Fall From Height Claims
Working at height can be dangerous, particularly if the correct health and safety regulations are not observed. A fall from height, even from a relatively…
Read moreHad a fall from a ladder at work?
If you have had an accident while using a ladder or step ladder at work, you could be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries.
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Many individuals make use of ladders in their working lives, either as a daily tool for their profession (for example, electricians and decorators) or occasionally to reach items stored on high shelves. No matter how frequent the use may be, working at height for any amount of time carries the risk of potential injury.
Injuries that result from ladder accidents can range from cuts and bruises to head injuries and broken bones from falling off the ladder. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), ladder accidents cause an average of 14 deaths per year, contributing to falls from height being the number one cause of fatal injuries at work.
If you believe your employer was responsible for your accident, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim for your injuries and related financial losses. Call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back to discuss the particulars of your case during a free consultation, where an experienced legal adviser can evaluate whether you have a valid ladder accident claim.
If you are entitled to claim compensation for your ladder accident, your injury solicitor will be able to take your case on a no win no fee basis. This service removes the financial risk of making a claim, and if your solicitor cannot win your case, you will not pay them a penny.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.
If you have suffered an injury or multiple injuries due to a fall from a ladder, you might wonder whether you could receive compensation for your pain and suffering. If your accident was someone else’s fault, then the answer is yes; you might be eligible to start a ladder injury claim.
To claim compensation for a ladder fall, the same criteria apply as with other workplace accidents. The requirements for a valid case include the following:
If you can answer yes to each of the above questions, you should, in most cases, be eligible to claim financial compensation for the pain, suffering and financial losses caused.
Numerous regulations are in place to ensure the safety of employees who work at height or are required to use ladders to carry out their tasks. Some of these laws state that it is essential for workers who use ladders to receive adequate training and suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
To receive compensation, you must be able to prove that your accident was due to someone else’s negligence or failure to follow the relevant health and safety legislation. You could also make a ladder accident claim if the ladder was defective or unsuitable for its intended purpose.
It is recommended to seek the help of a personal injury solicitor to assess your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation. You can receive a free consultation with a legal adviser by calling 0800 470 0474 or entering your details to arrange a call back.
Employers have several responsibilities when it comes to working with ladders. The most important legislation they should follow is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
The Work at Height Regulations was introduced in 2005 to provide additional protection to workers that use ladders and carry out work at height. Under these regulations, an employer has a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to ensure the use of ladders by employees is as safe as possible. Some of their responsibilities include:
Failure to fulfil these responsibilities could result in an employer being held liable for any injuries sustained by employees that fall from a ladder.
Many people use ladders as part of their everyday tasks in the workplace. Unfortunately, this makes falls from a ladder responsible for almost a third of all injuries at work in the UK and a leading cause of fatalities.
There are many different circumstances and potential causes of ladder accidents. Some of the most common situations include:
Employers are legally obliged to offer a safe working environment to their staff, which means fulfilling the responsibilities stated above. If your employer has failed in this duty of care and resulted in you being injured, you might be eligible to make a no win no fee* ladder accident claim.
The Health and Safety Executive have produced guidance on the safe use of ladders and stepladders in the workplace. This further explains the responsibilities placed on employers, including the requirement to inspect equipment before use and guidance on how and when to use them safely.
Ladders are common in many workplaces and essential for workers such as electricians and painters. However, inadequate planning and safety measures could lead to a wide range of injuries resulting from a ladder accident.
Some common types of personal injuries that may lead to a ladder injury claim include the following:
A fall from a ladder could cause severe fractures to different body parts, such as the legs, arms or back. Fractures can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In some cases, fractures can result in long-term disabilities or chronic pain.
Ladder accidents can result in sprains and strains to muscles, ligaments and joints, including the back, neck, and wrist. Sprains and strains can be painful and limit your ability to perform daily activities. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy and pain management. In some cases, surgery may even be necessary.
Falls from ladders can result in contact with sharp objects or broken glass, which can cause cuts and lacerations to the skin. These injuries can be painful and result in significant bleeding. Treatment may include cleaning and closing the wound with stitches and antibiotics to prevent infection. In some cases, cuts and lacerations can result in scarring or other long-term cosmetic changes.
