Common Causes of Ladder Falls on the Job

Understanding how and why your fall happened is essential to building a strong case. Some of the most common causes of ladder-related injuries in the workplace include:

• Unstable ladder placement (on uneven ground or slick surfaces)
• Damaged or defective ladders (bent frames, broken rungs, worn-out feet)
• Improper use or overreaching
• Lack of proper fall protection equipment
• Failure to follow safety procedures
• Inadequate training or supervision

If any of these factors contributed to your fall, your injury may not have been “just an accident”—but the result of negligence or unsafe working conditions.

What to Do Immediately After a Ladder Fall

If you’ve fallen from a ladder at work, take these steps as soon as possible:

1. Seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some trauma, like spinal injuries or concussions, can worsen over time.
2. Report the incident to your employer or supervisor and ask for an official report.
3. Document the scene—take photos of the ladder, the work area, and anything unusual or unsafe.
4. Get witness statements if anyone saw the fall or knew the ladder was defective or set up improperly.
5. Preserve any related equipment, if possible, and do not alter the ladder before it can be examined.

Understanding Liability: Was Someone Else at Fault?

Not all ladder falls are simply bad luck. In many cases, someone may be legally responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to the accident. Potentially liable parties might include:

• Your employer, for failing to provide a safe working environment or proper safety gear
• A third-party contractor, if their equipment or actions contributed to the fall
• A ladder manufacturer, if a defect or design flaw made the product unsafe

Understanding liability is crucial—especially if your injury could have been prevented through proper training, inspection, or equipment standards.

Long-Term Impact of Ladder Injuries

Ladder falls frequently lead to:

• Fractures (wrists, ankles, hips)
• Back injuries or herniated discs
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Permanent loss of mobility
• Extended time away from work

These injuries often involve long recovery times, ongoing therapy, and lost wages—making it critical to understand your options for compensation.

Know Your Rights as a Missouri Worker

If you were injured in a fall from a ladder while performing your job duties, Missouri law may entitle you to pursue benefits or legal action. The details of your case—such as whether safety rules were ignored or a product was defective—can make a major difference in your outcome.

Protecting your rights starts with understanding what caused the fall, documenting the evidence, and knowing where liability may lie.