If you were hurt in a scaffolding collapse or fall while working in Hackensack, you deserve answers, accountability, and real financial recovery.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our Hackensack scaffolding accident lawyer team stands with injured workers and their families across Bergen County, from job sites near the Bergen County Courthouse to construction projects along Main Street and River Street.
We understand how a single moment on a scaffold can change everything, and we are here to help you rebuild what was taken from you.
Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in New Jersey, and scaffolding-related incidents are among the most serious injuries we see. When safety rails fail, planks give way, or proper fall protection is missing, the consequences are often life-altering.
We have spent decades fighting for ironworkers, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, and laborers who were doing their jobs and trusting the systems built to protect them. If that trust was broken, we want to hear your story.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 for a free, no-pressure conversation about your case.
Why Choose Our Hackensack Scaffolding Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right legal team after a serious construction injury matters more than most people realize. Insurance companies and contractors move quickly to protect themselves, and you need a firm that moves just as quickly to protect you. Here is what sets our work apart:
- Over 100 years of combined experience handling construction and workplace injury cases throughout New Jersey and New York
- A $101 million verdict for workers injured and families of workers killed in a parking garage collapse, one of the largest construction verdicts in the region
- A team of 30 professionals dedicated to investigating, building, and presenting your case, not just one attorney working alone
- Contingency-fee representation, meaning we are paid only if we recover compensation for you
- Recognition from Best Lawyers in America and top peer-review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell
We are one of the few personal injury firms in the area that handles both third-party injury claims and workers’ compensation claims together. That matters because scaffolding accidents almost always involve both, and missing one type of claim can leave significant money on the table.
You should not have to fight this battle alone. Reach out to our Hackensack scaffolding accident attorneys today to learn how we can help you move forward.
Words cannot express how tremendously grateful I am to Mr. Lizzi for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging times in my life. While coming highly recommended to me, Mr. Lizzi’s level of expertise and professionalism surpassed my greatest expectations. Regardless of the time or the importance of my matter, every phone call and email was promptly and personally returned. With each circumstance that arose, Mr. Lizzi gave practical advice and supplied necessary information to allow me to make my own informed decisions. The paralegals working with him kept in constant contact if any issues arose. Your office has been able to answer all of my questions and made me feel that I am important.
Simply put, lawyers like Mr. Lizzi are truly and exceptionally rare. I give the law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo, & Lizzi my highest recommendation, and should my family or I ever need assistance in the future, I will definitely give them a call.
I am writing this review on behalf of my mother, Darlene LaVella, who does not have a Facebook. ‘Chris DiGiralamo was an excellent advocate in my negligence case. His confidence, professionalism and kindness made this difficult process easier for my husband and myself. The same for his support team. Marisol Suarez was always there via phone, email or text helping me to navigate the difficulties of Workers Comp in addition to the negligence case and Karen Sanchez, who recommended the firm to me, was invaluable in helping with video & pictures. I thank you all here, publicly, and recommend this firm highly for any legal needs.’
Nothing but praise for Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi. I have never seen such a fantastic display of teamwork at all levels of the firm. (As an aisde, everyone one who works at the firm was extremely courteous and kind – character traits that one would not typically associate with a law firm. )
Furthermore, the legal results brought about by Mr. Maggiano’s tireless litigation efforts on our behalf were very fair and just. If you ever find yourself in a car accident, be sure to consult Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in Hackensack
Scaffolding is supposed to be a stable, secure platform that allows workers to safely complete jobs at heights. When something goes wrong, it is almost always preventable. Through our years representing injured construction workers, we have seen the same dangerous patterns repeat on job sites across Hackensack and Bergen County.
Some of the most common causes of scaffolding accidents include:
- Defective or damaged components, such as cracked planks, bent frames, or worn-out couplers
- Improper assembly, including missing cross-braces, unsecured base plates, or inadequate tie-ins to the building
- Missing or inadequate guardrails, toe boards, and personal fall arrest systems
- Overloaded platforms carrying more weight in workers, tools, or materials than the scaffold was rated to hold
- Slippery surfaces caused by rain, ice, mud, or spilled materials
- Falling tools, debris, or building materials striking workers below
- Electrical contact when scaffolding is erected too close to overhead power lines
- Unstable ground or foundations that cause the scaffold to shift or collapse
Each of these hazards points back to someone who had a duty to keep the site safe. Identifying who failed in that duty is one of the most important parts of building your case. Our Hackensack scaffolding accident lawyers know how to trace the breakdown back to its source.
