Falls from ladders remain a significant source of occupational injuries and fatalities, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The year 2011 saw 113 fatalities connected to ladder use, alongside over 34,000 injuries necessitating visits to the emergency room. Our team of personal injury attorneys is currently exploring possible legal actions on behalf of individuals, both male and female, who incurred severe injuries while working.
Free Ladder Fall Workplace Accident Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one fell off a ladder on the job or sustained another workplace injury, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.
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CDC: Ladder Falls Leading Cause of Injury, Death Among U.S. Workers
According to a new study, falls off ladders are a major cause of injury and death among American workers. The study, which was conducted by a CDC research team led by Christina Socias, looked at U.S. national data from 2011.
The researchers found that workplace ladder falls resulted in 113 deaths, nearly 15,500 nonfatal injuries that required missing work, and approximately 34,000 nonfatal injuries that required hospitalization.
“Falls remain a leading cause of unintentional injury [deaths] nationwide, and 43 percent of fatal falls in the last decade have involved a ladder,” said the researchers. Overall, “among workers, approximately 20 percent of fall injuries involve ladders.”
Individuals at greatest risk for these types of injuries include men, older employees, latinos and those who work in construction, extraction, installation or maintenance and repair.
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- Welding Accidents Litigation
- Scaffolding Accidents Lawsuits
How You Can Prevent Workplace Ladder Falls
Despite the large number of ladder falls among U.S. workers, Socias and her colleagues believe most of these injuries can be prevented.
The researchers are calling on employers, safety experts and healthcare professionals to work together to make safe ladder use training more widely available.
Socias has also called for additional studies into workplace ladder fall prevention, including the development of new technology to reduce the risk of ladder-related injuries and death. Until then, these few steps can help prevent workplace ladder falls:
- Get most of your work done on the ground, and only use a ladder when necessary;
- Whenever possible, provide workers with alternatives to ladders, such as aerial lifts or scaffolds;
- Make sure ladders are undamaged, fully functional, and appropriate for the job they are being used for;
- Provide on-the-job ladder safety training and information.
FAQs
Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured in a ladder fall at work?
Yes, if you were injured in a ladder fall at work, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer, the ladder manufacturer, or another party responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to your fall. Consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
What evidence is needed to support a ladder fall workplace accident lawsuit?
Evidence needed to support a ladder fall workplace accident lawsuit includes medical records, eyewitness statements, photographs of the accident scene, incident reports, and any documentation showing that the ladder was defective or that safety protocols were not followed.
What compensation might be available in a ladder fall workplace accident lawsuit?
Compensation in a ladder fall workplace accident lawsuit may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and possibly punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. In cases of wrongful death, compensation may also cover funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
How long do I have to file a ladder fall workplace accident lawsuit?
The time limit to file a ladder fall workplace accident lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state but is generally between two to three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.
See all related workplace injury lawsuits we’ve taken on.
Do I Have a Ladder Fall Workplace Accident Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Workplace Accident Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new ladder fall injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Free Ladder Fall Workplace Accident Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one fell off a ladder on the job or sustained another workplace injury, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Workplace Accident Suit and we can help.