Ladders are common in various workplaces, including construction sites and office settings. The unfortunate reality is that while ladders are generally safe, a single misstep could lead to a serious fall.
If you were hurt in a ladder accident, our skilled construction accident attorneys are here for you. A Springfield ladder accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. could review your case and help you understand how workers’ compensation benefits may cover your lost wages and medical bills to ensure a stress-free recovery.
Since various factors may lead to work-related ladder accidents, you should take proper precautions.
If you do not place a ladder on stable, level ground, it may be dangerous to use. Uneven surfaces or the wrong angle may cause it to shift or tip while you are climbing.
As with other tools, there are specific ladders for certain tasks. If you use a ladder that is too short or lacks free-standing support, you could be at risk of falling.
Some incidents have nothing to do with user error if a defect makes it impossible to use the ladder safely. These flaws could include cracked rails or loose rungs, increasing the risk of a fall.
You may also fall because you reach too far to one side instead of repositioning the ladder. This shifts your center of gravity and may cause the ladder to tip.
A lack of training in ladder safety may lead you to take unnecessary risks. This includes skipping basic steps such as securing the ladder or maintaining three points of contact while climbing.
If you fell from a ladder at work in Springfield, our attorneys could help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim for damages.
Ladder accidents may cause serious injuries because your body often takes the full impact of the fall. Some of the most common injuries related to this type of accident include the following:
These injuries may affect your ability to work and complete everyday tasks. Given the risk of a long recovery, it is important to explore your legal options immediately. Our Springfield attorneys could guide you through the workers’ compensation process after a ladder accident.
Workers’ compensation usually covers a ladder accident if your injury happened while you were performing job-related duties. Unlike a personal injury case, these claims do not require you to prove negligence to recover compensation. In some situations, these benefits may not apply, including if you were misbehaving or impaired at the time of the incident.
If your claim is successful, the funds typically go directly toward the medical bills related to your injuries. Our Springfield attorneys may also help you seek disability benefits to cover your lost wages during your recovery after a ladder accident.
If you were hurt in a work-related fall, it is wise to act quickly, as the process of seeking compensation can be lengthy. Contact a Springfield ladder accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. today for a consultation.