Types of Scaffolding Accidents We Handle
Not every scaffolding injury looks the same. Some involve dramatic falls from significant heights, while others result from collapsed platforms or struck-by incidents at ground level. We represent injured workers and families across the full range of these cases, including:
- Falls from supported scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, and rolling scaffolds
- Complete scaffold collapses and structural failures
- Falls through unprotected openings in scaffold decking
- Workers struck by falling tools, lumber, bricks, or other materials
- Electrocution injuries from contact with power lines
- Crush injuries when scaffolding tips, slides, or topples over
- Injuries caused by defective scaffold equipment or improper rentals
- Multi-worker incidents involving large-scale scaffold failures
If your situation does not appear on this list, please still reach out. Many serious scaffolding injuries involve unusual circumstances, and we want to hear what happened to you.
Common Injuries from Hackensack Scaffolding Accidents
Falls from height, even from relatively low scaffolds, can cause devastating and permanent injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has long identified scaffolding as one of the most regulated areas of construction safety, precisely because the injuries are so severe.
Injuries we frequently see in scaffolding cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial and complete paralysis
- Fractured vertebrae and herniated discs
- Broken arms, legs, hips, and pelvises
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations and crush injuries
- Amputations and loss of limb function
- Soft tissue damage, including fibromyalgia triggered by trauma
- Wrongful death
Many of these injuries require long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and years of rehabilitation. Some workers are never able to return to their trade. We build our cases around the full picture of what you have lost and what you will continue to lose, not just the bills sitting on your kitchen table today.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Scaffolding Accident?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “If I was hurt at work, isn’t workers’ comp the only option?” The honest answer is no. While workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and a portion of lost wages, it usually does not account for pain, suffering, or the full value of long-term losses. That is where third-party claims come in.
Depending on the facts of your accident, the following parties may share responsibility:
- General contractors who failed to enforce safety standards on the job site
- Subcontractors whose workers improperly assembled or maintained the scaffold
- Scaffold rental companies that supplied defective or worn-out equipment
- Property owners who knew of hazards but failed to address them
- Manufacturers of defective scaffolding parts, harnesses, or fall protection gear
- Engineers or architects whose design decisions created unsafe conditions
A thorough investigation often reveals more than one responsible party. Our team digs into incident reports, New Jersey labor laws, OSHA citations, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify everyone who should answer for your injuries.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims Together
This is where our experience truly matters. Most construction workers injured in Hackensack are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault. But if a party other than your direct employer contributed to the accident, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against them.
Pursuing both at the same time requires careful coordination:
- Workers’ compensation provides medical coverage and weekly wage replacement
- Third-party claims can recover full lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses
- Settlements must be structured to avoid forfeiting benefits or paying back too much in liens
Trying to handle these claims separately, or with two different firms, often leaves money on the table. We handle both under one roof so nothing falls through the cracks. When you call our Hackensack scaffolding accident lawyers, you get one team focused on every available source of recovery.
Compensation Available After a Scaffolding Accident
Every case is different, and we never make promises about specific dollar amounts. What we can tell you is that the law allows for far more than just emergency room bills. Compensation in a scaffolding accident case may include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, therapy, and home care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your trade
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Vocational retraining if you must change careers
- Loss of consortium for spouses and family members
- Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one
We work with vocational specialists, life-care planners, economists, and medical professionals to document every category of loss. Insurance companies count on injured workers undervaluing their own claims. We make sure that does not happen.
Our Track Record in Construction Accident Cases
Our results speak to decades of preparation, persistence, and trial-ready advocacy. Here are a few examples of what we have recovered for construction workers and their families:
- $101,000,000 verdict for 20 injured workers and the families of four workers killed in a parking garage collapse
- $3,200,000 for a 35-year-old ironworker who fell from a steel-frame building under construction
- $2,600,000 for the widow and child of a dock builder killed during a pile-driving operation
- $2,325,000 for an HVAC worker who fell through an unprotected roof opening
- $1,100,000 for a 35-year-old architect injured on a mall construction site
Past results do not predict the outcome of any future case, but they do show our willingness to take on the toughest fights. We are not afraid to go to trial when an insurance company refuses to deal fairly.
