Construction takes a special breed of people. It’s tough and dangerous work. When injuries occur, they can be very severe and life-altering. This is especially true when a worker falls from a height. In fact, falls are the leading cause of accidents on construction sites. Every ladder accident attorney in Queens County, NY has seen firsthand how devastating these falls can be to the victim and family.
It’s easy to understand why falls present such a danger for construction workers. Much of the work done at a typical construction site takes place above ground level. Workers use ladders to reach scaffolding and roofs. They carry heavy tools and building materials up and down ladders.
While ladders are commonly found on building sites, they are not always in good repair or used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and safety requirements. When companies fail to ensure proper maintenance for ladders, do not adequately train workers and ignore safety standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, this is setting the scene for disaster.
Falls from Ladders Are Serious
Significant injuries that can happen as a result of falls from ladders include:
* Broken bones
* Complicated spinal cord injuries
* Potentially chronic and disabling back pain
* Brain damage
Some injuries are fatal.
Potential Problems with Ladders
There are a number of issues that can result in ladder-related injuries.
* Lack of required safety equipment and training
* Failure to perform the required safety inspections
* Poorly constructed ladders
* Worn or unstable ladders
* Ladders repaired with faulty parts
* Using the wrong ladder for the job, such as a ladder that is too short
* Using a stepladder on unstable or uneven ground
* Poor preparation of the site
* Extension ladders that are not secured as they should be
* Ladder rungs that are slippery with oil or another substance
If you were injured on a construction site, contact the law office of Steven R. Smith. This ladder accident attorney in Queens County, NY knows how to fight back against cost-cutting companies that put workers at risk. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim in order to receive compensation for your injury from the company or personal responsible.
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