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Ladder & Platform Accidents: Why You May Have a Legal Case

If you walk under a ladder, you will have bad luck. Do you believe that superstition? Although superstition has nothing to do with it, the law offices of Hurt, Crosbie, & May are well aware of the potential dangers of walking under, near, or climbing on ladders. In fact, slip and fall negligence cases involving ladders and platforms are among the most common personal injury and workers' compensation cases handled by our office. These types of falls are not uncommon in the United States in general, either: according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 500,000 people in the U.S. require medical treatment for injuries sustained while using ladders, both in the workplace and elsewhere. Of the 500,000 people who receive such treatment, approximately 300 of them die.

Have you been injured falling from or working near a ladder? Although nothing can truly compensate for the pain and suffering caused to you by accident-related injuries, certain measures can be taken to make the recovery process easier. Information regarding workplace regulations, types of ladders, and slip and fall accidents (as explained below) should help you understand why you may have a legal case from your incident.

One detail to know is what type of ladder was involved in the accident. A-frame ladders are often used inside houses, while extension ladders are often used outside or when the need arises to reach high places, such as at a place of work. Construction workers often use platforms to perform certain job tasks. As a general rule, the ladders used in a workplace are much taller (and, therefore, potentially more dangerous) than at-home ladders. The following OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements apply to ladders used in the workplace:

  • ladders must be inspected regularly
  • any ladder with a structural defect should be tagged with a "DO NOT USE" sticker and removed from the work site
  • when carried, ladders should be held parallel to the ground
  • when transported, ladders must be securely tied, and they must have bright flags at their ends if they are longer than the vehicles carrying them (to warn drivers behind them)
  • every ladder must be kept free from slippery substances such as oil and grease.

If you have been injured in a Kentucky ladder- or platform-related accident, feel free to contact our office with your most pressing questions. We will provide you with important resources, help you find the best medical care for your injuries, and answer your questions for free concerning your unique situation. Whether you believe another person or entity failed to provide proper equipment, safety instructions, or working conditions (or if you aren't sure if you have a negligence case), feel free to contact us online or by phone at 859-254-0000.

Hurt, Crosbie & May serves clients in Kentucky, including the following areas:
Cities: Lexington, Nicholasville, Georgetown, Richmond, Winchester, Louisville, Frankfort, Lawrenceburg, Cynthiana, Mt. Sterling, Versailles, Paris, Stanton, Harrodsburg, Clay City, Wilmore, Berea.

Counties: Fayette, Jessamine, Scott, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Woodford, Shelby, Anderson, Clark, Mercer, Powell, Garrard, Bourbon, Montgomery, Spencer, Estill.
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