Ladder Injury Compensation Claim Solicitors

About Ladder Accidents

Ladders are an essential part of many manual jobs and are commonplace at work and around the home. When accidents involving ladders happen however they can be serious, particularly as they often involve falling from a height.

Many ladder injuries in the workplace are sustained as a result of insufficient training and inadequate protective clothing. Poorly maintained or damaged ladders are also major contributing factors. Your employer has a duty of care obligation to keep you safe at work. A failure to do so represents a serious breach of their responsibilities and could make them liable for damages.

Common injuries from ladder accidents include:

• Cuts and bruises
• Sprains
• Dislocations
• Broken bones and fractures
• Back and spinal injuries
• Head injuries
• Brain injuries

If you have fallen from a ladder at work due to the negligent actions of your employer, it is very likely that your employer is liable for what has happened and that you are entitled to make a ladder accident compensation claim.

Many of the injuries sustained in ladder accidents result in lengthy recovery periods and subsequent loss of earnings. A compensation award is designed to protect you financially and provide you with the best in medical care.

In most cases you must submit your claim within three years of the accident, or the date of knowledge that the accident was the cause of your pain, suffering or losses. You should still talk to a lawyer if it has been longer than three years because there may be circumstances specific to your case which mean the standard time limit can be extended.

Common Causes of Ladder Accidents

Fall from a ladder accidents are often caused by:

• Using a ladder which is too short, causing over stretching
• Using a ladder instead of scaffolding or a cherry picker
• Using a ladder on uneven or unstable surfaces
• Using a ladder in bad weather
• Using a ladder without proper support
• Using a poorly maintained ladder
• Using a ladder without proper training
• Using a ladder which is not properly secured at the top or bottom
• Using a ladder without proper safety equipment

How to make a strong case

For a personal injury compensation claim to be successful we must be able to prove that the accident was caused by the actions or negligence of someone other than yourself.

Any workplace accidents should be recorded in the accident book. This provides evidence that when and where the accident took place, and who was there at the time. With this information it may be possible to link other pieces of evidence, such as CCTV cameras, training schedules and inspection reports.

If your injuries were serious you will of course have been to the Doctor or to hospital so your medical records will provide evidence with regards to the nature and extent of your injuries.

Ideally, there would also be photographs and/or video of the scene of the accident, including the ladder and other equipment used, but the first priority should be to seek medical attention for the injured party.

If a colleague or bystander is able to take pictures and record witness contact information these details can be a very significant contributor to a successful claim.

Whatever evidence you have, our expert ladder accident claims lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly questioning every element of the defendant’s claim where liability is denied, and ensure you are awarded the right level of compensation for your circumstances.

About Work Injury Compensation Claims

If you have suffered an injury at work through no fault of your own then you are entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. The amount you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries, the impact on your earning potential and whether your injuries are short-term or permanent.

Your final settlement is there to not only recognise the pain and suffering that has been caused but also to help you in practical ways by covering:

Your compensation will be vital for your recovery, financial security and independence so make sure you instruct the experts to give you the best chance of receiving every penny to which you are entitled.

What does the law say?

When it comes to your health and safety at work your employer is bound by the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act, which is clear about the legal requirements they must fulfil including provision of:

• A safe working environment including safe equipment and machinery.
• Protective clothing such as hard hats and boots.
• Thorough and regular risk assessments.
• Adequate training.

Ladders are a key part of your work equipment and it is your employer’s responsibility to ensure that they are safe to use and fit for purpose. As with any other piece of equipment they should be regularly checked for damage and you should be correctly trained to avoid over-reaching, incorrect-placement and problems with the locking system.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2006 was also put in place to protect those specifically working at a height and is clear that where such work is unavoidable all necessary safety measures are put in place and adhered to. If your employer does not comply with any of the regulations and you are injured as a result then you will be able to make a claim.