Each year, hundreds of people in Maine and thousands around the country are killed or injured while working on ladders. While many of these incidents occur on job sites, such as in the construction and roofing trades, the majority of ladder injuries actually happen to people at their homes.
Although operator error is sometimes to blame, injuries and death can also be caused by defective ladders, faulty assembly at the factory or a retail store, or lack of proper instructions and warning labels.
Ladder-related injuries on job sites often happen when employees are improperly trained or not trained at all on how to safely use ladders, scaffolding, and related equipment. In those cases, employers can be held liable.
Defective ladder cases require the best and most experienced lawyers
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S.
We have obtained several of the largest jury verdicts in Maine history, and many of the largest settlements for our clients. Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable about medical issues and skilled at proving fault, documenting the extent of your losses, and ensuring you receive full compensation. We have recovered $1 billion for our injured clients.
When ladder manufacturers need to be held accountable
Ladder manufacturers know they are creating a high-risk product and often have senior engineers dedicated solely to defending the company’s products in court. These engineers are essentially professional witnesses who are highly experienced in circumventing questions about the safety of their products. Their agenda is to avoid taking responsibility for the injuries you or your loved one sustained.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) product standards for ladders are, in essence, written by and for those in the ladder industry. Ladders in new condition undergo performance testing in a factory setting to establish standards, but these tests provide no indication of how the product will hold up in real usage or over time.
Our defective ladder lawyers know how to look beyond just the applicable ANSI standards in analyzing potential defects in product design and to hold the manufacturer accountable for flaws. Holding ladder companies accountable in this way not only helps individual clients, but also helps the general public by leading to better ladder design and regulation by the industry, and safer use by consumers.
Helping in all aspects of your recovery: Financial, physical, and emotional
We understand what’s at stake for our clients. There is only one opportunity to build your case and recover a favorable settlement or jury verdict. No other firm in Maine can commit more experience, expertise, and resources for your case than Berman & Simmons. We will do everything in our power to hold the responsible parties accountable and to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
While we work to maximize your financial recovery, we also can serve as a partner for your physical and emotional recovery. Our lawyers and staff members will take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with helpful solutions to make your life easier.
From day one, we will assist you in obtaining any necessary referrals to specialists for medical and mental health care. We can arrange payment or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We will also help you navigate the complex maze of medical insurance and disability programs.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
We'll Take Care of the Heavy Lifting
Get Peace of Mind
It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.
Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
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You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
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The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.
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Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.
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You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.