A fall from a ladder can result in trauma to the head, which can lead to various injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, contusions and intracranial haemorrhages. Head injuries can be severe and can result in long-term or permanent disabilities, such as memory loss, difficulty speaking, and changes in behaviour or personality.
Ladder accidents often result in some form of injury to the back, such as bruising, strains, fractures or herniated discs. Back injuries can be painful and limit your ability to move and carry out daily tasks. Severe trauma to the spinal cord can have devastating effects, such as paralysis or loss of bladder and bowel function.
Electrocution is a potentially life-threatening injury that can occur in ladder accidents, particularly when ladders are used near electrical sources. Some of the symptoms of electrocution include breathing difficulties, burns to the skin, muscle contractions and cardiac arrest. An electric shock can be fatal, usually requiring immediate medical attention.
Ladder accidents can cause internal injuries, particularly in the event of falls from a significant height. Some of the most common types of internal injuries sustained in ladder accidents include damage to internal organs, internal bleeding and lung injuries, which can cause significant pain and difficulty breathing.
These injuries can range from minor to severe and can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and quality of life. Employers must take ladder safety seriously and follow appropriate procedures to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury. Failing to do this could make them liable for compensation in a ladder accident claim.
To make a successful ladder injury claim, you will need to gather and provide evidence to show that someone else was responsible for your accident and the damages you incurred. This may include the following types of evidence:
Having a clear and well-documented case can be essential in helping you to receive a fair settlement for your injuries and financial losses. A solicitor can help you to gather and present the evidence necessary to support your ladder injury claim.
The amount of compensation you may be able to receive in a ladder accident claim depends on several factors, including:
Two types of damages may be recoverable in a ladder injury claim:
Special damages are intended to compensate for specific, out-of-pocket expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident. Examples of special damages include:
General damages, on the other hand, are intended to compensate for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and emotional distress. General damages are more subjective and difficult to quantify than special damages, which are based on documented expenses and other verifiable losses.
The compensation for general damages is usually awarded based on the guidelines published by the Judicial College. According to these, you might receive the following:
You can learn more about your compensation prospects by discussing your ladder accident claim with a professional solicitor. For a free consultation, you can call 0800 470 0474 or fill in our online claim form to receive a call back. Alternatively, you could also consult our online compensation calculator for further information about how much compensation you could be entitled to claim.
We understand that deciding to make a ladder accident claim against an employer is difficult, so your solicitor will take the time to ensure that you are fully aware of your legal rights and have knowledge of the claims process from the outset.
Here are just a few of the benefits of using a personal injury solicitor for your compensation claim:
To discuss your case and requirements during a free assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back. During this call, you will be asked a few questions about your ladder accident, such as when it happened, how it happened and what injuries you have sustained as a result.
A legal adviser will then let you know if you have a valid ladder injury claim. The decision to move forward with a case is entirely up to you, and there will be no obligation or pressure to do so. You will be in control at all times.
The time taken to bring a claim to a successful conclusion can vary from a couple of months to many years. It all depends on the particular circumstances of the case at hand. Some of the factors that can influence the duration of a case are:
There are several actions you could take to speed up the claims process and receive your compensation payment in a timely manner, such as:
Under UK Employment Law, it is illegal for an employer to dismiss or discriminate against an employee who makes a claim against them, whether for a ladder accident or any other type of injury or illness sustained in the workplace. This protection applies regardless of whether the claim is successful or not.
Employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for their employees and provide proper training and protection. If this responsibility is not met and you sustain an injury, you can start a ladder injury claim against your employer without it affecting the employer-employee relationship.
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for employers to have Employers’ Liability insurance. This insurance covers the employer in case an employee is injured or falls ill due to work-related reasons and will cover a fall from a ladder claim. Your employer will not bear the cost of the compensation award.
Even so, you may still be hesitant to pursue compensation out of fear of retaliation. However, if you are dismissed, singled out or penalised in any other way because you have made a claim, you might be able to bring a separate claim for unfair dismissal or discrimination.
If you are concerned about making a ladder accident claim against your employer, you should speak to a legal professional who can advise you on your rights and the best course of action. For a free consultation, call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back with a friendly legal adviser.