Ladder Accidents Solicitors — Scotland

Ladder Accidents

Ladder accident claims

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), thousands of ladder accidents are reported throughout the UK and Scotland each year. If your job requires that you use a ladder, then it is your employer’s duty to make sure that you have received adequate ladder training.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury caused by a ladder accident. If you have suffered a ladder injury due to an accident at work, then you may be entitled to a personal injury compensation claim.

As a result of your injuries, you may also have to take time off work, which would result in a loss of earnings. Personal injury claims can provide secure financial backing to help during this period.

Falls from a ladder can result in serious injury, and have a devastating impact on you and your family. Now is the time to contact our expert team at Watermans, who can help you begin the compensation claim process.

Types of Ladder Injuries

If you have been injured at work and are able to show that your accident occurred due to the negligence of another party, then you can claim for compensation.

Here’s an overview of what often leads to ladder-related accidents and the injuries that may be sustained as a result.

Causes of ladder accidents

These are some of the common causes of ladder accidents in the workplace.   

Violation of Work-at-Height Regulations

Many ladder accidents occur due to employers failing to follow the Work at Height Regulations. These rules are designed to protect workers, and when ignored, can lead to dangerous situations and potential falls.

Lack of proper training

Ladder accidents can occur as a result of employees not being correctly trained in how to use a ladder, or if the stepladder or ladder you are using is broken or in a state of disrepair.

Employees need to know how to set up, use and maintain ladders safely. With insufficient training, they’re at a much higher risk of injury.

Inadequate safety equipment

Failing to provide or use appropriate safety gear like harnesses, non-slip shoes or stabilising devices can increase the risk of workplace accidents involving ladders.

Improper ladder selection when using a ladder at work

Choosing the wrong type or size of ladder for a specific task can lead to accidents. It’s crucial to use the right ladder for the job to prevent falls and injuries.

Faulty or damaged ladders

Using ladders that are old, worn or damaged is extremely dangerous. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure ladder safety and prevent fall from height accidents.

Unstable surfaces or improper setup

Placing ladders on uneven ground or failing to secure them properly can lead to accidents that involve falls. Proper setup is crucial for ladder stability.

Overreaching or carrying heavy loads

Stretching too far to the side or carrying items that are too heavy while climbing can throw off balance and cause falls. Workers need to be aware of their limitations when using ladders.

Lack of proper scaffolding use

In some cases, scaffolding might be a safer alternative to ladders for certain tasks. Failure to recognise when scaffolding is necessary can lead to accidents.

Types of ladder injuries

Here are some of the most common injuries caused by ladder accidents that may entitle you to make compensation claims.   

• Broken bones – Falls from ladders often result in fractures, particularly in the arms, legs and ribs. These serious injuries can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Head injuries – Falling from a ladder can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries. These injuries can lead to ladder fall claims due to their long-lasting effects on cognitive function.
• Spinal injuries – The impact of a fall can cause serious damage to the spine, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
• Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains and tears to muscles, ligaments and tendons are frequent outcomes when someone has subsequently fallen from a ladder.
• Internal injuries – In severe cases, accidents at work involving faulty ladders can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may require immediate medical intervention.
• Shoulder injuries – Dislocations or rotator cuff tears can occur when trying to catch oneself during a fall.

These sustained injuries may form the basis for a ladder accident compensation claim.

If you’ve suffered an injury from a ladder work accident, seek medical attention and contact our ladder accident lawyers to discuss your options.

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Making a Claim

How do I make a ladder accident claim?

Accidents involving ladders can result in serious injury, and if you or someone you know has been injured within the last three years, you may be entitled to compensation.

Your employer has a duty of care towards their employees, and if they have been negligent and not provided correct ladder training, they may be liable for your injuries.

If you have suffered a personal injury from a ladder accident in the workplace there are necessary steps you must take for your claim to be successful.    

• Visit a medical professional – It’s important to make sure any injuries sustained from the accident receive immediate medical attention. Not only for health reasons, but also because medical records and receipts are crucial evidence in the claims process further down the line.
• Report the incident – You should also report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. By making a health and safety record of the event, you’re providing yourself with additional proof, making your claim process easier.
• Contact Watermans – To determine if you are eligible to make a claim for compensation, contact one of our expert personal injury solicitors today.
• Keep a record – Document your recovery process, including any expenses incurred due to the accident. This information is necessary when determining your final settlement.
• Negotiate settlement – Our solicitors will negotiate on your behalf. Be prepared to consider any settlement offers, but don’t feel pressured to accept an offer that doesn’t fully compensate you.

Compensation could cover loss of earnings, help pay for any treatment required, and cover other costs incurred as a result of your injuries. It can also compensate for the impact on you and your families —- particularly in the case of accidents that involve serious injury or death.

At Watermans, we offer straightforward legal advice to guide you through the claims process in a friendly and professional way. We take the hassle out of the legal stuff, plus we work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning that if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay any solicitors fees.

It should be that simple.

How Much Compensation? 

How much compensation can I claim for a ladder accident?

All personal injury compensation amounts will vary, depending on the severity of your injuries and your loss of earnings throughout the process.

In most instances, you may be entitled to claim compensation for a variety of things including,

• Medical, rehabilitation and hospital expenses – This covers costs for immediate and ongoing specialist medical treatment, including surgeries, physiotherapy and medication. Our lawyers will ensure all your medical needs are accounted for in your ladder fall compensation claim.
• Loss of earnings or earning capacity – If your injury has caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn in the future, you can claim for these financial losses. We may be able to secure interim payments to help cover immediate expenses while your case is ongoing.
• Any future expenses as a result of the injury – This includes potential long-term care costs, future medical treatments or necessary equipment. Our specialist team will calculate these future needs to ensure your compensation covers all anticipated expenses.
• Home modification and care expenses – If your injury requires changes to your home or ongoing personal care, these costs can be included in your claim. This might cover things like wheelchair ramps, bathroom modifications or in-home nursing care.
• Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life – While harder to quantify, compensation can be sought for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury. This includes compensation for how the injury has impacted your quality of life and ability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed.

Whatever your injury, you can ensure that Watermans will fight for the best possible outcome for you.

Why Watermans?   

Why should I choose Watermans to pursue my personal injury claim?

Watermans makes legal services look and feel easy so people can move forward in life.

Watermans is your modern personal injury law firm in Scotland. Our expert team is committed to doing everything to make the claims process straightforward for our clients following an accident.

We take the hassle from you and fight each case to secure the maximum level of compensation. We also provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment to ensure you recover from your injuries as soon as possible and get your life back on track.

Trusted Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

Our expertise in personal injury covers a wide range of areas including,

• Accidents at work
• Public liability claims
• Road traffic accidents
• Fatal and serious injury claims
• Cases relating to abuse

We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that if your ladder accident claim is unsuccessful, you won’t end up out of pocket.

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