Injured workers not only endure extended pain and suffering, but also often face financial hardships due to medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. When a scaffolding collapse accident results in the death of a loved one, the remaining family members do not just endure financial stress, but also the anguish of dealing with a lost loved one and helping younger family members understand and grieve the loss.
Pursuing legal justice after a scaffolding collapse accident requires legal expertise to navigate the complex maze of liability and responsible parties. At Miller Weisbrod Olesky, our experienced scaffolding collapse lawyers in Texas will diligently investigate your scaffolding collapse accident in Texas, collect robust evidence against all the responsible parties, and obtain the maximum legal compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our client was left paralyzed when a masonry subcontractor built a dangerous scaffolding system on a Texas construction site. The scaffolding collapsed breaking the spine of a construction worker leaving him paralyzed. Our firm was hired quickly after the scaffolding accident and we were able to obtain photographs taken by the general contractor days before the collapse showing the poor condition of the scaffolding components that should have been “red tagged” and taken out of service. After fighting the defense and insurance companies, our firm obtained a $5,000,000 settlement that provided our client with life time medical and wage replacement for his injuries.
Scaffolding Collapse Accident Data and Trends
In the United States, approximately 2.3 million construction workers are engaged in scaffold-related work (which constitutes about two-thirds of the construction industry). Scaffolding collapse incidents are a pressing concern within the construction industry in Texas as well as the rest of the country, as they lead to a significant number of personal injuries and fatalities year after year.
According to data provided by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accidents linked to scaffolding lead to approximately 60 fatalities and 4,500 injuries every year. Among these incidents, falls from scaffolds contribute to roughly a quarter of all fatal falls from various working surfaces. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes that adhering to OSHA standards can prevent these occurrences.
What is a Scaffolding Collapse in the Texas Construction Industry?
Scaffolding is an essential component of the construction industry, providing a temporary platform for workers to access elevated areas and perform tasks at various heights. With that said, the collapse of scaffolding structures poses a significant threat to both workers' safety and project integrity.
Components of Scaffolding Used on Construction Sites in Texas
Scaffolding is constructed using a variety of components that are assembled to create a stable and secure temporary structure. The primary components of scaffolding used in the Texas construction industry include:
Standards (Uprights): Vertical posts that form the main vertical supports of the scaffold.
Ledgers (Horizontal Braces): Horizontal members that connect the standards and provide lateral stability.
Transoms: Horizontal members placed between ledgers to support scaffold boards.
Braces: Diagonal members that provide additional stability and prevent lateral movement of the scaffold.
Scaffold Boards: Wooden planks placed on transoms to create a working platform for workers and materials.
Base Plates: Flat plates placed at the bottom of standards to distribute the load and provide stability.
Couplers: Connectors used to join various components together securely.
Our seasoned and proven Texas scaffolding collapse lawyers at Miller Weisbrod Olesky have an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of scaffolding used in the construction industry and will use that knowledge and expertise to investigate and prove liability of the negligent parties to maximize damages for your construction site accident and injuries.
Pump Jack Accident:
The superintendent for the general contractor knew about the industry standard and claimed that the siding contractors were always tied off when on the pump jacks (that did not have proper guardrails). Our clients claimed they never had been issued harnesses and there were no hard points for lifeline connection on the roof of the apartments. They had been working for three weeks when their platform became unstable (due to inadequate bracing) causing them to fall over the side. One client suffered several orthopedic fractures — the other suffered a broken spinal cord leaving him permanently paralyzed.
OSHA Standards Related to Scaffolding Collapse Accidents in the Construction Industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring worker safety on construction sites in Texas. OSHA has established specific standards and regulations that pertain to scaffolding, encompassing design, construction, and usage. Compliance with these regulations is vital to mitigating the risks associated with scaffolding collapses. Construction companies, general contractors, subcontractors, and scaffolding manufacturers must be well-versed in these regulations and ensure their implementation to create a safer working environment.
