Ladder Accident Attorneys in Queens, New York

Common Causes of Ladder Accidents

Ladder accidents can occur for many reasons, ranging from clear-cut cases of negligence to more understandable errors that, while still rooted in negligence, could happen to almost any worker. Sometimes, incidents arise from a combination of unsafe work practices, inadequate training, or failure to adhere to safety protocols. Regardless of the specific cause, the consequences can be severe and call for a workers’ compensation claim.

Common causes of ladder accidents on worksites include:

• Improper ladder selection: Choosing a ladder that is not suitable for the specific task, whether it's too short or not sturdy enough can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Lack of proper training: Workers who have not been adequately trained on how to safely use, inspect, and set up ladders are at a higher risk of making mistakes that can lead to falls and injuries. Training should cover the selection of the right ladder for the job, proper placement, and secure footing, among other safety practices.
• Failure to use personal protective equipment (PPE): Not using or improperly using PPE, such as safety harnesses, especially when working at significant heights, can lead to slips and falls off a ladder.
• Ignoring safety protocols: Setting up ladders on uneven ground, overreaching while on the ladder, not securing the ladder at the top and bottom, or climbing with tools in hand rather than using a tool belt or hoisting them up once stationary are all commonplace safety protocol violations that the average worker might unknowingly do.

Does the Cause of a Ladder Accident Matter?

The exact cause of the ladder accident might not be too important in your workers’ compensation claim because of the no-fault nature of workers' compensation insurance systems. Under workers’ comp in New York, an injured worker can receive benefits for injuries suffered in the course of their employment, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Consequently, even if an employee acknowledges that their own mistake led to a ladder fall—whether it was missing a step, overreaching, or any other error—it does not disqualify them from receiving benefits. This system is designed to ensure that workers have a safety net, allowing them to access medical care and financial support without the burden of proving fault.

Filing a Ladder Accident Injury Claim in Queens, NY

At Harris Firm, LLC, we focus on helping workers from all industries in Queens, New York, with the filing of workers' compensation claims after ladder accidents. Our team possesses extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the complexities of New York's workers' compensation system, so you don’t have to file a claim on your own. Whether you're a construction worker, a maintenance employee, or engaged in any profession where ladder use is a routine or irregular part of your job, our lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the claim process.

The basic steps of filing a ladder accident injury claim through workers' comp include:

• Report the accident: Immediately inform your employer about the ladder accident and your injuries if you can. This notification should be in writing and must be completed before 30 days pass.
• Seek medical attention: Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. If you can notify your employer of your accident right after it happens, they should arrange for you to get medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room if your injuries are severe.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, any medical treatments received, and how the accident occurred. Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, as well as witness statements, can also strengthen your claim in case it is challenged for any reason later.
• Consult with a workers' comp attorney: An attorney from our firm can help with compiling and submitting all required documentation and representing your interests in hearings. Of course, before any of those steps happen, we can help you fill out and file a workers’ compensation claim.