According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500,000 people are treated for injuries related to ladder falls every year. A reported annual 300 deaths also occur due to ladder-related injuries. Many of these accidents have a serious impact on health and financial wellbeing. For this reason, relief is often available to individuals who were involved in ladder-related accidents. An experienced Toledo ladder fall accident attorney can help you navigate the process of securing compensation.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we represent victims of ladder falls and other accidents. We are skilled negotiators and, when necessary, ruthless litigators who advocate tirelessly for our clients. As a result of our proven strategies and techniques, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for working men and women across Ohio. If you or a loved one was involved in a ladder fall accident, do not hesitate to contact our Toledo office at (419) 350-8277 today.
What Are Common Types of Ladder Fall Accidents?
Among all workers, roughly 20% of all fall injuries involve ladders. Construction, maintenance, and repair employees face the largest risk of ladder fall accidents. In fact, falls are the leading cause of death in construction and ladder falls comprise a third of those deaths. There are a variety of situations that can cause a ladder fall accident, including:
- Use of old, damaged, or defective ladders. If a ladder is proven to be defective, a negligent third party liability claim may be used to recover damages after an accident.
- Exceeding weight limits. Selecting the incorrect ladder for the user’s body type can result in unexpected folding or collapse of the ladder while in use.
- Incorrect use of the ladder. The ideal angle for an extension ladder is 75 degrees and improper placement can make the ladder more likely to slide out from under the user.
- Carrying dangerous or heavy objects while on the ladder. Those who carry objects while using a ladder are more likely to fall. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests never carrying tools while climbing up or down a ladder.
- Objects falling while the ladder is in use. In some environments, falling objects pose a serious risk to those using ladders. These objects may strike the user, causing them to fall.
- Reckless use of a ladder. When using a ladder, it is essential to take care in ensuring your safety. Horseplay or jerky movements while using a ladder can result in serious accidents.
It is also important to note that a common reason for ladder accidents is a lack of supervision and safety inspection, training, and gear. In fact, these are some of the most frequent contributors to ladder accidents on a systemic level. If an employer fails to adequately train how to safely use a ladder or if they fail to provide proper safety gear, they may be held liable for the accident. In these cases, seeking guidance from a Toledo ladder fall accident attorney is crucial to securing the fullest amount of compensation possible.
What Are Common Injuries After a Ladder Fall?
The Toledo ladder fall accident attorneys at Schaffer & Associates LPA have worked closely with numerous victims of ladder falls. After spending years representing these individuals, we have seen the range of injuries that result from these accidents. Ladder-related accidents have the potential to cause serious and debilitating injury to the victim. Some common injuries that occur due to ladder accidents and falls include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Persistent neck and back pain
- Broken bones
- Bruising and swelling
- Broken backs
- Internal bleeding
- Sprains and fractures
In many cases, the injuries sustained after a ladder fall accident are severe. These injuries can have long-lasting health effects on the victim. Traumatic brain injuries, for example, can result in prolonged or permanent memory and concentration problems. Studies show that simple safety measures can prevent the majority of ladder fall accidents. Safe ladder practices are essential to reducing the number of falls that occur in the workplace, in turn reducing the number of injuries experienced after these accidents.
Who is Responsible When a Worker Is Injured from a Fall from a Ladder?
Understanding who is responsible after an injured due to a ladder fall accident is not always straightforward. In Ohio, the system is a no-fault system, meaning the worker forfeits the right to sue the employer for negligence. In return, the employer cannot raise the defense of assumption of risk or contributory negligence, for example. This system protects all parties involved from civil lawsuits.
Due to the structure of Ohio’s system, neither the employer nor the employee is held responsible after an injury due to a ladder fall accident. Rather, the employee is able to collect compensation to offset medical expenses and lost income. Injured employees are entitled to compensation regardless of fault.
There are instances when the injured can recover damages through legal action. If the accident was a result of a defective product, for example, the manufacturer of the defective product can be sued. This is referred to as a third party liability lawsuit. To see if you are eligible to recover damages via a third party liability lawsuit, consider speaking with a Toledo ladder fall accident attorney. If it can be proven that the accident was caused by a defective or faulty product, the amount of compensation available can increase greatly.
Contact a Toledo Ladder Fall Accident Attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA Today
Experiencing a ladder-related accident can have devastating consequences to a person’s life. Unfortunately, ladder accidents are all too common in workplaces, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths every year. Being injured in a ladder accident can leave a person unable to work and earn income. Due to the prevalence and impact of these accidents, it is possible to obtain compensation to mitigate the financial burden.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we fight for the rights of the injured. We have spent years securing compensation for victims of ladder fall accidents and other workplace injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in a ladder-related accident, it is essential to act quickly. To speak with an experienced Toledo ladder fall accident attorney and begin the process of seeking compensation, consider contacting Schaffer & Associates LPA at (419) 350-8277 today.
