Many people do not know the different types of ladder injuries that may take place. Ladders are commonly used in many different situations, and though they are not the most common type of injury, ladder accidents can still happen. Ladder injuries can range from minor scrapes to serious fractures. This article will talk about some of the most common types of ladder injuries and what steps to take for your case.
What Injuries Result from Ladder Injuries?
Though ladder accidents are not the most common, they can still happen if the right precautions are not taken. No matter where or how the ladder injury takes place, it is important to understand the seriousness of the situation. If a person is injured after falling from a ladder, they may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages. An elevated fall is frequently the result of an accident on a portable ladder, extension ladder, or scaffolding.
It should be noted that not all ladder injuries or deaths are the result of a high fall. A simple stepladder fall could result in serious injuries if the victim hits their head on the ground. The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in a ladder accident:
- Hip fracture,
- a head injury
- A fractured leg or arm,
- Foot fractures,
- Concussion,
- Back pain,
- TBI (traumatic brain injury) (TBI),
- Injury to the spinal cord,
- Injuries to the neck,
- Paralysis,
- Soft tissue damage,
- Abrasions and cuts
How Do We Determine Liability?
When a ladder malfunctions and injures someone, the victim may not know who is to blame. When filing, it is important to take into account the details surrounding the accident, in order to better assist in figuring out who is at fault. An injured person can sue anyone involved in the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of the defective goods under strict responsibility. Depending on the situation and how the injury was sustained, a person has options on who to file against. The options include:
- The ladder manufacturer
- The store that sold the ladder
- A construction company
- A property owner
- Anyone who may have caused the accident
Some ladder accident lawsuits are settled before going to a jury. The sums involved in these settlements can be in the tens of millions of dollars. Other ladder accident lawsuits proceed to trial, when a jury renders a judgment and verdict on the amount of compensation the damage sufferer should get.
In most ladder injury cases, whether fatal or nonfatal, the standard of liability is negligence. Someone is negligent when they fail to act reasonably in their specific circumstances. A severe ladder fall injury frequently results in long-term medical and rehabilitative treatment, as well as lost wages and temporary or permanent disability, all of which will have a significant impact on your future earning capacity.
What Damages Are Recoverable?
Recoverable damages may vary depending on the nature of your case, with personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits being the most common. A nonfatal ladder injury may give rise to a personal injury claim. In a personal injury lawsuit, recoverable damages may include:
- All medical expenses incurred in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating your fall-related injuries;
- Treatment in an emergency room, including surgery;
- Physical therapy and medical care
- Your physical pain, emotional anguish, diminished quality of life, and other specific trauma;
- Pain and suffering relief, including but not limited to counseling and medication;
- Income loss, including permanent income loss;
- Reduced earning potential;
- The loss of a consortium.
For Any Further Questions…
Sustaining an injury in an accident can put a person in a difficult situation. In a personal injury lawsuit, damages such as losses and expenses can be covered. Some losses and expenses that can be covered are medical bills, loss of income, along with pain and suffering. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one sustains a ladder injury. Liable parties may pay for your medical expenses, lost income, diminished quality of life, and other forms of pain and suffering.