Ladder Fall Accidents
Ladders have been used for hundreds of years and these simple tools are often seen at construction sites, as well as at the homes of most Illinois residents. Even though they are common, ladders can still be dangerous. According to The Center for Injury Research and Policy, there are an average of 136,118 ladder accidents every year, many of these accidents resulting in serious, and sometimes deadly injuries.
If you have been injured in a ladder fall accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
On-the-Job Ladder Fall Accidents
Ladder falls are some of the most common types of construction site accidents that occur. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 24,000 accidents and 36 fatalities occur on construction sites due to ladder falls each year. When this data was analyzed, some common traits emerged, which include:
- 42% of injuries occurred when someone was on the ladder
- 66% of injured persons were not trained in how to perform checks for ladder defects
- 19% of ladders involved in accidents had defects or were in disrepair
- 53% of ladders were not secured at the bottom
- 61% of ladders were not secured at the top
- 53% of ladders broke during their use
Ladder Safety and Accident Prevention
Ladders in themselves are not dangerous; instead, ladder fall accidents often occur because safety measures are not followed, or the ladder is defective in some way. To prevent accidents from occurring, anyone using a ladder should follow these safety tips:
- Choose the right ladder for the job – Ensure that the ladder you choose has the correct weight limit and is the correct height for the job and never use a metal ladder near electric lines.
- Inspect the ladder before use – Even new ladders can have defects, so it is important to check for damaged or missing rungs, cracks, missing screws, or any other wear and tear that could make the ladder unsafe.
- Use safety harnesses and/or a spotter
- Set up a ladder against a stable, dry, flat surface – Also, ensure that the top of the ladder is at least 3” above the top of the wall, and do not place a ladder near a door.
- Secure the bottom of the ladder and use two hands to climb the ladder
Ladder Injuries
Most ladder injuries are due to falling from the ladder but can also occur when the user is struck by falling objects or suffers electrocution. Some of the most common ladder fall injuries include:
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Burns and electrocution
These injuries can result in extensive medical treatments, long-term disability, and even death.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a ladder fall accident on the job site, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.
We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at the work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
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