If you were injured in a fall from a ladder at a Missouri construction site, responsibility may fall on your employer through workers’ compensation and may also fall on a third party such as a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, equipment company, ladder manufacturer, or another negligent company that caused or contributed to the fall. At Sansone & Lauber, we investigate ladder fall cases fast because jobsite evidence can disappear, equipment can be moved, witnesses can leave, and companies may start protecting themselves immediately.
The Direct Answer
A ladder fall at a Missouri construction site may involve more than one claim.
You may have:
- a workers’ compensation claim
- a third-party injury lawsuit
- both, depending on who caused the fall
Workers’ compensation may cover medical treatment and part of your lost wages.
A third-party lawsuit may allow us to pursue more complete compensation, including pain and suffering, future lost income, permanent disability, and the full impact the injury has had on your life.
Missouri workers’ compensation law generally makes workers’ comp the primary remedy against an employer for a covered workplace accident, but that does not automatically protect other companies or third parties that helped cause the injury. (revisor.mo.gov)
Who May Be Responsible For A Ladder Fall?
Construction sites are crowded.
Multiple companies may be working at the same time.
That is why ladder fall cases require a full investigation.
Responsible parties may include:
- your employer
- a general contractor
- a subcontractor
- a property owner
- a ladder manufacturer
- an equipment rental company
- a maintenance company
- another trade on the jobsite
- a company that failed to follow safety rules
We do not assume one company is responsible.
We look at everyone.
Common Causes Of Ladder Falls On Construction Sites
Ladder falls usually do not happen for no reason.
They often happen because someone cut corners, ignored safety, or failed to provide proper equipment.
Common causes include:
- unstable ladder placement
- broken or defective ladders
- ladders set at the wrong angle
- slippery surfaces
- missing safety training
- unsafe work areas
- lack of fall protection where required
- debris around the ladder
- rushing workers to finish faster
- another worker or contractor creating a hazard
OSHA has specific ladder safety requirements, and OSHA also states that fall protection is generally required at elevations of six feet in construction. Falls remain one of the most serious hazards on construction sites. (osha.gov)
Why These Cases Must Be Investigated Fast
After a ladder fall, the jobsite can change quickly.
The ladder can disappear.
The work area can be cleaned.
The equipment can be moved.
The contractor can fix the hazard before anyone documents it.
Witnesses can go to the next job.
That is why waiting is dangerous.
Key evidence may include:
- photos of the ladder and work area
- the actual ladder involved in the fall
- inspection records
- maintenance records
- safety meeting notes
- jobsite video
- witness statements
- OSHA reports
- subcontractor agreements
- medical records and wage records
We move fast to protect the evidence before someone else controls the story.
What Injuries Can Happen From A Ladder Fall?
A fall from a ladder can cause serious, life-changing injuries.
Common injuries include:
- traumatic brain injuries
- concussions
- neck injuries
- back injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- broken bones
- shoulder injuries
- knee injuries
- hip injuries
- internal injuries
- permanent disability
- wrongful death
A ladder fall is not “minor” just because it happened at work.
If you are hurt, your case matters.
Can I Sue If Workers’ Comp Is Already Paying Me?
Yes, you may still have a separate lawsuit if someone other than your employer helped cause the accident.
Workers’ comp may be one part of the case.
It may not be the only part.
A third-party claim may exist if:
- a subcontractor created the hazard
- the general contractor failed to keep the site safe
- a defective ladder caused the fall
- a property owner allowed unsafe conditions
- another company moved, damaged, or misused equipment
- a contractor failed to follow safety rules
At Sansone & Lauber, we look for every possible source of recovery. Our Missouri construction accident lawyers have been doing this since 2003.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the facts, we may pursue compensation for:
- emergency medical bills
- hospital care
- surgery
- physical therapy
- lost wages
- future lost income
- future medical care
- pain and suffering
- permanent disability
- reduced earning ability
- scarring or disfigurement
- loss of quality of life
Workers’ comp may not cover everything.
That is why identifying third-party liability can be so important.
What Should I Do After A Ladder Fall In Missouri?
Take these steps immediately:
- get medical treatment right away
- report the fall to your supervisor
- take photos of the ladder, scene, hazard, and injuries
- get witness names and phone numbers
- keep your boots, clothing, tools, and safety gear
- write down exactly what happened
- do not give a recorded statement without legal advice
- do not assume workers’ comp is your only claim
- call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500
Fast action can protect your health.
Fast action can protect your evidence.
Fast action can protect the value of your case.
How Long Do I Have To File?
Missouri deadlines depend on the type of claim.
Many Missouri personal injury claims generally have a five-year deadline, but waiting is still a mistake because evidence can disappear long before the deadline expires. (revisor.mo.gov)
Workers’ compensation deadlines may be shorter.
Do not wait.
The deadline is not your strategy.
Fast action is your strategy.
Why Choose Sansone & Lauber?
At Sansone & Lauber, we know construction accident cases can involve multiple companies, multiple insurance carriers, safety rules, defective equipment, and serious injuries.
We do not let the employer, contractor, subcontractor, equipment company, or insurance carrier define your case.
We help injured construction workers by:
- investigating what caused the fall
- identifying every responsible party
- preserving jobsite evidence
- reviewing safety failures
- pursuing workers’ compensation when available
- pursuing third-party injury claims when possible
- dealing with the insurance companies
- fighting for maximum recovery
We investigate.
We build proof.
We fight for results.
FAQs
Who is responsible for a ladder fall at a Missouri construction site?
Responsibility may fall on your employer through workers’ compensation and may also fall on a third party such as a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, equipment company, ladder manufacturer, or another negligent company.
Can I sue after falling from a ladder at work?
You may be able to sue if someone other than your direct employer caused or contributed to the fall. Workers’ comp may cover part of the injury, but a third-party lawsuit may provide additional recovery.
What if the ladder was defective?
If a defective ladder caused your fall, the manufacturer, rental company, maintenance company, or another responsible party may be liable.
What if a subcontractor caused the hazard?
You may have a third-party injury claim if a subcontractor created the dangerous condition that caused your fall.
What if workers’ comp is already paying me?
You may still have another claim. Workers’ compensation may not be your only source of recovery if a third party helped cause the accident.
What should I do first after a ladder fall?
Get medical care, report the injury, document the scene, preserve evidence, get witness names, and call a lawyer quickly.
How much does it cost to hire Sansone & Lauber?
There is no upfront fee. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Call Sansone & Lauber Right Now
If you were injured in a fall from a ladder at a Missouri construction site, do not assume workers’ compensation is your only option.
Do not let the jobsite get cleaned up.
Do not let the ladder disappear.
Do not let the contractor, subcontractor, property owner, or insurance company control the story.
At Sansone & Lauber, we move fast to protect evidence, identify every possible claim, and fight for the maximum recovery available.
Call Sansone & Lauber now at 314-863-0500 for a free consultation.
Do not wait. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start protecting your case.
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