Verdicts and Settlements
$1,061,392 - Tow Truck Crash
A 42-year old truck operator and auto mechanic suffered ulnar neuropathy, bulging lumbar disc, torn meniscus right knee, and post traumatic stress disorder when he was struck by a tow truck backing up during a job thereby ending his two occupational careers.
$2,600,000 - Deceased Dock Builder
Settlement awared to the widow and child of a deceased dock builder injured during a pile driving operation. Defendant Developer and General Contractor placed blame on employer of deceased worker who could not be sued because of the Worker Compensation Statute that says you can not sue your employer. We proved that even though the employer was negligent, the Developer and GC had the primary duty of…
$1,000,000 - Rear-Ending Accident
50-year-old construction worker rear ended by drunk driver suffering low back injury that required two spine surgeries. The low back injury was compounded because Plaintiff is a large man and his size complicated the low back injury and necessary surgeries. He was eventually able to return to his construction company but could no longer go up on ladders and bend down to do work below…
Deadlines That Could Affect Your Case
New Jersey law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Workers’ compensation deadlines are even tighter, and notice often must be given to your employer within days of the accident.
Waiting can cost you:
- Evidence at the job site may be cleaned up, repaired, or destroyed
- Witnesses may move, forget details, or become harder to locate
- Surveillance footage is often deleted within weeks
- Insurance adjusters may pressure you into low early settlements
The sooner you call, the more we can do. Even if you are still in the hospital or unsure about pursuing a claim, a free conversation costs you nothing and protects your options.
How We Investigate Scaffolding Accident Cases
A strong case is built on evidence, and evidence is built on early, thorough investigation. From the moment you bring us in, our team begins working to preserve what happened. That process often includes:
- Visiting the job site and photographing the scaffold, surroundings, and conditions
- Securing surveillance video from nearby businesses and traffic cameras
- Obtaining OSHA reports, inspection records, and prior citations
- Interviewing coworkers, supervisors, and other witnesses
- Reviewing scaffold rental contracts, training records, and safety logs
- Consulting with engineering, safety, and medical professionals
When we present a case, we want every fact in our corner and every weakness anticipated. That is how we earn results that change lives.
Your Questions Answered by Our Hackensack Scaffolding Accident Lawyers
Below are answers to questions we hear most often from injured workers and families considering a scaffolding accident claim.
How much does it cost to hire a Hackensack scaffolding accident attorney?
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost to you. We are only paid if we recover compensation in your case, and the fee comes out of that recovery. Your initial consultation is always free, and there is no obligation to move forward.
Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the scaffolding accident?
Yes, in most cases. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which generally allows you to recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, but partial responsibility does not automatically end your claim.
What if my employer says I cannot sue because I am getting workers' compensation?
Workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your direct employer, but it does not block claims against other parties. General contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners can often be held responsible separately. We routinely pursue both workers’ comp and third-party claims at the same time.
How long does a scaffolding accident case typically take?
Every case is different. Some cases settle within months when liability is clear and injuries are well documented. Others, especially those involving severe injuries or disputed responsibility, can take a year or more. We focus on getting the right result, not the fastest one.
What if a loved one died in a scaffolding accident?
Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim and pursue damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. We have handled wrongful death cases involving construction workers and treat these matters with the care and respect they deserve.
Should I talk to the insurance company before calling a lawyer?
We strongly recommend speaking with a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather statements that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. A short conversation with us before you talk to anyone else can protect your rights and your recovery.
What if I am undocumented or worried about my immigration status?
You still have the right to compensation for a workplace injury in New Jersey. Workers’ compensation and personal injury laws protect injured workers regardless of immigration status. We have helped many workers in this position and treat every conversation with strict confidentiality.
Talk to a Hackensack Scaffolding Accident Lawyer Today
A fall from a scaffold can change the course of your life in a single second. The medical bills, the missed paychecks, the worry about your family, all of it is real, and none of it is something you should have to face alone. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are ready to listen, to fight, and to stand in your shoes when the people responsible try to look the other way.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 or reach out through our website to schedule your free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you, and there is no pressure to make any decision before you are ready. Let us help you seek recovery, accountability, and the future you and your family deserve.
