Ladders are supposed to bear the weight of a person, but not all ladders are manufactured properly. This is the problem that caused the Werner Company to recall an estimated 78,000 ladders.
Defective Products Causing the Recall
The problem was featured in a Daily Hornet news report, which stated that the ladders involved in the recall were more liable to break upon use. At least one incident of a broken ladder while in use has already been reported. The person who used the ladder suffered injuries to his side and elbow. Defective products are what caused this recall.
The recall included 5 models of the Werner Aluminum Telescoping Ladders, which were designed for use in up to 5 different positions. The maximum load was supposed to be 375 pounds, although the defect certainly disproves this supposed weight capability. These ladders were sold at prices ranging from $180 to $275 at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores all over the country. They were available from April to May 2018.
The Hazards of Slipping and Falling off a Ladder
Falls rank among the most common hazards in homes and workplaces, and many of these incidents involve ladders. More than half a million people in the country have been injured in accidents involving ladders, and these cases have resulted in 300 deaths. Slip and fall cases from this type of ladder have caused serious injuries.
While such accidents can occur almost everywhere and affect almost anybody, some types of employees are more liable to suffer such injuries. Repair workers and those in maintenance and construction report higher rates of injuries and fatalities from ladder-related accidents.
In some of these cases, the accidents were caused by improper use. Sometimes the angle for the ladder was incorrect, and in other cases the wrong type of ladder was used for a certain situation or area.
In other cases, the ladder had a faulty design which made it more dangerous to use. The ladder can also be defective and unable to bear the load for which it was designed for.
Injuries and Compensation
Ladder-related accidents may seem humorous when viewed as part of a movie or TV scene, but it is a serious matter for those involved. Such accidents have led to serious injuries including head trauma, strains, sprains, and lacerations. In some cases, broken bones and even spinal cord damage have been reported.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, it’s best if you seek medical attention as soon as possible. A seemingly minor injury may actually be more serious upon further examination by a health care professional.
In addition, the ladder involved in the accident should be checked for possible defects and faults in its design. If the ladder simply broke under your weight and you weigh less than its maximum load capability, you should consult with an experienced product defect lawyer about your legal options. You may be able to file a suit so that you can claim damages that can cover your medical bills, any lost income, as well as compensate for your pain and suffering.