Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are injured in ladder accidents. While many of these injuries are relatively minor, some can be quite severe, leading to long-term disability or even death. Many of these accidents are work-related, meaning worker’s compensation will cover treatment for these injuries–but in some cases, ladder accidents happen due to someone else’s gross negligence.
If you have been injured in a ladder fall, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. You may be eligible to make a personal injury claim for your injuries. The lawyers at our firm have years of experience helping victims of ladder accidents recover the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a ladder accident attorney in Illinois, contact us today at 630-898-7800.
The Facts about Ladder Accidents
Ladder falls are one of the most common causes of injury and death on the job–and yet, OSHA believes 100 percent of ladder accidents are preventable. Check out these ladder accident facts compiled by the International Association of Certified Roof Inspectors:
- 164,000 Americans go to the E.R. for ladder-related injuries each year.
- 300 Americans die each year from ladder falls.
- Ladder falls are the leading cause of death on construction job sites.
- The number of ladder fall fatalities has tripled over the past decade.
- Most ladder fatalities occur from heights of less than 10 feet.
Common Causes of Ladder Accidents
Ladder accidents may be triggered by a wide range of causes, but among the most common are:
- Improper use of the ladder
- Carrying items up the ladder
- Failure to secure the ladder properly during use
- Exceeding the ladder’s recommended weight limit
- Using poorly maintained ladders or ladders that have exceeded their life expectancy
- Setting the ladder at the wrong angle before climbing
- Using a ladder that is defective
Common Injuries Caused by Ladder Falls
People who fall from ladders are at risk of suffering severe injuries, especially those who fall from heights higher than 6 feet. The most common injuries that occur in ladder falls include:
- Head injuries: Falls from a height frequently lead to concussions, skull fractures, or other traumatic brain injuries. (Head trauma accounts for about half of all fatal ladder falls.)
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spine–including fractures, dislocation, and nerve damage–are also common following a ladder accident.
- Broken bones: Fractured legs and arms are a common result of ladder falls.
- Internal organ damage: Victims can sustain severe internal injuries when they fall from a ladder, including bleeding in the abdominal cavity or damage to the kidneys.
Who May Be Liable in a Ladder Accident
Since most ladder accidents occur on the job, the employer’s worker’s compensation insurance typically covers the costs of treatment and lost wage benefits in such cases. However, there are other instances in which other parties may be liable in a personal injury claim. Examples may include:
- A third-party contractor who may be managing the job site
- The owner of the job site, if they provided the ladder or created unsafe conditions for the ladder’s use (i.e., premises liability)
- The manufacturer of a defective ladder
- In case of rented equipment, the rental company responsible for maintaining the ladder
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Aurora, Illinois
Proving liability in a ladder accident can be challenging. Because of the inherent risk involved, insurance companies and attorneys may try to argue that your injuries were due to misuse of the ladder. Even when the accident is covered by worker’s compensation, the insurance provider may try to avoid paying by arguing that you may have acted carelessly. It takes the help of a skilled attorney, one familiar with the complexities of ladder accident cases, to ensure you receive the compensation to which you’re entitled. If you’ve been injured in a ladder fall, or if you have lost a loved one due to a ladder accident caused by negligence, the attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law Firm can help. Call us today at 630-225-8341 or contact us online.
