Construction is the backbone of our growing Roseville community. You see the cranes and the steel frames every time you drive down Douglas Boulevard or near the Galleria. But behind the progress lies a dangerous reality for the men and women on the front lines. Scaffolding is supposed to be a safe platform for work. When it fails, the results are almost always catastrophic.
A fall from a scaffold or a structural collapse isn’t just a “bad day at work.” It’s a life-altering event that impacts your ability to provide for your family and your long-term physical health. At Gingery Hammer & Associates, LLP, we’ve seen how these cases play out. We know that construction companies and their insurers will try to blame the worker before the dust even settles. They aren’t your friends, and they certainly aren’t looking out for your future.
Insurance Companies And The Low-Ball Insult
After a scaffolding failure, the insurance adjuster for the general contractor or the equipment manufacturer will likely contact you. They might offer a quick settlement. It might even seem like a decent amount of money at first glance. But you have to ask yourself why they’re in such a hurry.
They want you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. We have seen insurance carriers offer as little as $16,500 for life-changing accidents. In one case, our team fought back against these tactics and turned a measly offer into a $1,000,000 settlement. We don’t accept insults. We force fairness through high-stakes litigation power.
Why Personal Injury Is Personal
Every injury is unique. A spinal injury for a construction worker who relies on their physical strength is a different “human story” than the same injury for someone in an office. We believe the true value of your case depends on how the accident changed your specific life. Mental and emotional harm are just as worthy of a claim as a broken bone. If you can no longer climb a ladder without fear, or if you can’t play with your kids because of chronic pain, that loss must be compensated.
The Strategy Of Reasonableness
Many firms try to be loud and aggressive just for show. We take a different approach. We utilize a “methodology of reasonableness” to strategically trap the defense. By using CCP 998 offers, we set a fair price for the damage done. If the defense refuses to be reasonable and we win a larger amount at trial, they face heavy penalties.
This strategy isn’t about being soft. It’s about being the “muscle” that uses the law to your advantage. We understand the Duty of Care that contractors owe to their workers. When they cut corners on safety communications or equipment maintenance, we hold them accountable. We once held a site accountable for a $2,000,000 wrongful death claim because they failed to implement basic safety precautions for a dry-waller.
Specialization Is Non-Negotiable
Not all attorneys are created equal. If you hire a lawyer who handles a bit of everything, you’re leaving money on the table. You need a Roseville scaffolding accidents attorney who specializes exclusively in personal injury and complex civil litigation. Our team, led by partners Justin M. Gingery and Jeffrey T. Hammer, has handled over 1,000 cases. We know the specific regulations governing construction sites in California, and we know how to prove comparative negligence doesn’t apply to you.
The Prudent Worker’s Guide: What To Do After A Fall
If you or a loved one has been injured on a job site, you need to act quickly. The evidence at a construction site disappears fast. Equipment is moved, and “Safety First” signs that weren’t there before suddenly appear.
1. Report and Document Make sure the accident is reported to your supervisor immediately. If you can, take photos of the scaffolding, the planks, and the surrounding area. Documentation is the key to proving a hazardous condition.
2. Seek Specialized Medical Attention Don’t just see the “company doctor.” You need an independent evaluation of your injuries. Internal damage or a traumatic brain injury may not be obvious in the first hour.
3. Preserve the Equipment If a defective part caused the collapse, that part is evidence. We often have to step in and ensure that defective equipment isn’t “lost” by the contractor. This is why you need to hire a construction injury lawyer who can file the necessary motions to protect your case.
4. Stay Off Social Media Insurance adjusters are watching. Anything you post can and will be used to suggest your injuries aren’t as bad as you say.
Radical Transparency And Closure
We understand that the legal process is confusing. That’s why we offer radical transparency. You get a direct line to your attorney and a 24-hour callback guarantee. We want you to understand the “why” behind the law, not just the “what.”
Whether it was a public transit accident or a catastrophic fall from a height, our goal is closure through litigation. We don’t just want a check; we want justice for the way your life has been disrupted. We’ve secured $7,500,000 for premises liability cases where visibility and safety were ignored. We are ready to bring that same level of dedication to your scaffolding claim.
You don’t pay us a dime if we don’t win. We work on a contingency fee basis because we believe everyone deserves “muscle” in their corner, regardless of their bank account. If you’re tired of being treated like a number by insurance companies, it’s time to consult with Gingery Hammer & Associates, LLP.
Let the relentless guardians handle the defense while you focus on your recovery. We are sophisticated, we are transparent, and we are ready to fight for your full policy limits.
