Ladders are ostensibly harmless tools that we utilize on a daily basis, whether for personal or professional objectives. However, a lot of individuals fail to consider the potential risk that ladders might present when not used appropriately. Numerous injuries and even fatalities have resulted from ladder mishaps, underscoring the importance of understanding ladder safety and taking precautions.
The Alarming Statistics
Accidents involving ladders happen more frequently than one may imagine, and they often have fatal repercussions. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over 700 fatalities using ladders occur each year in the country. These mishaps can occur in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and construction sites. They are not exclusive to any particular sector of the economy or environment.
Common Causes of Ladder Accidents
There are a number of causes of ladder accidents, thus it’s critical to identify and resolve these problems to stop similar tragedies in the future:
- Incorrect positioning. A ladder should never be set up on the unsteady or uneven ground. A ladder may sway or topple over on the uneven ground, resulting in a fall.
- Overreaching. Reaching too far when using a ladder can cause you to lose your equilibrium and fall.
- The wrong angle. A ladder that is set up incorrectly may slide out from under you. The base of the ladder needs to be roughly one-fourth of the working length away from the wall or surface.
- Choosing the incorrect kind of ladder. For diverse occupations, different kinds of ladders are necessary. The danger of mishaps increases when using a ladder that is either too short or too tall for the task.
- The ladder is not secured. If the ladder is not properly secured, it could slide or fall while you are on it.
- Insufficient inspection. A ladder must be thoroughly inspected for flaws or damage before being used. The likelihood of an accident increases dramatically while using a defective ladder.
Ladder Accidents and Wrongful Death
Tragically, wrongful death claims involving ladder accidents are common. When someone dies as a result of someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, that death is wrongful. Several important aspects are relevant in wrongful death claims using ladders:
- Negligence. Accidents using ladders that end in wrongful death frequently happen as a result of negligence. This may entail the victim’s own negligence, the negligence of the ladder’s manufacturer, or even the negligence of the employer if the accident takes place at work.
- Careful duty. It is the responsibility of employers and managers to ensure that employees are working in a secure environment. They can be accountable for any resultant deaths if they don’t offer adequate instruction, safety rules, or suitable tools like ladders.
- Product liability. If a ladder has flaws, the manufacturer may be accountable for the wrongful death. Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are secure for use.
- Contributory negligence. In some situations, the victim’s behavior may also cause the accident. However, just because the victim erred does not necessarily excuse other negligent or liable parties from accountability.
Preventing Ladder Accidents and Wrongful Deaths
Promoting ladder safety is essential for avoiding mishaps and avoidable fatalities. This entails giving people the appropriate instruction on how to use ladders, choosing the appropriate ladder for the task at hand, performing routine inspections to detect and address defects, ensuring secure ladder placement on stable surfaces, etc.
Contact Attorney Today
It’s essential to get legal advice from knowledgeable professionals in circumstances when ladder accidents result in wrongful deaths. Their knowledge can support efforts to hold negligent parties accountable and promote improved safety measures. Therefore, you can give us a call for a free consultation at 310.943.1171 or visit a link for other practices.