If your job in New Jersey requires frequent use of a ladder, you likely use it plenty of times in a work shift while barely considering the dangers unique to ladders. Unfortunately, all it takes is one incident to cost your health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) take a look at ladder fall injuries in relation to occupations. High risk jobs can include police officers, firefighters, and construction workers. Ladder accidents can happen for a number of reasons and may include equipment that hasn’t been maintained by proper authorities, a lack of safety training, or a failure to provide accurate warnings about the terrain you may be working in.
The injuries that can result from a ladder fall can impact your life for a long time to come. Some common injuries include:
- Brain damage due to head trauma
- Broken or fractured bones, including the skull or back
- Spine and spinal cord damage
While injuries like broken limbs are usually less severe, damage done to the head or back can be traumatic. You may find yourself taking months or even years to fully recover. In some cases – such as with brain damage or paralysis due to back injury – you may never regain full recovery. This can cut into your ability to remain employed and make a living for yourself.
Between a lost paycheck and medical bills, you could find yourself in a hairy financial situation. For this reason, you may want to contact an attorney for guidance on seeking compensation.