Ladder accidents may seem straightforward, but they often involve complex legal issues regarding liability and negligence. If you have suffered serious injuries in a ladder accident at a worksite, Williams Hart & Boundas can help you pursue third-party liability claims to secure the compensation you deserve.
Consulting a Houston ladder accident lawyer can help you find out more about your rights and options. We know how negligence leads to ladder falls and collapses, and we can seek the compensation you deserve from any liable third parties. Call one of our construction accident attorneys for your free case evaluation now.
Ladder Accidents in the Workplace
Virtually every industry uses ladders, including construction sites, warehouses, refineries, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities. Despite their everyday use, ladder accidents cause thousands of serious injuries every year. What many injured workers do not realize is that these accidents often involve negligence by parties other than their employer, creating opportunities for substantial compensation through third-party claims. If you sustained injuries in the workplace from falling from a ladder, one of our knowledgeable Houston lawyers can help you pursue damages.
Third-Party Liability for Ladder Accidents
In some cases, you may be able to file a third-party liability claim. These claims can provide far greater financial recovery than workers’ compensation.
Parties who might be liable in a ladder accident include:
- Retailers who sold damaged equipment
- Subcontractors whose actions contributed to your fall
- Ladder manufacturers whose defective products failed
- Property owners who created dangerous working conditions
- General contractors who were unable to enforce safety protocols
It is also important to understand that the state does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a non-subscriber and their negligence contributed to your ladder accident, you may have the right to sue them directly. Whether inadequate training, failure to provide proper equipment, or creating dangerous conditions contributed to your fall from a ladder, our attorneys can assist you with proving liability in your third-party claim against a Houston employer.
What Are Common Causes of Ladder Accidents?
Most ladder accidents result from preventable failures. Frequent contributing factors include:
- Overreaching
- Inadequate training
- Lack of stabilization
- Improper ladder angle
- Poor surface conditions
- Defective ladder components
- Using the wrong type of ladder for the job
- Working on ladders in unsuitable weather conditions
When general contractors fail to implement ladder safety programs or property owners allow hazardous conditions to exist, the law can hold them accountable. Defective ladders with weakened rungs, faulty locks, or inadequate weight ratings pose a serious risk to workers through no fault of their own. A skilled attorney from our Houston office can help determine contributing factors in your ladder accident.
Serious Consequences of Ladder Falls
Even falls from relatively low heights can cause devastating injuries. Head trauma from striking concrete or equipment on the way down can result in traumatic brain injuries affecting cognitive function, memory, and personality. Spinal injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
Wrist and ankle fractures are common as individuals instinctively try to break their fall. Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears, often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. These injuries can prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, resulting in significant lost wages and reduced earning capacity throughout your life. Our legal team at Williams Hart & Boundas can help you pursue compensation for your Houston ladder fall.
Consult With a Houston Attorney Today About Your Ladder Accident
Do not let anyone tell you that workers’ compensation is your only option after a ladder accident. Third-party claims can provide compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages that workers’ compensation does not cover.
However, time is critical. Insurance companies for potentially liable parties will move quickly to protect their interests.
If you have sustained injuries in a ladder accident, contact Williams Hart & Boundas today for a comprehensive case evaluation. Let us fight to secure the full compensation you deserve. Consult a Houston ladder accident lawyer now.