If you suffered injuries related to falling off of a ladder while at work, consider how the Los Angeles falls off ladder lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights. You may be eligible to file a personal injury or products liability claim. Call us today at (800) 529-9122 for a free review of your case.
Causes of Ladder Falls
Ladder falls can result in serious injuries or even death at the workplace. There are five major reasons for ladder fall incidents, which include:
- Improper ladder setup angle
- Improper selection of the correct ladder for the project
- Insufficient inspection of the ladder
- Improper use of the ladder
- Lack of access or knowledge of safety and information regarding the ladder
Everything from proper ladder selection, regular inspection and maintenance, and practicing safety while on a ladder can ultimately determine the risks of a person falling off of a ladder. In some cases, a person may simply overreach, carry heavy objects, apply excessive force, or simply slip or misstep resulting in a worker falling off a ladder.
Types of Injuries Related to Falling Off a Ladder
Every accident involving a ladder fall will have specific circumstances that impact how severe the injuries are that result from that accident. Many accidents involving workers falling off ladders result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Some of the types of injuries that relate to falling off a ladder include the following:
Broken or Fractured Bones
In many cases, falls from ladders result in broken or fractured bones. The impact of a worker falling from a ladder can cause leg, arm, hand, spine, or even skull fractures or broken bones resulting in possible hospitalizations, surgeries, or continued medical treatments.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The Mayo Clinic lists falling from ladders as one of the top reasons a person may develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries result from serious trauma or impact to the head, which can easily occur when a worker falls off a ladder. Some of the examples of TBI include contusions, concussions, hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, or traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. In some cases, if the impact is serious enough, a worker may suffer from several of these types of TBI simultaneously. If you fell off a ladder and notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention and care as soon as possible.
- Loss of consciousness (passing out)
- Memory loss
- Disorientation or confusion
- The inability to concentrate (fuzzy thinking)
- Emotional changes or behavioral changes (acting aggressive, withdrawing, etc.)
- Visual changes
- Sleep changes
Spinal Cord Injuries
Falling from a ladder may also result in the victim suffering from spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can include whiplash (minor or serious), herniated or ruptured discs, fractures within the spine, facet joint injuries, spinal stenosis, or direct injuries to the actual spinal cord itself. Some spinal cord injury victims will have some form of paralysis either temporarily or permanently, and each victim will have a unique prognosis regarding their injury.
Internal Organ Damage
When a worker falls off a ladder, the impact can prove so severe and traumatic that the victim suffers severe internal organ damage or internal bleeding. If you ever fell off a ladder, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as some of these injuries need to have a medical professional evaluate them and determine the next steps regarding treatment.
Bruises, Lacerations, or Cuts
More often than not, anyone falling from a ladder will receive some sort of bruise, laceration or cut. Depending on the severity of the accident, you should always consider seeking medical attention to ensure that there are no serious medical conditions that may ultimately result from your ladder fall.
- Homeowner or Business Owner – If a worker went to a homeowner or business owner to repair or work on a project, and that homeowner or business owner directly caused the fall of the worker due to negligence or recklessness, they will remain liable for any injuries or losses as a result of the accident.
- Other Worker or Another Person – If another person acts in a negligent or reckless manner that causes a worker to fall off a ladder, the worker may have the legal right to pursue a claim directly against that negligent person for their injuries and losses.