Ladder Fall Workplace Accident Lawsuit

If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries or death following a ladder fall or aerial lift accident in the workplace, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to unsafe working conditions and equipment failures. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Ladder Fall & Aerial Lifts Lawsuit Overview

Ladder fall lawsuits involve claims against employers, equipment manufacturers, and job site managers for negligence resulting in serious injuries or death.

According to the CDC, falls from ladders and aerial lifts remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities in the United States.

These cases often involve allegations of inadequate safety training, defective equipment, or OSHA violations.

With thousands of reported incidents annually, regulatory agencies continue to issue warnings about proper safety protocols.

Latest Ladder Fall Lawsuit Updates

• MARCH 15, 2025 – A $2.3 million settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit against a major construction company after multiple employees suffered injuries from defective ladders and aerial lifts at various job sites across the country.
• JANUARY 22, 2025 – Federal courts consolidated over 450 ladder fall cases involving a single manufacturer into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process. The cases allege design flaws led to catastrophic injuries.
• OCTOBER 10, 2024 – OSHA implemented new safety standards specifically addressing aerial lifts and ladder safety protocols, requiring additional training certification for all workers operating at heights.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to workplace safety data:

• Over 24,000 injuries and 36 deaths occur annually due to ladder falls
• Aerial lifts are involved in approximately 26 injuries per 10,000
• Falls from heights represent 33.5% of all construction-related fatalities
• OSHA citations for ladder and aerial lift safety violations increased 18% in the past year

Related:

• Scissor Lift Injury Lawsuit
• Trench Collapse Injury Accident Lawsuit
• Welding Accidents Litigation
• Scaffolding Accidents Lawsuits

Ladder Fall & Aerial Lift Injuries & Side Effects

Workplace accidents involving ladders and aerial lifts can result in devastating injuries, many with lifelong consequences:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
• Spinal Cord Damage: Potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis
• Multiple Fractures: Commonly affecting legs, arms, pelvis, and vertebrae
• Internal Organ Damage: Causing internal bleeding and long-term complications
• Death: Fatal falls represent a significant percentage of workplace fatalities

Do You Qualify for a Ladder Fall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a ladder fall or aerial lift lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one was injured in a workplace ladder or aerial lift accident within the past 3 years
• The accident resulted in significant injuries requiring medical treatment
• The incident occurred due to potential negligence, equipment failure, or safety violations
• You can document that proper safety protocols were not followed
• The injuries have resulted in substantial medical expenses, lost wages, or permanent disability

Evidence Required for a Ladder Fall Lawsuit

Successful ladder fall and aerial lift cases typically require:

• Medical records documenting the extent and cause of injuries
• Incident reports from the workplace or job site
• Witness statements from coworkers or supervisors
• Documentation of safety violations or equipment defects
• Expert testimony regarding industry safety standards
• Maintenance records for the equipment involved

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of ladder falls and aerial lift accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life
• In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death damages

Aerial Lift & Ladder Equipment Recall Information

Several major manufacturers have issued recalls for aerial lift equipment and ladder models in recent years:

• JULY 2024: Industrial Equipment Co. recalled 12,000 extension ladders due to locking mechanism failures
• MARCH 2024: SafeHeight Aerial Lifts recalled 3,500 units after reports of platform instability issues
• SEPTEMBER 2023: Construction Essentials recalled 8,200 stepladders following multiple collapse incidents

Owners and operators of recalled equipment may have stronger legal claims, especially if employers continued to use equipment after recall notices were issued.

Statute of Limitations for Ladder Fall Lawsuits

Time limits for filing ladder fall and aerial lift lawsuits vary by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim
• Workers’ compensation claims typically must be filed within 30-90 days of the incident
• Product liability claims against equipment manufacturers generally have a 2-4 year statute of limitations
• Wrongful death claims may have different deadlines than injury claims

Consulting with an attorney promptly after an accident is crucial to preserve your legal rights.

FAQs

1. What Are the Most Common Causes of Ladder Falls and Aerial Lift Accidents?

Common causes include equipment defects, improper setup, lack of fall protection, inadequate training, and environmental hazards like wind or unstable surfaces. OSHA reports that most accidents result from failure to follow basic safety protocols and improper equipment selection for the task.

2. Can I File a Lawsuit If I’m Already Receiving Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, while workers’ compensation generally prevents lawsuits against employers, you may still pursue claims against third parties like equipment manufacturers, contractors, or property owners. These third-party claims are not limited by workers’ compensation restrictions and can result in significantly higher compensation.

3. How Much Compensation Can I Expect from a Ladder Fall Lawsuit?

Compensation varies widely based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impacts. Recent settlements have ranged from $50,000 for minor injuries to over $2 million for cases involving permanent disability or death. Factors like equipment defects and clear safety violations typically increase settlement amounts.

4. How Are Aerial Lift Accidents Different from Standard Ladder Falls?

Aerial lift accidents often involve more complex equipment failure, greater heights, and multiple parties responsible for maintenance and operation. These cases frequently result in more severe injuries and higher compensation due to the specialized nature of the equipment and specific OSHA regulations governing their use.

5. What Safety Standards Apply to Ladders and Aerial Lifts in the Workplace?

OSHA regulations 1926.1053 (ladders) and 1926.453 (aerial lifts) establish comprehensive safety requirements including equipment specifications, inspection protocols, and operator training. Violations of these standards often provide strong evidence of negligence in workplace fall lawsuits.

6. How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Ladder Fall Lawsuit?

Most ladder fall cases settle within 8-18 months, though complex cases involving multiple defendants or severe injuries may take 2-3 years. Cases that proceed to trial typically take longer to resolve than those that settle through negotiation or mediation.

7. Who Can Be Held Liable in a Ladder or Aerial Lift Accident Case?

Potentially liable parties include employers, equipment manufacturers, rental companies, contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and maintenance providers. Many successful cases establish liability against multiple parties for different aspects of negligence contributing to the accident.

8. What Should I Do Immediately After a Ladder or Aerial Lift Accident?

Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to your employer, document the accident scene and equipment if possible, collect witness information, and consult with an attorney experienced in workplace injury cases. Preserving evidence and promptly reporting the incident significantly strengthens your claim.

See all related workplace injury lawsuits we’ve taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for ladder fall and aerial lift injuries. Most states only allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim, and important evidence can disappear quickly.

Schmidt & Clark provides:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Nationwide representation
• Decades of experience in workplace injury litigation

Don’t let critical deadlines pass. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, identify all potential sources of compensation, and fight aggressively for the settlement you deserve.

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