Most worksites strive to be safe places where safety precautions are taken seriously, but despite that, accidents still happen. According to the Department of Energy, falls are the most common cause of injuries on a work site, and frequently those are falls from ladders. Significant injuries often result, leading to missed time from work and the filing of a workers’ compensation claim. A Georgia workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your claim if you’ve been injured on a ladder.
Understanding the Common Causes of Ladder Injuries at Construction Sites
Many factors can cause ladder injuries, including:
- Inadequate training: if workers do not understand proper setup and use of a ladder it may cause instability that will result in falls.
- Failure to secure: An uneven surface, a rough surface, or a slanted surface can cause instability.
- Overloading: All ladders have restrictions on the amount of weight they can hold and if overloaded, a ladder may collapse.
- The wrong type of ladder may be chosen: For instance, a ladder that’s too short or too long.
- Defects: Missing rungs, missing bolts, etc. can make a ladder unsafe.
Sometimes workers are not advised properly in the use of helmets or gloves and that contributes to falls from ladders, and injuries. If improper footwear is worn that may also contribute.
The American National Standards Institute identifies more causes, including missing the last rung on the ladder, and overreaching. At all times, there should be three points of contact with the ladder, i.e. both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot.
Key Steps Following a Ladder Injury
If you suffer an injury from a fall off a ladder, taking immediate and specific steps can significantly impact the availability and extent of your workers’ compensation benefits:
- Report the Incident Promptly: As soon as possible, inform your employer about the injury. Include detailed information such as:
- The time and date of the accident
- Weather conditions at the time
- The precise location of the incident
- Names of any witnesses
- The reason for the ladder’s instability
Providing a thorough report minimizes the chances of claim rejection or the need for further investigation. If feasible, take photographs of the accident scene or have someone take them for you to share with your employer, which can further substantiate your claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Don’t delay in getting medical help. Visiting an Emergency Room or your doctor right after the incident is crucial for two reasons:
- It ensures you receive necessary medical care promptly.
- It provides official documentation of your injury, which is vital for your workers’ compensation claim.
Taking these steps not only aids in securing your workers’ compensation benefits but also helps in your recovery process, ensuring your health and financial well-being are protected.
Navigating the Compensation Claim Process
Once a workers’ compensation injury has been properly reported and medical attention has been received, it’s important to understand the additional steps in the claim process.
When a claim is filed and the employer’s insurance carrier is put on notice, you should receive a list of doctors whose billing is covered. It’s important to keep appointments and do what the doctor says until maximum improvement is reached.
You should receive weekly pay equivalent to two-thirds of your normal weekly pay.
Don’t Risk Your Livelihood – Get Help from an Experienced Ladder Injury Attorney
Sometimes, employers deny claims. The experienced Georgia workers’ compensation attorney at Parsons Law Group can help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us today to learn more.