encourage proper recovery.
Recovery and returning to work
It’s natural for an injured construction worker to be concerned about whether surgery will restore full function to an injured shoulder. Recovering from such an injury involves weeks, if not months, of physical therapy and rehabilitation. For a construction worker, regaining strength and range of motion is essential to perform tasks such as:
- Lifting
- Climbing
- Operating heavy equipment
Affected construction workers may worry that they may not be able to return to the same level of productivity.
Suppose a negligent third party is responsible for unsafe conditions that lead to a scaffolding accident. In that case, an affected worker has the right to seek compensation for their shoulder injury. A thorough investigation can help to establish liability, identify evidence and build a strong case for fair compensation.