Many professions use ladders to help workers do their jobs. From small step stools to ladders over 10 feet tall, these are tools necessary to do some jobs. But they also present unique hazards to those workers.
If you have been injured falling off a ladder of any size while at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation to cover your financial needs. To find out more about your specific legal options, it is best to speak with a lawyer.
Causes of Ladder Accidents at Work
Ladder accidents happen for a multitude of reasons. Some people trip as they are climbing up the ladder, some people fall off the top of the ladder, and others fall when the ladder is knocked down. The variation on these types of accidents results in varying degrees of injuries.
Common injuries from a ladder accident at work include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
In extreme cases, death can even result from a ladder accident. Even when not that severe, most ladder accidents happen because of improper use of the ladder. This often happens when someone stands too high up the ladder or does not ensure the ladder footing is secure before using the ladder.
Employers may be liable for these accidents. If they do not train employees on the safe operation of ladders or provide safe working equipment, your company could be responsible for your ladder accident and any subsequent injuries.
Steps to Take after a Ladder Accident at Work
- Because your ladder accident and injury happened at work, you need to alert your supervisor. They need to make a record of the accident and document what happened, much like a police accident report.
- Make sure that your colleagues who saw the accident know that you will need them to tell your company’s insurance company what they saw. You should also make note of the employees nearby because your legal team will want to speak with them as well.
- See your regular doctor. After your ladder accident, your doctor can evaluate you and get a better understanding of how your injuries have affected your life and your ability to return to work. Together, you can chart a path for your recovery.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Even if you only have a minor injury, do what your doctor says.
- File your workers’ compensation claim. This needs to be done in a very short period following your accident.
Workers’ Compensation
With few exceptions, all U.S. employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This is a type of no-fault insurance, which means that unless you intentionally injured yourself, you are probably eligible for benefits under your employer’s policy. Your benefits include:
- Medical bill payment and reimbursement
- Lost income
Note that this is all that workers’ compensation covers. It does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages you may face. If you are injured at work, filing a workers’ compensation claim may be the only way for you to recover compensation from your employer.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem straightforward, but you are still dealing with an insurance company who does not want to pay out the full value of your claim. They want to keep their profits high, and if they pay the full value of your claim, that cuts into their goal.
Therefore, you should consider speaking with a lawyer about your options and to get guidance on your next steps. Even if you have already filed a workers’ compensation claim, be prepared for the insurance company to deny it. But know that you have the option to appeal. However, to make sure your claim provides all the relevant and required information, you may need the help of a trusted legal advocate.
Tips to Stay Safe on a Ladder
March is National Ladder Safety Month. To help you stay safe while working on a ladder, here are some of our best tips:
- Always follow the ladder safety instructions.
- Look up before opening the ladder to make sure you are not going to hit power lines or other obstacles.
- Ensure the ladder is firmly secured in the open position before using it.
- Make sure the ladder has all four legs flat on the ground.
- Inspect the ladder before climbing to make sure there are no obvious signs of damage.
- Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder, two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet.
- Only use a ladder designed for the purpose for which you are using it.
- Keep the ladder dry.
- Do not use a ladder in the closed position by resting it against something.
- Do not use the top rung of the ladder.
- Do not prop the ladder up on top of boxes or other items.
- Do not move the ladder while you are on it
- Ensure all ladder locks are properly secured.
- Do not exceed the maximum ladder load.
Every year, more than 100 people die in ladder accidents and thousands more suffer serious injuries. Even if you have been working on ladders for decades, you may find that the one time you do not pay attention to the little details is the time you get injured. By adhering to these tips, you may be able to avoid an accident or, if you have already been injured, avoid another ladder accident at work.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP, Help Workers Get the Benefits They Need
Falling off a ladder at work may be embarrassing, but it could leave you seriously injured, derail your career, and make it much more difficult to financially support yourself. If you have been injured at work, reach out to the Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP. Our experienced legal team will fight to secure the benefits for which you are entitled. Call us today at 856-761-3773 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients in Camden, Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade, Pennsauken, and throughout South Jersey.
