Over the last 10 years the amount of ladder-related injuries has increased 50%. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50% of all ladder-related accidents were due to individuals carrying items as they climbed the ladder. More than 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment from ladder-related injuries every year. Elevated falls account for almost 700 occupational deaths annually. These deaths account for 15% of all occupational deaths; OSHA believes 100% of all ladder accidents could be prevented if proper attention to equipment and climber training were provided.
Ladders on a New York construction site must be braced, tied or otherwise secured before a worker can climb up or down them, or work from them. Workers fall from all kinds of ladders, including step ladders, extension ladders with rubber feet, extension ladders with metal feet, rolling safety ladders, folding ladders, and platform steps. If a ladder falls, fails, or collapses or a worker falls from the ladder because he was not properly secured, he almost always has a valid lawsuit under New York State Labor Law against the owner of the property, the general contractor, and other contractors or subcontractors.
LADDER ACCIDENTS USING WRONG TYPE OF LADDER
Workers need the right tools to conduct their jobs. Right tools can make all the difference when it comes to safety and this is the same for ladders. Each ladder is designed to support a maximum weight limit and if the worker was using a ladder that exceeded the weight limit, the ladder would break and cause the user to fall or become injured.
Ladders come in different heights; workers are often provided wrong size ladders to conduct their jobs. Many injuries occur due to ladders being too short for a specific task, and instead of selecting a new ladder for the job, workers will place the ladder on something to extend its reach or will stand on the top rung to gain the necessary height. Both scenarios are extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries.
LADDER ACCIDENTS USING WORN OR DAMAGED LADDER
Another common contributing factor to ladder accidents is the use of old, worn, or damaged ladders. Like everything else, ladders have a shelf life; after a couple of years the stress of being climbed up and down on causes ladders to break down. Damaged ladders are extremely dangerous as they can easily break while being used and cause serious injuries.
LADDER ACCIDENTS DUE TO INCORRECT USE OF LADDERS
Human error is by far the leading cause of ladder accidents. Never use a ladder in any other way than what the manufacturer intended it to be used for. Also, do not lengthen or alter a ladder in any way. While using a ladder always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder to ensure stability. Also, never attempt to reach for something while on the ladder. It is much safer to get off the ladder, move it, and then climb back up.
LADDER ACCIDENTS DUE TO INCORRECT PLACEMENT OF LADDERS
Often positioning of a ladder results in fall and severe injuries, the ground where ladder is to be placed should be firm and not slippery. Ladders should never be placed in front of a door that is not locked, blocked, or guarded.Often there is no helper available to support the base while a ladder is being used.
Even experienced workers who work from ladders every single day can have an accident. Most ladders today are designed according to specific safety standards. If you were working from a ladder that was not properly maintained by a company or does not meet safety standards, then you may have a case and can be entitled to a settlement for your injuries and pain and suffering. A company that is negligent in taking proper care of their ladder equipment or having you work in an unsafe environment can also be held liable.
Even if you were just working around your home on a ladder, and you fell due to a mechanical problem with the ladder, then you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the ladder. It is important to speak with an accident attorney as soon as possible after a ladder accident, so that you can see if you have any recourse and are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Falling from a ladder, even a few feet, can cause catastrophic injuries. Ladder Accident Injuries can include broken bones and fractures, lacerations, leg injuries, head and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death. Countless electrocution and electric shock injuries occur when metal ladders come into contact with power sources and power lines.
Fallen construction workers often suffer extremely serious injuries, including broken feet, ankles, legs, arms, and other fractured bones, back injuries, including crushed or severed spinal cords, paralysis, quadriplegia, paraplegia or worse, death. These devastating injuries can require surgery, along with months, years or a lifetime of lost income, pain and suffering and medical expenses. The pain and suffering can be excruciating, and the loss of enjoyment of life heartbreaking
OTHERS MAY BE LIABLE FOR YOUR LADDER ACCIDENT
You may be able to file a personal injury claim when property owners, contractors, subcontractors, ladder manufacturers, suppliers, or any other party causes or contributes to an accident. For example, if a ladder’s locking system is defective, the ladder manufacturer may be held accountable for injuries resulting from a fall.
If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries from a Ladder Accident, you should consult with a New York Ladder Accident Attorney as you may be entitled to a large money award. We’ll investigate all potentially liable parties and make sure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering.
