Construction sites are a common location for accidents. Factors such as heavy machinery, scaffolding, and time pressures all make these locations prone to accidents ranging from minor bumps and bruises to major falls and crush injuries. Ladder accidents cause or contribute to many of these incidents and are a leading cause of fatalities at construction sites.
If you are a victim of this kind of incident, a Baton Rouge ladder accident lawyer could assist you. Our attorneys at Tomeny | Best could review your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If your case involves multiple parties, we could also investigate and determine the cause of the accident and who is liable for it.
What Causes a Construction Ladder Accident?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ladder accidents are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the United States. As many as 22,000 people are hurt falling from ladders annually. These injuries are due to a few basic causes:
- Defective or damaged ladders
- Improperly set up ladders
- Improperly trained workers
- Ladders that are not made for the job at hand
Workers and employers are responsible for ensuring that the correct equipment is available at a job site and that workers are using it correctly. A skilled attorney in Baton Rouge could gather evidence to determine the cause of your ladder accident.
Who Is Liable in a Ladder Accident?
Construction company owners are responsible for having the proper equipment on site at all times. They are also responsible for ensuring that workers know how to use the equipment. If the necessary equipment is not available, an employer or foreman should not continue work until it is. If contractors demand that work continues without safe equipment, they could be liable for any injuries that result.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers workplace accidents. If your injury is due to negligence on the part of your employer or a co-worker, your employer’s workers’ comp coverage should pay for your claim.
However, some incidents may involve a third party. Vendors and outside contractors can be liable for injuries at a construction site. Workers’ compensation insurance does not cover these injuries. For example, a vendor vehicle could strike your ladder, causing you to fall, even if you are doing everything safely. In that case, you would need to file a personal injury claim against the driver and their employer to obtain compensation. If you are unsure who is liable for your construction ladder injury, a Baton Rouge lawyer could help.
Contact a Baton Rouge Attorney for Help With Your Ladder Accident Case
Construction accidents, including falls from ladders and scaffolding, can result in major injuries. If you are a victim of a workplace accident caused by another person’s negligence, you should contact a Baton Rouge ladder accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys at Tomeny | Best could assist you with gathering the evidence and documentation needed to file your insurance claim and get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a free and confidential case review.
