New Jersey Ladder Accident Attorneys

Workplace safety is a crucial concern for employees across industries. Unfortunately, ladder accidents can be a source of serious injuries on the job. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we help workers navigate the complexities of New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system after a ladder accident. Our experienced attorneys are here to ensure injured workers receive the benefits they deserve.

Common Causes of Ladder Accidents in the Workplace

Ladders are essential tools in jobs like construction, painting, and maintenance. Workers commonly use them to complete tasks, but what happens when a ladder breaks or is defective? Ladder accidents can occur in the blink of an eye and leave workers with painful injuries. 

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there were 22,719 workplace injuries from ladders in 2020. One of the leading causes of ladder-related injuries is setting up an extension ladder at an incorrect angle, accounting for 40 percent of such incidents. Examples of common ladder hazards in workplaces include:

• Defective design or manufacturing: Faulty ladders can fail unexpectedly, causing harm to workers.
• Improper positioning: Unstable ladder placement can result in falls from heights.
• Lack of training: Workers who are not properly instructed on ladder safety are at higher risk of injury.
• Unsafe work environments: Poorly maintained job sites or negligent coworkers can create hazardous conditions.

New Jersey law requires employers to provide a safe work environment, including properly maintained and suitable equipment. When a ladder accident occurs, determining what caused it is critical to ensuring workers receive appropriate compensation.

Workers’ Compensation for Ladder Accidents

The New Jersey workers’ compensation system provides vital support to employees injured on the job. If you have been hurt in a ladder accident, workers’ compensation benefits can cover the following:

• Medical benefits for the costs of treating your injury,
• Temporary disability benefits while you recover from an injury,
• Permanent partial disability benefits if a disability limits your ability to work,
• Permanent total disability benefits if you’re unable to work at all, and
• Death benefits for family members if an on-the-job injury proves fatal. 

Not all workers’ compensation cases involve all five types of benefits. If your injury heals fully and you can go back to your usual work, for example, you may not need permanent benefits.

Going through the workers’ compensation process can be challenging, especially when dealing with injury-related stress. If you are hurt in a workplace ladder accident, immediately report the injury to your employer to initiate your claim.

You should also seek prompt medical attention. Along with ensuring that you receive appropriate treatment for your injuries, seeing a doctor provides documentation crucial to your claim. Timing is key when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Seeking advice from an experienced New Jersey ladder accident attorney can give you peace of mind that all your forms and supporting documents are completed accurately and submitted on time.

Overcoming Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Employers are required to provide benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses. However, various factors can influence the outcome of a workers’ compensation claim in New Jersey.

Despite the protections provided by workers’ compensation laws, claims can face hurdles such as disputes over the severity of injuries or allegations of pre-existing conditions. Doubts may arise over whether the employee’s injury occurred during work-related activities, and the insurance company may question whether proper procedures were followed after the accident.

The New Jersey ladder accident attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm have extensive experience overcoming these challenges. We work diligently to gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a compelling case to ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under state law.

Third-Party Liability in Ladder Accidents

New Jersey workers’ compensation laws generally prevent employees from suing their employers for workplace accidents. However, you may pursue an additional personal injury claim against a third party, such as a ladder manufacturer or another negligent contractor.

For example, if a defective ladder caused the accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Similarly, if a subcontractor’s negligence contributed to unsafe conditions, they could be held accountable.

Third-party claims can provide additional compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation benefits. A lawyer can evaluate your ladder accident and determine whether you have grounds to pursue further legal action.

Time Limit for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

New Jersey has strict time limits for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. You must file your claim within two years of the date you were injured. Delays can complicate your case and potentially jeopardize your benefits.

Typical Injuries Sustained in a Ladder Accident

Workers often suffer severe injuries from a ladder accident, including:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Ligament sprains/tears
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Overexertion injuries
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Tendon strains/tears
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Paralysis
• Broken & Fractured bones
• Eye injuries
• Death

How the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Can Help

Recovering from a ladder accident can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Our dedicated New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys alleviate the burden of legal complexities by investigating the circumstances of your workplace injury and ensuring the timely filing of your paperwork. We will identify all potential sources of compensation and pursue third-party claims when applicable.

The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm prioritizes personalized service, treating every case with the attention and care it deserves. Our team is committed to securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact the New Jersey Ladder Accident Attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Today

A New Jersey construction worker who is injured on-the-job may endure a whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, face large medical bills, rising expenses, and difficulty in making enough money to meet the needs of their family. You may wonder if you’ll ever return to work, enjoy your past hobbies, or fear you won’t be able to support your loved ones the way you once did. Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a FREE and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.