The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there are over 250,000 ladder related injuries every year. Unfortunately, ladder related injuries often result in temporary or even permanent disability that can leave victims’ lives in turmoil. Ladder falls happen to be one of the leading causes of serious work related injuries and fatalities across the country. Additionally, more than 80 percent of on the job injuries and fatalities on New York construction sites involve ladders.
Many accident victims choose to partner with experienced ladder accident lawyers in New York who can help protect their rights. If you are a full-time employee who suffers a ladder related injury at work, you are likely entitled to worker’s compensation benefits.
If someone else’s reckless behavior caused or contributed to your accident, you may also be entitled to file a personal injury claim with the help of skilled ladder accident lawyers.
Negligence and Poor Maintenance
Ladder accidents that are caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior may be cause for a personal injury claim. If you suffered serious ladder related injuries that you did not cause, you should speak with an experienced attorney who specializes in ladder accident claims. Even if you have filed a worker’s compensation claim, you may be able to file an additional claim for personal injuries caused by negligence.
Ladders must also be properly maintained and inspected before each use. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, and people get hurt. Sometimes, the only ladder available on a jobsite has been poorly maintained and injuries are only a matter of time. When this happens, you should consult a skilled ladder accident attorney immediately.
Improper Training or Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The ladder laws protecting workers in New York are intricate and complex. There are state guidelines, requirements set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and even rules created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). All guidelines and requirements currently in place are meant to protect workers from the hazards of working on or around ladders.
These guidelines require very specific ladder safety training for all workers who may need to use them. This training includes choosing the proper type of ladder with adequate load strength for the job at hand and setting the ladder up correctly. Employees also learn about maintaining and inspecting ladders before use as well as incorporating additional personal protective equipment (PPE).
When workers don’t receive adequate ladder safety training, accidents and injuries occur. Many times, employers fail to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), like bump caps and fall protection. When serious ladder related injuries occur because of improper training or a lack of PPE, ladder accident lawyers can help victims recover the financial compensation they need to move on with their lives.
Partner with Experienced Ladder Accident Lawyers Today
There are a variety of laws and safety measures in place to help protect workers from ladder related injuries. If you’ve suffered serious ladder related injuries or disabilities that you did not cause, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Poor ladder maintenance, improper training, and a lack of required personal protective equipment (PPE) are all forms of negligence and common causes of ladder accidents. If you’ve suffered serious ladder related injuries because of someone else’s negligence or a lack of proper protective equipment, then you likely have a valid ladder accident claim. It’s always best to consult with experienced ladder accident lawyers after receiving emergency medical care.
