The leading Fort Lauderdale ladder accident lawyers at Anidjar & Levine are dedicated to helping victims injured in ladder accidents get back on their feet. We have successfully handled all types of personal injury cases, recovering millions of dollars for injured victims in Fort Lauderdale and other areas of Florida.
Ladder accidents are common in both occupational and non-occupational activities. Falls from ladders can result in serious injury. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment for ladder accidents each year. Elevated falls from ladders account for nearly 700 deaths on the job annually. The National Institute of Health reported a 50% increase in the incidence of ladder-related injuries during the latest study period, noting that 97.3% of the accidents occurred in non-occupational settings, such as homes and farms. Ladders can slide, tip, or break, catapulting the climber into thin air. The most common type of injury from ladder accidents involves fractures, usually in the legs and feet.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the most common causes of ladder accidents include:
- Unsafe construction
- Uneven rungs or steps
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Lack of training, inspection
- Ladders breaking during use
- Stacking ladders to gain height
- Failure to secure or brace ladder
- Carrying materials while climbing
- Lack of contact with work surface
- Working while balancing on ladder
- Disproportional weight within rails
- Product defect, i.e. no slip-resistance
Based on its analysis of accident reports, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that employees using ladders in construction are exposed to a significant risk of harm. Accordingly, it revised OSHA provisions and workplace safety standards relating to ladder use. OSHA requires that employers maintain ladders free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards and prohibits loading ladders beyond their maximum intended load. Employers must secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways, driveways, or areas where they can be displaced by workplace activities and traffic to prevent accidental movement. Workers can also use barricades to keep traffic away from the ladder during work.
A person must periodically inspect the ladders for visible defects and after any incident that could affect their safe use. Failure to comply with OSHA standards could result in civil and criminal fines.
Florida workers’ compensation laws also provide medical, rehabilitation, and income benefits for work-related injuries, including those caused by ladder accidents. Section 440.02 of the Florida Statutes requires employers in the construction industry to carry workers’ compensation coverage if they have one or more employees. Under Florida law, victims of work-related injuries are entitled to several forms of compensation. First, they are entitled to medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital bills, prescriptions, and other continuing treatment as the injury requires. Second, they can recover lost income and other disability benefits amounting to a portion of their average weekly wage. Most benefits depend upon the nature and extent of the injury and whether they result in a partial or total loss of function in different parts of the body. Workers with catastrophic injuries may thus be entitled to lifetime benefits.
If you were injured in a ladder accident, the experienced Fort Lauderdale ladder accident attorneys at Anidjar & Levine can help. We have extensive experience litigating all types of workers’ compensation claims. Our attorneys are recognized leaders in defending the rights of workers injured due to the negligence of others. Whether you fell from a ladder at work or at home, we can help you identify all liable parties and obtain the maximum recovery possible for your claim. If you fell because of a defective ladder, for example, you might have a separate claim against the manufacturer in addition to other negligent parties. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to clients throughout Florida. Call 800-747-3733 for a free consultation or contact us online.
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