OSHA Standards for Safe Scaffolding Design, Construction and Maintenance
Capacity and Load-Bearing: The standard emphasizes that scaffolding must be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. This ensures that scaffolds remain structurally sound and reduces the risk of sudden collapses due to overloading.
Platform Construction: The regulation stipulates that scaffold platforms must be constructed using planks or other suitable materials, ensuring a stable working surface. Gaps between platforms and supports are restricted to prevent slips, trips, and potential falls.
Secure Scaffold Access: Workers must be provided with safe means of access to scaffolding, such as stairs, ladders, ramps, or other appropriate methods. These access points must be properly installed, well-maintained, and securely attached to the scaffold.
Guardrails and Fall Protection: To prevent falls, OSHA mandates the use of guardrails, midrails, and toeboards on all open sides and ends of scaffolds that are more than 10 feet above a lower level. Pertaining to this, workers must be provided with fall protection systems, such as personal fall arrest systems, when working on scaffolding at elevated heights.
Bracing and Stability: The standard requires scaffolding to be braced or anchored securely to prevent swaying or tipping. Cross braces and diagonal braces contribute to the stability of the scaffold structure and minimize the risk of collapse.
Overhead Protection: When workers are exposed to falling objects from above, the regulation necessitates the use of overhead protection systems, such as screens or canopies, to safeguard them.
Regular Inspections: Scaffolding components must be inspected by competent individuals before each work shift. Any defects, damage, or unsafe conditions must be identified and addressed promptly to prevent potential accidents.
Suspension Scaffolds: The standard addresses the design, construction, and use of suspension scaffolds, which are supported by ropes or other non-rigid means. It outlines requirements for components such as platforms, hoists, and tiebacks.
The dedicated scaffolding collapse attorneys in Texas at Miller Weisbrod Olesky will apply their deep knowledge of OSHA laws to identify potential violations and establish liability of the negligent parties that contributed to your injuries and losses.
Platform Construction: The OSHA regulation mandates that scaffold platforms must be fully planked or decked and extend their entire length without gaps. This creates a stable and safe working surface for construction workers and minimizes the risk of scaffolding collapse.
Guardrails and Toeboards: All open sides and ends of scaffold platforms that are 10 feet or higher above the lower level must be equipped with guardrails, midrails, and toeboards. These safety measures prevent falls and enhance worker protection.
Platform Access: Proper access to scaffold platforms is crucial. OSHA's guidelines emphasize the importance of providing safe and secure means of entry and exit, such as ladders, stairs, or other suitable options so workers do not risk serious personal injury or even death to to fall accidents.
Capacity and Load-Bearing: Supported scaffolds must be designed and constructed to support their own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. This requirement ensures that scaffolds can withstand the applied loads without compromising stability to avoid scaffold collapse.
Platform Overhang: Scaffold platforms must not extend beyond their support points by more than 12 inches, unless special precautions are taken to ensure stability.
Aerial lifts provide a versatile and efficient means for workers to access elevated work areas in the construction industry. Recognizing the importance of safety in using these lifts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established comprehensive guidelines within 29 CFR 1926.453. This regulation focuses on ensuring the safe operation, maintenance, and usage of aerial lifts, minimizing the risk of accidents and promoting worker well-being on construction sites. Key Aspects of this regulation include:
Training and Familiarization: Operators of aerial lifts must be trained and familiarized with the specific type of lift they will be using. Training includes understanding the manufacturer's instructions, potential hazards, operational controls, and safe practices.
Inspections and Maintenance: A pre-start inspection must be conducted by the operator or a designated person before each work shift to ensure the lift's proper functioning. Any defects or malfunctions that could affect safety must be addressed before operation.
Platform Load Limits: Aerial lifts have specific weight limits that must not be exceeded. Workers, tools, and equipment combined should never surpass the manufacturer's recommended load capacity.
Fall Protection: Workers in an aerial lift must wear personal fall arrest systems or other appropriate fall protection gear if there is a risk of falling. Fall protection is essential to prevent accidents from the lift's elevated position.
Proper Operation: Aerial lifts should be operated only by trained and authorized personnel. Operators must adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines, use the lift's controls correctly, and follow safe practices to prevent accidents.
