Workers can suffer an array of severe on the job injuries related to ladders that can put them out of work and drain their finances. Workers in many industries can suffer from ladder accidents and can experience blunt-force trauma that can cause back and neck injuries, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
Those who suffer ladder accident injuries while at work can file a workers’ compensation claim to pursue a percentage of compensation for their medical bills and lost wages. Employers in most states must purchase workers’ compensation insurance to cover the economic expenses injured workers incur.
For help filing a workers’ compensation claim, they should hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. They can help determine if they should file a claim, help them file the proper paperwork, and assist should their employer deny their claim.
Common Causes of a Ladder Accident
One kind of workplace accident that can lead to you filing a workers’ compensation claim is a ladder accident. While many assume ladders are more used in workplaces like construction sites, they can also be used in a variety of workplaces blue and white collar when someone needs to reach an object perched high or fix something wrong with the ceiling.
Falling off a ladder can result in severe injuries that can cause life-threatening consequences. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020 saw 161 fatalities from workplace ladder accidents.
The following are some common causes of workplace ladder accidents:
- A person fell off a ladder not placed on firm ground
- The climber accidentally missed a rung of the ladder
- The ladder was broken, damaged, or defective
- The wrong ladder was used for a situation
- There was no one holding down a tall ladder with someone at the top
- The ladder was slippery
Some ladder accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, shoulder injuries, etc. These injuries can result in someone experiencing pain and suffering, reduced mobility, and worsened bodily functioning.
How Can You Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Ladder Accident Injury?
If you suffered a ladder accident injury while completing a work task, you could file a workers’ compensation claim to receive economic benefits. Employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance for this exact circumstance and can use it to help you financially while you recover from your serious injuries.
You can file a workers’ compensation claim to recover a percentage of compensation for your medical bills. After suffering a work injury, you must go to the hospital for medical attention. Your employer can help pay for a percentage of ambulatory services, hospitalization, medication, surgery, physical therapy, etc.
They can also pay you 66% to 80% of your lost wages. You may need to take time off work, as you are not physically fit enough to take on work tasks. Workers’ compensation benefits can pay for a percentage of the wages you are losing due to your injuries.
Report Your Ladder Accident Injury to Your Employer
One thing you should remember to do after suffering a ladder accident at work is to report your accident to your employer. If you do not report the accident, you cannot recover workers’ compensation benefits.
The quicker you report your work injury, the sooner you can begin the process of recovering workers’ compensation benefits. Consult your state’s workers’ compensation laws to determine how long you have to report your workplace accident. Most states require a report within 30 days of the accident.
The following is some of the information you should include on your workplace injury report form:
- Your name and job title
- Your supervisor’s name
- When and where the injury occurred
- The names of any witnesses of the accident
- What injuries you have suffered
- How the accident occurred
- Whether you have received medical attention or not
- If you have a pre-existing condition with the injured body part
After you file your workplace injury report form on your ladder accident injuries, your employer will transfer the report to the company’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. They will determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Receive Medical Attention for Your Ladder Accident Injuries
It’s also essential for you to receive medical attention after a workplace ladder accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to go to the hospital to receive medical treatment from a healthcare professional.
For a minor injury, you may only need to consult with an on-site health professional who can assess your injuries and dress any wounds. Severe injuries will require a hospital visit for a doctor to use diagnostic tests to assess what injuries you suffered.
If you do not get the proper medical attention for your ladder accident injuries, you likely will not be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Receiving proper medical attention is part of proving the severity of your injuries and recovering compensation.
Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Help With Your Ladder Accident Injuries?
After suffering a ladder accident at work, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help recover the full value of benefits you are entitled to. A workers' compensation lawyer can explain what steps you should take, what paperwork to sign, and how to handle the process before receiving benefits.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can also assist you should your employer or their insurance carrier deny your claim. They can help you collect evidence proving you suffered a severe injury at your job and deserve workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
At Dolman Law Group, our workers’ compensation lawyers know how to help victims of workplace injuries recover a percentage of compensation for medical bills and lost wages. They understand what steps to take and can advise you on handling the process to increase your chances of receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers can also help you appeal a decision not to provide benefits and can assist you should you need to file a personal injury claim. Contact Dolman Law Group today for a free workers’ compensation case evaluation at 833-552-7274 or on our online contact page.