Case Studies: Defective Ladder Case
A homeowner was atop an extension ladder clearing the gutters of accumulated leaves when the safety devices on the extension ladder failed, causing it to telescope down. The homeowner/Plaintiff was thrown to the ground where he received a blow to the temporal region of his skull.
The Defendant ladder manufacturer, refused to accept liability stating that the homeowner had failed to properly engage the safety locks.
The Law Offices of Peter A. Miller hired an engineering firm to do a complete analysis of the ladder, and the safety catch functions. Furthermore, Peter Miller traveled to Mexico and inspected the plant where the ladder had been manufactured and noticed certain manufacturing procedures which would result in failure of the safety features of the ladder. An extensive discovery was initiated, including interviews with company engineers and plant supervisors. The Plaintiff's physicians were also deposed at length. Approximately a year after a lawsuit was filed, The Law Offices of Peter A. Miller were invited by the Defendant/manufacturer to submit a demand for settlement. Shortly thereafter, settlement was reached in an amount that was agreeable to all parties.