Proper Usage: Scaffold platforms should only be used for the purpose they were designed for—providing a safe working surface for construction activities. Using scaffolding platforms for purposes other than their intended use could compromise stability and safety and lead to a scaffolding collapse accident.
Stability: Scaffolds must be erected on solid ground or a stable foundation to prevent tipping or collapse. Outriggers or counterweights may be necessary to enhance stability on uneven surfaces.
Guardrails and Fall Protection: All open sides and ends of scaffold platforms that are 10 feet or more above a lower level must be equipped with guardrails, midrails, and toeboards. Based on this, workers on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level must be provided with personal fall protection systems.
Safe Access: Proper means of access to and from scaffold platforms, such as ladders, stairs, or other safe methods, must be provided and properly maintained.
Capacity and Load-Bearing: Scaffolds must be designed, constructed, and loaded in a manner that prevents overloading and ensures stability. The regulation specifies that scaffolds should support their own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load to prevent a scaffolding collapse accident.
Competent Persons: OSHA mandates that a competent person be designated to provide training to workers involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining scaffolding systems. A competent person possesses the necessary knowledge, expertise, and understanding of scaffolding safety.
Components of Training: The regulation outlines essential areas that scaffolding safety training must cover, including the nature of scaffold hazards, correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, and altering scaffolds, proper use of scaffolding systems, fall protection measures, and the requirements of the standard.
Interactive Training: The training process must include interactive elements, such as discussions, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and assessments, to ensure that workers comprehend the material and can apply it effectively in their tasks.
Refresher Training: Employers must provide refresher training to workers when changes in the workplace environment or the type of scaffold systems used could pose new risks or require updated knowledge. This ensures that workers remain well-informed and up-to-date with the latest safety protocols.
Record Keeping: Employers are required to maintain records that document the training provided to workers. These records include the names of trained individuals, dates of training, and topics covered. This documentation is crucial for tracking training efforts and ensuring compliance.
Multilingual Training: If workers do not understand English, training must be conducted in a language they understand to ensure that safety information is effectively communicated.
By providing construction workers with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely on scaffolding, employers and general contractors can contribute to accident prevention, improved efficiency, and regulatory compliance. If failures in training led to your accident and injuries, our Texas scaffolding collapse attorneys will prove the OSHA violations and hold the negligent parties liable for damages.
Inspection and Maintenance to avoid Scaffolding Collapse Accidents
Daily Inspections: OSHA mandates that a competent person must conduct a thorough inspection of scaffolding components before the start of each work shift. This inspection assesses the structural integrity of the scaffolding system and identifies any defects, damage, or hazards that could compromise safety and lead to a scaffolding collapse accident.
Identification of Defects: During the inspection, the competent person must carefully examine all elements of the scaffolding, including components such as platforms, guardrails, bracing, and anchoring. Any defects, wear and tear, or signs of deterioration must be identified and addressed promptly.
Prompt Remediation: If any issues are detected during the inspection, the competent person is responsible for taking immediate corrective measures. Defective components should be replaced, damaged sections repaired, and any hazardous conditions rectified to ensure the scaffolding's stability and reliability. Prompt remediation can prevent unnecessary scaffolding collapse accidents.
Record Keeping: Employers are required to maintain records that document the daily inspections of scaffolding systems. These records should include details such as the date of inspection, the name of the inspector, the findings, and the actions taken. Proper record keeping is essential for tracking inspection efforts and demonstrating compliance.
Immediate Action: OSHA mandates that any component of a scaffolding system found to be defective, damaged, or otherwise compromised must be promptly removed from service. This applies to any part of the scaffolding that poses a potential fall hazard to workers or could lead to a structural failure and scaffolding collapse.
Replacement or Repair: Defective components should be either replaced with suitable alternatives or repaired to restore their integrity. The choice between replacement and repair depends on the severity of the defect and the feasibility of rectifying the issue.
