Werner Recalls 80,000 Ladders
Thousands of people are injured each year by everyday household items that fail to act as expected. The recent recall of almost 80,000 ladders is another warning that Floridians can be injured while working around the house. If a household product injures you unexpectedly, you might be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
The Recall
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website, Werner has recalled five models of stepladders:
- 13 feet (MT-IAA-13A)
- 17 feet (MT-IAA-17A)
- 22 feet (MT-IAA-22A)
- 26 feet (Model MT-IAA-26)
- 26 feet (Model MT-IAA-26A)
Consumers can find the model number on the label located on the side of the rail. They should also look for the relevant date codes: 121744XX or 011844XX. If your ladder is subject to recall, you should immediately stop using it and take the ladder to the store for a refund.
According to the CPSC website, Werner received one report of the ladder breaking while being used, which caused injury to the consumer’s elbow and side. Unfortunately, this is not Werner’s first recall of its ladders. Interested consumers should search the CPSC website for other recalls that might affect them.
Common Defects
Stepladders should be strong enough to safely hold several hundred pounds but also stable enough not to move while a person is climbing. Unfortunately, some ladders have either a defective design or were manufactured with a defect, such as weakness in the materials used. In these situations, the ladder can wobble or collapse altogether, sending consumers sprawling.
Common defects that we see involving ladders include:
- Loose nails or bolts
- Corroded parts
- No slip pads on the ladder’s feet
- Malfunctioning locks
- Weak rungs that break or bend
- Incorrect load ratings
- Inadequate or absent warnings about safety hazards
Many consumers cannot identify whether there is a defect in the product, so it is important to hang onto the ladder after your injury. Your personal injury attorney will want to see the ladder and analyze it for any defects.
Defective Ladder Injuries
Victims suffer the kinds of injuries those who fall from heights generally suffer, including:
- Fractures, including compound fractures
- Soft tissue injuries, such as contusions, sprains, or strains
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
If the person fell from a significant height, or if they landed awkwardly, then they could die as a result of the fall.
Before you can bring a lawsuit for a defective ladder, you need to identify whether you used the ladder properly. A manufacturer can defend against a products liability lawsuit if you used the ladder in a manner that they did not expect. However, this will not be a problem in the vast majority of cases.
Consult with a Defective Ladder Attorney in Volusia County
Few falls are minor. Even falling a few feet can cause horrible injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time off from work to recuperate. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our products liability attorneys in Daytona Beach have helped many clients receive compensation. Let us help you.
Schedule your free consultation by calling 866-785-5470.
Resource:
cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Werner-Recalls-Aluminum-Ladders-Due-to-Fall-Hazard
