Ladders are necessities. Whether we use them at home or at work, we need them to help us in our everyday lives. Reaching high places would be impossible if not for ladders and stepstools. Unfortunately, using a ladder can be dangerous. It is estimated that as many as 500,000 people a year are injured due to falling from ladders. Injuries can range from minor to severe, and an average of 300 people a year die as a result of injuries suffered in a ladder fall. When someone falls from a ladder, it may not always be their fault. In some cases, a negligent party is liable for the accident.
What Causes Ladder Falls?
In order to determine liability, you need to know what caused the fall. There are many reasons a person could fall off a ladder. The ladder may not be properly extended or could be placed on an uneven surface. A person may try to reach too far while on a ladder. The person using the ladder might be trying to carry something heavy. While these reasons may lie with the user of the ladder, there are sometimes others at fault.
- Defective Equipment
- Improper Maintenance
- Inadequate Setup
- Poor Training or Supervision
Depending on the situation, you may be owed compensation for your injuries if another party’s negligence caused the accident.
Liability for Ladder Falls
Ladder safety is a significant concern. When a fall from a ladder is due to someone else’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. If the ladder itself is defective, the manufacturer or the distributor may be liable. If the ladder was used at work, the company may be liable if they did not maintain the ladder, did not provide adequate training on ladder use, or did not supervise the correct use of a ladder.
OSHA Ladder Safety Guidelines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ladder safety guidelines in place. OSHA oversees safety in the workplace. Always use the correct size ladder for the job. The ladder must be placed on a stable, dry, level surface. Inspect the ladder before every use to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure to position a straight or extension ladder at the correct angle. Do not exceed the maximum load rating. It is always best not to use a ladder alone. Read the safety information on the ladder before using it. Never use the top of the ladder as a step or support. Secure a ladder that could get dislodged while working.
What to Do After a Ladder Accident
If you suffered injuries due to a fall from a ladder, you should immediately seek medical care. Injuries can be serious, and some may not immediately be evident. If the accident happened at work, make sure to report the incident to your superior. You will want to determine what caused the fall. A knowledgeable attorney will review the case, gather evidence, and assist you in seeking compensation that is due to you from the negligent party.
To learn more about what to do after an accident, contact our legal team at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.laddersafetymonth.com/
https://osha4you.com/ladders/ladder-safety-dos-and-donts/
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