Competent Decision-Making: The decision to remove, replace, or repair defective scaffolding components should be made by a competent person with a thorough understanding of scaffolding safety and engineering principles.
The management of defective components outlined in 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(1) is a key aspect of maintaining the safety and reliability of scaffolding systems. Our scaffolding collapse attorneys in Texas will investigate and prove OSHA violations, which may have led to your construction site accident and injuries and hold the negligent parties accountable for maximum damages.
Guardrails: When working on scaffolding platforms that are 10 feet or higher above a lower level, OSHA mandates the use of guardrails along open sides and ends. These guardrails should consist of a top rail, midrail, and toeboard, providing a barrier that prevents workers from accidentally falling.
Fall Arrest Systems: For scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level, workers must use personal fall arrest systems or other suitable fall protection measures. These systems arrest falls before workers hit the lower level, minimizing the potential for serious injuries.
Safety Nets: In situations where personal fall arrest systems are infeasible, the use of safety nets can provide an additional layer of protection. Safety nets are positioned to catch falling workers, reducing the distance they fall and the resulting impact.
Mechanics of Scaffolding Collapse on Construction Sites in Texas
A scaffolding collapse on a construction site occurs when the structure's stability is compromised, leading to a rapid and often catastrophic failure. The mechanics of a scaffolding collapse involve the redistribution of forces within the structure and its components, ultimately resulting in a loss of equilibrium and structural integrity. The collapse sequence can be described as follows:
Force Redistribution
The weight of workers, materials, and equipment exerts downward forces on the scaffolding structure. These forces are transmitted through the components, including standards, ledgers, and braces.
Stress Accumulation
Over time, stresses accumulate within the various components due to the applied loads and external factors such as wind, vibrations, and uneven ground.
Weaknesses and Failure Points
Components that are improperly installed, damaged, or weakened due to corrosion or wear become potential failure points. These components may not be able to bear the accumulated stress.
Load Transfer
As components weaken or fail, the forces that were originally distributed across the scaffold are transferred to fewer intact components. This causes uneven loading and an increase in stress on those components.
Progressive Collapse
The failure of a key component or multiple weakened components initiates a chain reaction of failures. The collapse progresses rapidly as the remaining intact components are overloaded and unable to support the applied loads.
Dynamic Forces
The sudden change in forces and the dynamic nature of the collapse generate powerful dynamic forces that amplify the structural failure. This can lead to disintegration and fragmentation of the scaffold.
Complete Failure
As the structural integrity of the scaffold is compromised, the entire system gives way, resulting in a rapid and often uncontrolled collapse. This can cause scaffolding components to fall, along with workers, materials, and equipment.
Impact and Damage
The collapse can lead to collisions with surrounding structures, equipment, or the ground, causing further damage, injuries, and potentially fatalities. It's important to note that the specific mechanics of a scaffolding collapse can vary based on factors such as the type of scaffold, its configuration, the quality of components, and the nature of the applied loads.
With an extensive understanding of the intricate mechanics and structural complexities inherent in scaffolding systems, the Texas scaffolding collapse lawyers at Miller Weisbrod Olesky are able to conduct thorough investigations into the origins of collapses. Through a scrutiny of construction methodologies, material quality, adherence to industry standards, and the interactions among various components, we will uncover the negligence and oversight that contributed to your accident and injuries and obtain the highest possible damages from the liable parties on your behalf.
Types of Evidence Our Texas Scaffolding Collapse Lawyers will Collect to Prove Liability
At Miller Weisbrod Olesky, our dedicated team of Texas scaffolding collapse lawyers are committed to seeking justice for victims and holding negligent parties accountable. To create a compelling case and prove liability for your injuries and losses, we will gather a range of evidence, including:
Expert Testimony
Our legal team collaborates with experts in scaffolding engineering, construction safety, and accident reconstruction. Their professional opinions help establish how the collapse occurred, whether it resulted from faulty design, improper assembly, subpar materials, or inadequate maintenance.
