Ladders allow us to reach great heights, and virtually everyone has used a ladder at some point in their life. Ladders are not only used in a home setting, but they are commonly utilized in the retail, construction, and industrial settings, with some professional ladders reaching hundreds of feet into the air. When operated and used properly, ladders can be helpful, but when they are not, they can cause injury to multiple parties.
If you were injured in an on-the-job ladder accident, you may be eligible for legal compensation, especially if your accident was caused by employer negligence. Medical bills and living expenses can quickly add up when you are unable to work, and if you do not take legal action, you may be stuck with the bills.
Do not hesitate – reach out to a Washington DC ladder falls injuries lawyer.
Falls are one of the most common causes of occupational injury in the United States. Employees in the construction industry are at the greatest risk of sustaining injuries in such a manner, so their employers must take commonsense measures to ensure their employees remain safe. Fatal falls are rare, but since some ladders reach hundreds of feet in the air, they do occur occasionally.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a government agency in charge of overseeing workplace safety has passed numerous rules and regulations to prevent fatal falls in previous years. Unfortunately, these rules are not always followed by employers, who are far more interested in saving money than protecting employees.
As mentioned above, OSHA requires employers to assess their workplaces and ensure fall hazards are kept in check. Employers must take measures to ensure the surfaces their employees walk on are stable and capable of supporting a certain amount of weight. Employees must not be permitted to walk on surfaces that lack structural integrity, and employers must provide employees with the appropriate type of safety gear if a fall hazard is present.
Depending on the type of work environment an employer is responsible for overseeing, the following types of fall protection can be useful:
All the fall protection equipment above can reduce the chances of a worker being injured on the job. Employees should undergo appropriate training, so they understand the importance of all prevention. All employees must also know how to use safety equipment correctly to prevent falls.
Injuries caused by falls can be devastating, especially from great heights. When a person sustains such injuries, they may not be able to return to their normal life or earn a living any longer. As time progresses, medical bills can accumulate and become overwhelming, especially when a person is unable to work and generate income.
Injuries caused by falls can include traumatic brain injuries, death, ruptured spleen, broken bones, and concussions. Traumatic brain injuries can cause massive changes to the cognitive functions of a person, as well as their personality and ability to care for themselves.
If an employee sustains a fall injury, a Washington DC ladder falls injuries lawyer may be able to help them obtain compensation.
If you have been injured in a ladder fall accident, you may have legal options at your disposal. Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and living expenses if you are not able to work. No one should be held responsible for an accident they did not cause.
Get in touch with a Washington DC ladder falls injuries lawyer at your earliest convenience.
