Each year, hundreds of people in Maine and thousands around the country are killed or injured while working on ladders. While many of these incidents occur on job sites, such as in the construction and roofing trades, the majority of ladder injuries actually happen to people at their homes.
Although operator error is sometimes to blame, injuries and death can also be caused by defective ladders, faulty assembly at the factory or a retail store, or lack of proper instructions and warning labels.
Ladder-related injuries on job sites often happen when employees are improperly trained or not trained at all on how to safely use ladders, scaffolding, and related equipment. In those cases, employers can be held liable.
Defective ladder cases require the best and most experienced lawyers
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S.
We have obtained several of the largest jury verdicts in Maine history, and many of the largest settlements for our clients. Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable about medical issues and skilled at proving fault, documenting the extent of your losses, and ensuring you receive full compensation. We have recovered $1.45 billion for our injured clients.
When ladder manufacturers need to be held accountable
Ladder manufacturers know they are creating a high-risk product and often have senior engineers dedicated solely to defending the company’s products in court. These engineers are essentially professional witnesses who are highly experienced in circumventing questions about the safety of their products. Their agenda is to avoid taking responsibility for the injuries you or your loved one sustained.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) product standards for ladders are, in essence, written by and for those in the ladder industry. Ladders in new condition undergo performance testing in a factory setting to establish standards, but these tests provide no indication of how the product will hold up in real usage or over time.
Our defective ladder lawyers know how to look beyond just the applicable ANSI standards in analyzing potential defects in product design and to hold the manufacturer accountable for flaws. Holding ladder companies accountable in this way not only helps individual clients, but also helps the general public by leading to better ladder design and regulation by the industry, and safer use by consumers.
Helping in all aspects of your recovery: Financial, physical, and emotional
We understand what’s at stake for our clients. There is only one opportunity to build your case and recover a favorable settlement or jury verdict. No other firm in Maine can commit more experience, expertise, and resources for your case than Berman & Simmons. We will do everything in our power to hold the responsible parties accountable and to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
While we work to maximize your financial recovery, we also can serve as a partner for your physical and emotional recovery. Our lawyers and staff members will take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with helpful solutions to make your life easier.
From day one, we will assist you in obtaining any necessary referrals to specialists for medical and mental health care. We can arrange payment or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We will also help you navigate the complex maze of medical insurance and disability programs.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
Get Peace of Mind
It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.
Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
-
You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
-
The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.
-
Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.
-
You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
-
Where do most ladder related injuries occur?
Although many ladder related accidents occur at job sites (such as for roofing or construction professions), it may be surprising that a majority of ladder accidents occur at private residences and homes.
-
What if my accident wasn’t caused by a defective ladder?
In some cases, our attorneys will determine that a ladder related accident was caused by improper training given to an employee, and not a defect in the equipment. In these cases, the employer can be held liable and our attorneys will still pursue justice for you.
-
How common are ladder injuries?
According to Autoaccident.com, ladder injuries have increased by 50% in the past 10 years. Every year, about 500,000 people are injured in ladder falls every year in the U.S. In addition, out of these accidents, 164,000 result in serious enough injuries to require treatment in the emergency room.