Ladder Fall Injury Claims Lawyers

A ladder accident typically involves either a fall from height, or the ladders falling and causing a crush injury. There are a number of ways in which a ladder accident could occur, including:

• Ladders that are not set up properly – they should be on a stable, level, and dry surface, leaning against a secure object
• Ladders that are not used safely – They should be set up at the correct angle, someone should spot you, and you should not overreach
• Ladders that are not suitable for the job – There are different styles and sizes of ladders, and using the wrong one for the job can lead to an accident happening
• Ladders that have not been inspected or maintained – Regular safety inspections should be carried out and ladders should be maintained in good working order
• Ladders used in poor weather conditions – Wet, windy, snowy, or foggy conditions can lead to a higher risk of accidents occurring
• Ladders used by untrained personnel – Workers who are not trained in the correct use of ladders may put themselves and others at risk

If you have been involved in a ladder accident at work which was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Your employer should hold appropriate liability insurance for such an instance, so you can be assured that your claim will not cause undue financial damage to your employer, and they have a legal obligation to maintain your contract of employment without treating you negatively in any way during or after your claim.

The majority of ladder accidents involve falling from height, and the type and severity of injuries sustained will typically depend on a number of factors. For example, the height from which the person falls, the type of surface onto which they fall, whether they were wearing protective clothing, and their general state of health at the time of the fall.

Injuries caused by a ladder accident can range from minor ones which are easy to treat and leave little to no lasting effects, to severe and life changing injuries, and even fatalities. Some of the most common injuries caused by ladder accidents can include the following:

• Head injuries
• Concussion
• Cuts and lacerations
• Ligament damage
• Fractured or broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Brain damage
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Burns and abrasions

Serious injuries caused by a ladder accident can often require extensive medical treatment, and can involve a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period that can have a long term impact on the quality of life of the injured person and their family. In addition to the physical injuries sustained in a ladder accident, many people also suffer from psychological injuries after the incident, including depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder.

The type and severity of your injuries, plus the effect they have had on your quality of life will all be taken into account when your final compensation award is being calculated, so it’s important to report every way in which you have suffered, no matter how trivial a symptom may seem.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 employers have a legal duty to provide their employees with a safe working environment.

This may look different depending on the nature of the work being carried out, but in general employers should:

• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Provide adequate training on how to use equipment and machinery
• Ensure that all equipment is regularly inspected and maintained
• Carry out regular risk assessments and put measures in place to minimise risks

If your employer fails to uphold their duty of care and it causes or contributes to a ladder accident occurring, in which you sustain some type of injury, you may be entitled to claim compensation. For example, if they have failed to provide the necessary protective equipment or training, or have allowed faulty ladders to be used, they can be held liable for your injuries.

In some circumstances, it may be that the negligence of another employee has caused a ladder accident. In this instance, you may still be able to make a claim against your employer. This is because your employer is ultimately responsible for all members of staff, and it is their duty to ensure that all employees are correctly trained in how to use ladders. If they have failed to provide adequate training, or the employee has deliberately ignored their training, your employer could still be liable for the subsequent accident and injuries.

The use of ladders is necessary in many different industries, and when they are fit for purpose and used in the correct manner they are a relatively safe piece of equipment. However, accidents can and do happen, and sometimes they could have been avoided if the correct precautions had been taken.

There are a number of measures that can be taken in order to minimise the risk of a ladder accident occurring, including:

• Using the correct ladder for the job
• Using the ladder in accordance with manufacturers instructions
• Ensuring the ladder is set up at the correct angle
• Ensuring the ladder is placed on a level surface
• Ensuring the ladder is not placed on a wet and slippery surface
• Carrying out regular inspections to look for signs of damage
• Ensuring damaged ladders are taken out of rotation or repaired
• Avoiding standing on the top two rungs of the ladder
• Avoiding overreaching when using the ladder
• Being aware of your surroundings when using the ladder
• Wearing appropriate footwear with good traction
• Taking regular breaks to avoid fatigue
• Ensuring ladder safety training is up to date
• Ensuring safety equipment is provided and used as intended
• Putting ladders away properly when not in use
• Asking for help when needed, i.e. with holding the ladder or passing items to you
• Adhering to the maximum weight limit of the ladder

Following the correct procedures and adhering to the necessary policies are the best ways to keep everybody safe when using ladders in the workplace. However, despite the most stringent safety rules, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been involved in a ladder accident at work and you are unsure as to whether or not you have a valid compensation claim, please get in touch with our personal injury team today and we will be happy to discuss your situation and answer any questions you may have.

If a ladder accident has occurred at work and you have sustained an injury, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention and receive treatment for your injuries. It is also essential that the accident is reported to your employer as it may need to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) guidelines.

If you are intending to make a compensation claim after your ladder accident, it is important to obtain a copy of the medical record detailing your injuries. It is also advisable to take photos of the scene of the accident, and write down as much information as you can as you may struggle to remember the details over time. If there is CCTV footage of the accident, try to obtain a copy; and if there are any witnesses it can help your case if you can obtain their contact details as they may need to provide statements.

Here at Lanyon Bowdler we have a great deal of experience and expertise in handling personal injury claims, and we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. We are here to guide you through the whole process, ensuring you receive the best legal counsel, as well as helping you on the road to recovery by facilitating access to specialist medical treatment and therapies.