Lawsuits Against Louisville Ladder For Injuries Caused By Defective Products

Louisville Ladder is one of the largest ladder manufacturers in the United States and Canada. In operation since 1946, consumers have come to trust this name brand as a supplier of reliable and safe ladders and ladder products. But over the past couple of decades, the company’s reputation has taken a hit as design defects have led to the recall of multiple ladder models.

These recalls are intended to prevent additional injuries after a dangerous defect has been discovered. But unfortunately, recalls often do the bare minimum. Customers may be issued refunds, new ladders, or repair instructions, but rarely receive financial compensation after they’ve already been injured by the defect. Instead, many consumers have turned to product liability lawsuits against the ladder manufacturer for financial compensation.

Multiple Customers Report Louisville Ladder To The Consumer Product Safety Commission

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a website where consumers can file reports for injuries suffered due to potentially dangerous or defective products. At least 18 consumers have filed reports against Louisville Ladder on this website. Some of the victims suffered serious injuries, including some which have persisted long after their accidents.

Man Breaks Wrist After Falling From Step Ladder

A 60-year-old man broke his right wrist in two places after falling from Louisville’s Davison step ladder. According to his report, the metal straps holding the legs of the ladder broke and the ladder collapsed. The man was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and wrote that he can’t afford the over $5,000 in medical bills he received for the treatment.

Elderly Man Suffers Multiple Bruises, Contusions, and Sprains In Ladder Fall

A 70-year-old man was using a step ladder to rescue his cat from a roof. After saving the cat and beginning to descend, the ladder began to buckle near the bottom. The man lost his balance and fell sideways onto the ground, where he suffered a sprained left hip and multiple bruises and contusions on the left side of his body.

The incident was reported to the Home Depot (where he bought the ladder), as the consumer was concerned that the ladder could be a safety hazard.

Man Suffers From Chronic Pain And Fainting Following Ladder Fall

In Florida, a 69-year-old man was painting his house while using one of Louisville’s 8-foot ladders. The stabilizer of the ladder slipped, causing him to fall onto the concrete below. The man suffered a broken heel, broken ankle, and still suffers from chronic pain. He also frequently passes out while walking, and is only able to walk about five feet before he begins to feel faint.

Louisville Ladder Models That Have Been Recalled

Since 1999, Louisville has had to recall three different ladder models because of design defects:

• Extension Ladders Recalled For Fall Hazard – In 2008, Louisville recalled about 25,000 units from a line of extension ladders because of a fall hazard. The extension sections on these ladders failed to lock into place. Consumers were issued free repair kits if they had a ladder with this defect.
• Industrial Ladders Recalled For Defective Rungs – In 2005, Louisville Ladder announced a recall for about 3,000 units of their Type IA industrial ladders. The rungs on these ladders were weak and broke easily, creating a risk of serious injury for anyone using the ladder. Consumers were told to stop using these units and call a recall hotline for a free inspection and replacement.
• Defective Steps Lead To Recall Of RIDGID® Brand Stepladders – In 1999, 10,700 units of Louisville’s RIDGID® stepladders were recalled because, on some units, the steps were too short and improperly attached to the rest of the ladder. These steps could detach, which would lead to a fall. Owners of these ladders were told to inspect their ladders and ask for a refund from Home Depot (the exclusive seller of these ladders).

For customers who were fortunate enough to avoid being injured by these defective ladders, the resolution offered by Lousiville may have seemed acceptable. But those who suffered serious injuries because of the defects were left to deal with their medical expenses, missed time from work, and other damages on their own. This has led to a surge in lawsuits against the company.

Lawsuits Filed Over Defective Louisville Ladders

Since Louisville’s first issues with defective ladders in 1999, countless consumers have taken legal action against the company. Some examples of recent successful lawsuits filed by people who were injured by defective Louisville products include:

Smith V. Louisville Ladder Co.

In 2001, a cable technician in Houston was seriously injured after falling from a Louisville extension ladder at work. The man filed a product liability lawsuit against Louisville Ladder for defective design, failure to warn, and breach of implied warranty of merchantability. The jury ruled in favor of the injured technician and awarded him a total of $1,487,500.

Baugh V. Cuprum S.A. de C.V.

Cuprum is a Mexican-based company which designs and manufactures the ladders sold under the Louisville Ladder brand in the United States and Canada. In 2015, an Illinois man named John Baugh was using a Louisville ladder while replacing the screws on the gutters of his home when one side of the ladder collapsed. Baugh fell onto the concrete below and suffered brain damage in the accident.

Baugh and his wife Sharon successfully sued Cuprum for over $11 million in damages following the accident, including $7.1 million for past and future medical expenses, $2 million for loss of quality of life, and $2 million for pain and suffering.

McGuire V. Davidson Manufacturing Corporation

Davidson Manufacturing Corporation is a subsidiary of Louisville Ladder Group, LLC. In 1999, an Iowa man named Michael McGuire filed a lawsuit against this company after he fell from a 6-foot Louisville stepladder, hit his head on concrete, and suffered serious injuries. McGuire son-in-law witnessed the accident and claimed the ladder’s side rails broke suddenly, causing the ladder to collapse.

McGuire won the lawsuit and was awarded $311,838.57 in damages, plus $24,000 in loss of consortium damages for his wife.

Taking Legal Action After A Defective Ladder Injury

If you’ve recently been injured in a ladder accident and suspect it was caused by a defect, it’s important to understand your legal rights. As you can see from the examples above, Louisville Ladder has already been the subject of dozens of product liability lawsuits.

Our experienced Philadelphia product liability lawyers can help you determine if you have a good case for a lawsuit in a free consultation. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us at the end of your case if you’ve successfully received financial compensation. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights after being injured by a defective product.