Site Investigation
We conduct thorough on-site investigations to gather firsthand information about the accident scene. This includes documenting the condition of the scaffolding, identifying any defects or violations of safety standards, and preserving crucial physical evidence relating to the scaffolding collapse accident.
Maintenance Records
Examining maintenance records and logs can provide insights into the upkeep of the scaffolding. Inadequate maintenance or the failure to address known issues could contribute to liability.
Design and Construction Documents
Reviewing design plans, construction blueprints, and engineering specifications allows us to assess whether the scaffolding was built to industry standards and adhered to safety regulations.
Compliance with OSHA Standards
We scrutinize whether the scaffolding met OSHA standards and regulations. Non-compliance with safety guidelines can be a crucial factor in establishing liability.
Witness Statements
Gathering statements from witnesses who were present during the accident can provide invaluable firsthand accounts of what transpired and the conditions leading up to the collapse.
Photographs and Videos
Visual evidence, such as photographs and videos taken before, during, and after the scaffolding collapse, can offer insights into the state of the scaffolding and the events that unfolded.
Maintenance and Inspection Records
Records of routine inspections and maintenance activities can reveal any negligence or oversight that contributed to your scaffolding collapse accident in Texas.
Safety Gear and Training
Evaluating whether construction workers were provided with proper training and safety gear can shed light on whether negligence or inadequate training played a role in the collapse.
Medical Records
Your medical records document the injuries you sustained due to the scaffolding collapse. Connecting these injuries to the accident is critical for establishing liability.
Documentation of Losses
We gather evidence of your financial losses resulting from the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, as well as non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress to assess the full extent of your damages.
At Miller Weisbrod Olesky, our team of skilled scaffolding collapse attorneys along with our investigation team will identify all the liable parties, which might include general contractors, subcontractors, scaffolding manufacturers, repair and maintenance providers, and property owners. We will gather hard evidence to build a strong case to prove liability.
Taking on powerful defendants and formidable insurance carriers in construction accident cases is a hallmark of our law firm. Our reputation and our track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts positions us to negotiate assertively and litigate aggressively in order to ensure our clients receive the maximum possible financial compensation.
Miller Weisbrod Olesky's dedication to justice means that injured construction workers in Texas have a strong advocate fighting for their rights. By achieving maximum compensation on your behalf for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care, our scaffolding collapse lawyers in Texas can help alleviate the burdens you and your family face, allowing you to restart your life with greater stability and support.
The Leader In Construction Accident Litigation With A Record Of Multi-Million Dollar Settlements And Verdicts
With a 30-year history heading the Construction Accident Department of Miller Weisbrod Olesky, firm partner Clay Miller has a proven record of holding construction companies accountable and achieving multi-million dollar settlements and court verdicts for his clients. Clay has handled construction accident cases in all major cities in Texas and numerous smaller counties. In one recent trial, Clay won a construction accident verdict of $26,500,000 for his client who suffered a spinal cord injury after a construction accident fall.
Clay has been consistently listed in Super Lawyers as one of the Best Lawyers in Texas, published in Texas Monthly, for over 15 years.
Clay is a past president of the Dallas Trial Lawyers’ Association and served as Chair of the Advocates for the Texas Trial Lawyer Association where he continues to serve on the board of directions. Clay is also a member of the elite American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) limited to a select group of trial lawyers who have tried to a jury verdict a significant number of cases and who are recognized for their professionalism.
Clay is regularly invited to speak to Trial Lawyer Groups around Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and across the state of Texas on the topics of construction accidents, trial tactics in complex construction cases and techniques to investigate and gather evidence in construction accidents, picking a jury in construction accident cases, as well as how to prepare a winning legal and trial strategy in Construction Accident Cases throughout Texas.
Our construction accident legal team includes Josh Birmingham, who is currently on the Dallas Trial Lawyers Board of Directors and served as the president of the Mesquite Bar Association for four years. Josh was named Thomson Reuters | Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016 and 2017.
