Defective Ladders
Product Liability Attorneys for Defective Tools
Ladders are one of the basic pieces of equipment used on construction and industrial sites. However, due to inherent defects or flaws in design and manufacturing, some ladders put workers at risk of severe injuries. Every year at least 180,000 people visit emergency rooms around the country for treatment of injuries sustained from ladder-related accidents. At least 150 deaths occur.
If you were injured in a ladder accident at home or while working on a construction site, it is important to review your legal options to recover compensation. If the ladder was defective, you may be able to hold the manufacturer accountable. A product liability lawyer can review the matter on your behalf to determine the best approach.
Your initial consultation with a professional at Arnold & Itkin LLP is free and confidential. This is your chance to get your questions answered and to find out more about your rights, options and product liability as a whole. Because we have considerable experience and a proven track record of success in this field, we are known by manufacturers, insurance companies, judges and court personnel. We are aggressive litigators but also acknowledge the importance of negotiating with finesse to seek a fair settlement outside of the courtroom. If you are ready to get started, contacting an attorney is the first step to take. We look forward to hearing from you!
How a Defective Ladder Can Cause Injury
Though the American Ladder Institute recommends certain weight ratings for ladders, these are not mandatory standards. Often, ladders come with rungs that bend at a weight below the maximum weight stipulated for that model.
Telescoping extension ladders used to reach extra heights can be difficult to maneuver when there is only one person using the ladder, which is often the case. The intricate systems for locking and adjusting these ladders can result in various hand and finger injuries as a person attempts to extend or collapse the ladder. Some extendable ladders collapse too quickly and all at once, putting hands at a risk of fractures and crushing injuries. Sometimes ladders do not come with sufficient traction making the ladder prone to slipping and sliding.
Construction Ladder Accidents
Some of the most common accidents on a construction site are related to slip and fall accidents from ladders. Every day, workers risk injury as they climb elevated heights on extension ladders, rope ladders, and step ladders. An unstable ladder could tip over, hurtling a worker to the ground. Improperly spaced rungs can cause a worker to trip while ascending or descending the ladder and broken or cracked rungs and rails can cause a worker to lose his balance. A ladder may be considered defective if it has an unstable or weak frame that has worn with use.
Why a Product Liability Lawyer
A ladder accident has the potential to cause serious injuries that may leave you unable to work and provide for yourself and your family. You may face extremely costly medical bills. A product liability lawyer can seek fair compensation for the injuries you have sustained, holding the manufacturer or other party responsible for the incident. While you focus on healing and recovering, your attorney can handle every aspect of your case.
Contact a defective product attorney today to discuss how a defective ladder may give you grounds for a product liability claim.