Many workers use ladders daily to accomplish their jobs. Ladder accidents cause hundreds of thousands of injuries each year, and falls from ladders are the leading cause of construction site fatalities. Do you know what to do if you or a loved one sustains an injury in a ladder accident? Sargon Law Group explains.
What Causes Ladder Accidents?
Because ladders are potentially dangerous, OSHA has safety regulations for their usage. Falling from a ladder can happen for many reasons:
- Overreaching, missing a step or losing your balance
- Mounting or dismounting incorrectly
- Incorrect ladder setup or bracing
- Using the wrong kind of ladder or an improperly maintained ladder
- Poor training
Failing to use appropriate safety gear or to otherwise follow safety protocols commonly results in injuries involving ladders. Although our Phoenix slip and fall attorneys have seen human error causing many falls, manufacturing defects may also contribute to ladder accidents. If a defective product was the cause of a ladder accident resulting in an injury, seeking legal support from a product liability attorney in Phoenix can help you file a claim.
What Should You Do After a Ladder-Related Accident?
If you fall from a ladder at work, you should take several steps to safeguard your health and your potential claim.
Accept or Seek Medical Attention
Your health is your priority, and some injuries are not immediately apparent. The records of your initial medical examination also serve as a basis for your injury claims.
Report the Accident
Notify your supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Make sure to ask for a copy of the incident report.
Gather Evidence
Take pictures and make videos of relevant details. Include your injuries, the entire accident scene, the ladder, and witnesses. Try to keep the ladder because an inspection can point to liability for your accident.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you sustain injuries while working. A competent workers’ comp lawyer in Arizona can help you file your claim, ensure you receive the appropriate payments, and tell you if you can also pursue legal action to recover more damages.
Ladder accidents can cause broken bones, cuts, back and head injuries, and paralysis. Affected workers typically need medical treatments and time away from work during their recovery, and they deserve compensation.
Can You Seek Compensation After an Accident Involving a Ladder?
If you sustain injuries in a ladder accident at work, you can receive payment for your medical expenses and lost wages through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance without having to prove negligence. However, you may qualify to seek further damages in some instances:
- The employer didn’t properly maintain the ladder or safety equipment.
- A manufacturing defect caused the ladder to fail.
- The employer didn’t provide safety equipment or training.
- Your boss or co-worker deliberately caused your fall.
You’ll need to prove negligence to obtain compensation in these cases. This requires an investigation, and you’ll benefit from hiring a Phoenix personal injury attorney to assist you.
How Can Sargon Law Group Help With Ladder Accidents?
Sargon Law Group focuses on personal injury law and helping injured accident victims in Arizona. We have decades of experience handling workers’ compensation and personal injury claims after ladder accidents. We will protect your rights while seeking maximum compensation. Contact us to request your free case evaluation. We’ll assess your accident and tell you what your options are. Call Sargon Law Group at (623) 225-5635 or fill out our contact form.