We also have on our team Michael Orth, a board certified personal injury trial lawyer who has spent the last decade representing injured Texans and their families. Michael’s success in scores of personal injury cases across federal and state courtrooms has earned him the coveted Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Miller Weisbrod Olesky Texas Construction Accident Lawyers
Clay Miller
Clay is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Clay has practiced solely in the field of catastrophic injury and wrongful death since graduating from law school. His practice has been limited to the representation of victims. Over the past twenty-four years, Clay has successfully settled or tried to verdict cases in the areas of vehicular negligence, medical malpractice, construction site accidents, workplace injury, premises liability, and commercial trucking and a nationwide business loss case (suits filed in a dozen different states) involving defective truck engines sold to trucking companies.
Clay's most recent victories include when general contractor ignored its own requirements for safety training of a subcontractor workforce. As a result, our client never received training in how to properly use his fall protection equipment. Our client fell two stories and hit the ground because the equipment was hooked up improperly. He was left paralyzed. When the general contractor refused to tender their insurance limits, Construction Accident Attorney, Clay Miller tried the case in Texas, and obtained a verdict of $26,500,000, including $15,000,000 of punitive damages.
Clay was raised in Lewisville, Texas and completed his undergraduate degree in Finance at Texas A & M University. Following graduation from Southern Methodist University School of law, Clay worked for two Dallas firms representing victims. In 1998, Clay began his own practice before forming his current partnership. In addition to his law practice, Clay has lectured at seminars and published in the areas of construction accidents, jury selection techniques, medical negligence, trucking accidents and settlement tactics.
Josh Birmingham was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico and raised in the small oil town of Hobbs, New Mexico. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2004 where he was a part of the Big 12 champion baseball team and was a College World Series participant.
He obtained his law degree from the University of Tulsa: College of Law in 2007 where he earned numerous awards in Mock Trial and Negotiation competitions.
Josh began his career at another prominent law firm where he fought for the victims of other’s negligence.
After 9 years Josh left being a trial lawyer and became an executive for a healthcare consulting firm but his passion for helping others in the law quickly pulled him back. Josh has tried numerous cases in both state and federal court. Josh began his first day with Miller Weisbrod Olesky in trial with Clay Miller representing an injured construction worker, Fernando Canales. Josh second chaired the trial and handled all of the medical expert testimony in the case.
Josh is a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Association of Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. He is currently on the Dallas Trial Lawyers Board of Directors and served as the president of the Mesquite Bar Association for four years. Josh was named Thomson Reuters | Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016 and 2017.
Josh accredits his passion toward helping others to his mother Pam Parkinson, a nurse and business woman, and his father Ray Birmingham a college baseball coach.
Michael is a board certified personal injury trial lawyer who has spent the last decade representing injured Texans and their families. Born and raised in Dallas, Michael attended Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following graduation, Michael worked in sales for one of the largest trucking companies in the United States. While working in the trucking industry, Michael saw the dangers that can and do occur when companies put profits before safety, and safety is not provided its proper place at the table. It was at this point Michael decided to pursue a career in law to help those harmed by the negligence of others.
Michael attended the University of Houston Law Center, where he served as a Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law. Throughout law school, Michael clerked at one of the 5 law firms that represented the State of Texas against Big Tobacco, where he worked on cases ranging from catastrophic crane collapses, to sexual abuse cases to environmental class action lawsuits. Most importantly, Michael learned the law could be used to do a lot of good in peoples’ lives, and could help those who had been injured because of the carelessness of others.
After obtaining his law license, Michael moved to South Padre Island and practiced personal injury law in the Rio Grande Valley. While practicing in South Texas, Michael tried nearly 20 cases in federal and state courtrooms across South Texas, consistently obtaining verdicts significantly higher than the insurance companies’ offers. As a result of his success in the courtroom, Michael is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a designation earned by practicing personal injury law almost exclusively, showing substantial success and experience trying personal injury lawsuits, completing extensive Continuing Legal Education in personal injury trial law, and passing a rigorous written exam demonstrating superior competence in handling personal injury cases.
Michael is married to Katlyn and has 2 young daughters, Kathleen and Mary Louise. Michael volunteers for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, providing pro bono legal services to others in the community.
