Louisville Ladder Recall: Customers File Product Liability Lawsuits

As one of the largest ladder manufacturers in North America, consumers and retailers alike trust that Louisville Ladder’s products are safe, reliable, and durable. This company has been responsible for a large portion of the ladder market since the 1940s. For most of their history, their reputation has been deservedly positive. However, over the past couple of decades, some major manufacturing defects have led to ladder recalls and serious injuries to consumers. If you or a loved one has been injured by one of these products, you may be entitled to financial compensation for related expenses.

How Does A Ladder Recall Work?

When a widespread manufacturing or design defect is discovered, a recall may be issued to remove the dangerous product from the market. These recalls also usually offer either a replacement, refund, or repair instructions for people who have already purchased the defective product. However, the manufacturers of defective ladders do little to compensate customers who have already been injured by their products.

While a recall can help reduce the risk of future injuries, it’s also important to consider the needs of consumers who have already been injured by defective products. Ladder falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in both the home and the workplace, and these injuries are often extremely serious. Victims of falls from defective ladders are often saddled with unmanageable medical bills, forced to miss time from work, and occasionally suffer permanent disabilities which can affect their quality of life. While a ladder recall may fail to account for these difficulties, a product liability lawsuit can help secure the financial compensation consumers need while recovering from ladder fall injuries.

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Multiple Louisville Ladder Models Recalled For Defects

Since 1999, Louisville Ladder has issued three major recalls for defective products:

• RIDGID® Stepladders – In 1999, Louisville recalled approximately 10,700 units of their RIDGID® stepladders because of defective steps. On some units, the steps were too small and improperly attached to the rest of the ladder. This posed a serious hazard to ladder users, as the steps could easily detach and lead to a fall while the ladder was in use. Louisville instructed owners of these ladders to inspect the product for defects themselves and ask for refunds from Home Depot (the exclusive retailer of this line).
• Industrial Ladders – In 2005, about 3,000 units of Louisville Type IA industrial ladders were recalled because of defective rungs. These rungs were weakly constructed and prone to breaking while in use. As part of the recall, owners of these models were told to immediately stop using them and call a recall hotline for free inspections and replacement ladders.
• Extension Ladders – In 2008, about 25,000 units of the Louisville/Davidson and Michigan Brand Fiberglass Extension Ladders were recalled due to a fall hazard. The extension or “fly” section of some of these ladders failed to lock into place, which made it easy for ladder users to fall and suffer serious injuries.

If you’re struggling with financial difficulties after being injured in a fall from one of these ladders, our product liability lawyers can help you determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit against the company.

Injured Consumers File Lawsuits For Defective Louisville Ladders

Over the past 20 years, several people who have been injured by defective Louisville Ladder products have successfully secured financial compensation through personal injury product liability lawsuits against the company. Some recent examples include:

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

In 2015, an Illinois couple named John and Sharon Baugh filed a lawsuit against Cuprum – the company responsible for the production of the ladders sold under the Louisville Ladder brand in North America. John was using a ladder manufactured by Cuprum when it suddenly collapsed. He fell to the ground and suffered a severe brain injury in the accident, including seizures, dementia, and quadriplegia.

Sharon Baugh filed a lawsuit against Cuprum on John Baugh’s behalf. In the original decision, the court ruled in Cuprum’s favor. However, the Baughs appealed the decision and were awarded $11 million in compensation when the case was brought back to court.

Smith V. Louisville Ladder Co.

In 2001, a Texas man named Rodger Smith was injured after falling from a twenty-foot Louisville Ladder while working as a cable television lineman. He suffered severe and disabling spinal cord injuries in the accident. Smith filed a lawsuit against Louisville Ladder, alleging that defective design, failure to provide proper warning labels, and a breach of implied warranty were to blame for his injuries. The jury ruled in Smith’s favor and awarded him $1,487,500 in damages.

McGuire V. Davidson Manufacturing Corporation (Part Of Louisville Ladder Group, LLC)

An Iowa man named Michael McGuire sued Davison Manufacturing Corporation (a subsidiary of Louisville Ladder) after he was severely injured in a fall from one of their 6-foot stepladders. The accident occurred in 1999 and was witnessed by McGuire’s son-in-law. In the lawsuit, McGuire claimed that the fall occurred because of a sudden break in the ladder’s side rails. The jury ruled in McGuire’s favor and awarded him $311,838.57 in damages, along with $24,000 in loss of consortium benefits for his wife.

Filing A Product Liability Lawsuit For A Defective Ladder Injury

If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a fall from a defective ladder, it’s important to explore your legal options. Ladder manufacturers have a legal obligation to make sure their products are safe before they hit the open market. When these companies fail to meet this obligation and consumers get seriously injured as a result, our experienced product liability lawyers are prepared to hold the manufacturer liable for damages related to the accident.

We can help you determine if you have a strong case for a lawsuit in a free consultation. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we help you successfully receive financial compensation for your injuries. Get in touch with us today to find out more about your legal rights after being injured by a defective product