Ladder-Related Accidents and Injuries
April 19, 2020
How often do you utilize a ladder or stepladder to perform a household task? While ladders are common household tools, they can be dangerous. This is especially true for workers who use ladders regularly on the job. If you’ve been hurt in a ladder-related accident at work, then you’re likely wondering how to financially recover from the ordeal. Learn more about the most common types of ladder accidents, why they happen and how to recover below.
The Most Common Types of Ladder-Related Injuries
When you fall off a ladder, the severity of your injuries greatly depends on the height you fell from. Whether your injury is serious or not also hinges on what part of your body was struck, stuck or smashed into the ground. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of ladder-related injuries:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Strains and sprains
Falling off a ladder can be fatal. It can also cause life-long conditions like traumatic brain injuries. If you’ve been seriously injured, then you need to start investigating what caused your fall.
What Causes Ladder-Related Accidents?
After a ladder-related fall, it’s crucial to determine what caused it. This is especially true if your injury occurred at work or on someone else’s property. Here are some of the most common causes of ladder falls:
- Inadequate safety measures
- Defective ladders
- Poorly maintained ladders
- Incorrect placement of a ladder
- Adverse weather conditions
If you’re at work, then you should always take steps to ensure you and your co-worker’s safety. Never attempt to rush through a job that requires a ladder, and always adhere to OSHA’s safety regulations. Doing so can prevent a disaster.
Related blog: Statute of Limitations for Workplace Injury?
What Are My Financial Options After a Ladder Accident?
Depending on your situation, you will likely have a lot of medical bills after your fall. Your injuries might also be keeping you from returning to work. If you’re suffering losses, then it’s advised you reach out to an attorney about your situation. In general, you should have two options available for financial relief:
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for your fall
Worker’s compensation is a no-fault system, so this relief should be available to you regardless of who caused your fall. You’ll only be able to seek out a lawsuit if your fall was caused by someone else’s negligence, though.
Related blog: Types of Compensation in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Ladder Injury Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a roof or ladder fall accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured by ladder accidents in Pittsburgh and Western PA counties. Call 412-837-8426 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
