Many people who fall from ladders blame themselves, assuming they simply lost their balance. However, at Marciano Legal, we know that many of these accidents aren’t caused by “clumsiness.” They are caused by defective equipment.
What is Ladder Law?
“Ladder Law” is essentially a specialized area of product liability law. It revolves around a single, critical question: Was the product defective?
When a ladder is manufactured effectively and correctly, it should work exactly as the manufacturer intended. When it doesn’t, and a person is injured because the tool failed to perform its basic function, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable for the damages.
Common Ways Ladders Fail
There are a couple types of ladders, and each has its own specific set of common defects. Understanding how these tools fail is the first step in building a legal case.
1. Extension Ladders and the “Telescope” Effect
An extension ladder is designed to reach high places, such as your roof or gutters. You extend the ladder, lock it into place, and climb. However, in many defective cases, the locking mechanism fails.
While the user is at the top of the ladder, the extended section may suddenly “telescope” or slide down. This sudden drop almost always results in the user being thrown to the ground, often from a significant height.
2. A-Frame Ladders and Structural Collapse
A-frame ladders are the folding ladders most people have in their garages. You unfold them, press down the spreader bars to lock them, and climb.
In these cases, we often see mechanical failures such as:
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Leg Collapse: One of the legs buckling under a weight it was rated to hold.
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Defective Rivets: The rivets holding the ladder together may be weak or improperly installed. When a rivet pops out, the entire structure can collapse instantly.
How to Identify a Defective Ladder
One of the most straightforward ways to identify if your accident was caused by a defect is to check for recalls. Manufacturers are required to report known issues to the public. If the model of ladder you were using has been recalled for the very issue that caused your fall, such as faulty rivets or locking mechanisms, it is a strong indicator that you have a ladder accident case.
Why You Need a Ladder Accident Attorney
Proving that a ladder was defectively designed requires a deep dive into manufacturing standards and engineering. At Marciano Legal, we understand the nuances of ladder incidents. We look beyond the accident itself to see if the equipment was fit for its intended use.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall, do not throw the ladder away. It is the most important piece of evidence in your case.
To learn more about Marciano Legal and our ladder accident attorneys, please feel free to contact us online. You can also dial (215) 515-7743 if you need legal help for a claim of your own in Philadelphia or the surrounding area.
