Hurt in a Fall from Scaffolding Without a Safety Harness? What Florida Workers Need to Know About Workers’ Comp
Brian O Sutter
Premises Liability
Workers’ Compensation
Falls from scaffolding are among the most serious accidents on construction sites.They can be even more devastating when safety harnesses or protective equipment aren’t provided.
Under Florida law, most construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation, even if their employer failed to follow OSHA’s fall protection standards.
If you’ve been hurt in a scaffolding fall, you may be wondering:
Will workers’ compensation cover my medical bills and lost income?
The answer is often yes — and getting legal help early can make a major difference in your case.
At All Injuries Law Firm, we believe Victory for the Injured means more than just winning cases. It means helping hardworking Floridians rebuild their health, their income, and their peace of mind after an accident.
Can Florida Workers Get Compensation After a Scaffolding Fall Without a Harness?
Yes. Florida Statute §440.09 states that if you’re injured on the job, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of fault.
That means:
– Even if your employer didn’t provide a harness, you may still qualify.
– Medical care and wage-loss benefits are typically covered.
Unfortunately, many workers in Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and nearby areas face unsafe job sites when employers cut corners.
Our attorneys understand how overwhelming it feels to be injured under these circumstances — and we are here to protect your rights.
“When a worker gets hurt because safety gear wasn’t provided, it’s not their fault — but they’re often the ones left to deal with the pain and the bills. My job is to make sure the system does what it’s supposed to: protect them and their families.” — Attorney Bryan Greenberg, Board-Certified in Florida Workers’ Compensation Law
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available After a Scaffolding Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding fall, workers’ comp benefits may include:
– Medical treatment — doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
– Wage replacement — usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you recover
– Disability benefits — temporary or permanent, depending on how your injuries affect your ability to work
– Impairment benefits — if you’re left with lasting limitations
In some cases, you may also have a third-party claim against contractors, property owners, or equipment companies if their negligence contributed to your fall.
These claims can provide compensation beyond workers’ comp, such as for pain and suffering.
Why Injured Construction Workers Need a Board-Certified Workers’ Comp Attorney
Scaffolding accidents often cause serious injuries requiring surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
Insurance companies know these cases are expensive — and often fight hard to minimize payouts.
That’s why experience matters. At All Injuries Law Firm:
– Attorney Brian O. Sutter has been Board Certified in Florida Workers’ Compensation Law since 1990.
– Attorney Bryan Greenberg is also Board Certified.
Board certification is the Florida Bar’s highest recognition of expertise — a distinction only a small percentage of attorneys hold statewide.
For more than 35 years, our firm has represented injured workers in Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Venice, and across Southwest Florida.
We know the job sites, insurers, and courts — and we fight every day for Victory for the Injured.
Examples of Serious Injuries From Scaffolding Falls in Florida
Our attorneys have successfully handled many scaffolding accident cases. Some results include:
– $1.75 million recovery for neck injuries caused by a scaffolding fall
– $175,000 recovery for multiple injuries from a ladder fall (a related example showing how dangerous working at heights can be)
These results highlight how devastating scaffolding falls can be.
Neck, back, and head injuries are common, often requiring surgery and long-term care.
“I’ve sat across the table from clients who couldn’t work again after a scaffolding fall. They weren’t just worried about their health — they were worried about keeping a roof over their family’s head. That’s why we fight so hard: so they can focus on healing while we take on the insurers.” — Attorney Brian O. Sutter, Board-Certified in Florida Workers’ Compensation Law
Attorney Insight: Protecting Workers Hurt in Scaffolding Falls Without Harnesses
Florida construction workers deserve safe workplaces.
When scaffolding is set up without proper harnesses, it’s not just an OSHA violation — it’s a direct threat to workers’ lives.
At our firm, our mission is simple: Victory for the Injured.
We fight to make sure workers and their families receive the medical care and financial support they need to rebuild after a scaffolding fall.
Free Consultation for Injured Workers After Scaffolding Falls
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a scaffolding fall — especially where no safety harness was provided — don’t face the system on your own.
Call (941) 625-4878 for a free consultation.
At All Injuries Law Firm, Victory for the Injured isn’t just a slogan. It’s the principle that has guided us for decades as we’ve stood beside injured workers in Southwest Florida.
We are here to fight for you.
Related FAQs: Workers’ Comp After a Scaffolding Fall Without a Harness
Can I get workers’ comp in Florida if I wasn’t wearing a safety harness when I fell?
Yes. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system in Florida, which means you are generally covered even if protective equipment wasn’t provided or used.
Pro Tip: Florida Statute §440.09 makes clear that workers are entitled to benefits if the injury happened on the job — but having an attorney can help if an insurer disputes coverage.
What happens if my employer didn’t provide fall protection on scaffolding?
Employers must follow OSHA’s scaffolding safety rules, including harness requirements.
If they fail to do so and you’re injured, you can still receive workers’ comp.
Pro Tip: Lack of fall protection may also open the door to third-party liability claims in addition to workers’ comp.
What kinds of injuries qualify for workers’ compensation after a scaffolding fall?
Neck, back, head, and spinal cord injuries are common after scaffolding accidents, and all may be covered by workers’ comp.
Pro Tip: At All Injuries Law Firm, we’ve secured results such as $1.75 million for a scaffolding fall resulting in neck injuries, showing how severe these cases can be.
How much compensation can I get for a scaffolding fall in Florida?
Workers’ comp typically covers medical bills and part of lost wages.
Settlement amounts depend on the severity of injuries and recovery time.
Pro Tip: Serious scaffolding injuries often involve surgeries and long-term disability. Talking with a Board-Certified attorney can give you a clearer idea of what your case may be worth.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m filing a workers’ comp claim after a scaffolding accident?
You can file on your own, but insurers often fight to limit benefits in serious cases.
Pro Tip: Attorneys Brian Sutter and Bryan Greenberg are both Board Certified in Florida Workers’ Compensation Law, recognized for their expertise in handling exactly these types of cases.
References
OSHA: Scaffolding Safety Standards
Florida Statute §440.09: Workers’ Compensation Coverage
CDC/NIOSH: Fall Protection in Construction
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fatal Occupational Injuries Involving Scaffolding