Ladder and Scaffolding accidents can result in serious injuries leading to long term disability. Falls from a height, particularly scaffolding, are amongst the most serious workplace accidents. These accidents often result in life changing injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. Other common injuries resulting from ladder and scaffolding accidents include broken bones, severe lacerations, neck and back injuries, burns and internal injuries.
Whether you are left with a minor injury or a severe life-changing one, if the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Even minor injuries can affect your quality of life, leaving you with chronic pain, lost wage and medical expenses.
Gorvins Solicitors specialise in personal injury claims for workplace accidents, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
Falls from scaffolding account for about 25% of fatal falls from all working surfaces. As scaffolding is often much higher than a typical ladder, these types of injuries can be much more severe. In fact, one of the most common injuries caused by scaffolding accidents is traumatic brain injuries.
Scaffolding accidents may occur because of lack of training or defects. However, most commonly, scaffolding accidents are caused by the following:
- Planking or support giving way.
- Slipping on mess or spill.
- Lack of fall protection.
- Being struck by a falling object.
- Poor safety standards.
- Dangerous working conditions.
Common Causes of Ladder Accidents
Ladders are commonly used by construction workers, electricians, plumbers, warehouse workers, landscapers, painters, masons and more. However, ladders may also be used by less trained individuals, like retail workers.
Accidents can happen to anyone at any time but may occur more frequently when employees aren’t properly trained. Broken or rusted ladders also contribute to more frequently occurring accidents.
Other causes of ladder accidents include:
- Missing the last step when climbing down.
- Overreaching.
- Using the wrong-sized ladder for the job.
- Not using the ladder on solid, firm ground.
- Failing to use three points of contact.
Who is Responsible?
Employers have a legal duty to ensure that working environments are safe and free from hazards that could put the health and well being of staff at risk. Risk assessments should be carried out regularly to identify any areas where changes should be made.
In order to maintain workplace safety, employers should carry out the following tasks:
- Adequate health and safety training.
- Provide safe and undamaged equipment.
- Use safety signs where hazards have been detected.
Where employers fail to fulfil these legal obligations, accidents can occur which can lead to the individual being entitled to compensation.
Determining liability is the first step in a Personal Injury case and evidence will be required to prove that a third party was responsible for the injury for which you re seeking compensation.
If you are unsure who is liable or you are struggling to collect evidence but still believe that you deserve compensation for your injuries, Gorvins Solicitors may be able to help you gather the evidence needed to establish the facts and determine your prospects of successfully pursuing a claim.
How We Can Help
Our experienced solicitors will:
- Assess your case and advise on your chances of success.
- Assist with gathering necessary evidence, including medical reports, witness statements and expert opinions.
- Negotiate with insurers and responsible parties on your behalf.
- Represent you in court if necessary to secure the best possible outcome.
No Win, No Fee
We believe that financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice. That’s why we offer a No Win, No Fee service, meaning you won’t pay unless your claim is successful.
Get in Touch
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to falling from a height at work, please contact, Lisa Chambers, on 0161 930 5156 or Lisa.Chambers@gorvins.com for a no obligation discussion.