Construction Worker Injured After Falling 20 Feet From Ladder at Hanover Worksite
HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (January 28, 2026) – A construction worker was seriously injured after falling at a construction site in Hanover.
Grafton County officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday. A worker was on a ladder when he suddenly fell 20 feet.
The force of the impact from him hitting the ground caused major injuries. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
The place he landed was difficult to access and required a rope rescue. The worker was transported to a hospital to receive treatment.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for New Hampshire Construction Accidents
Construction companies in New Hampshire have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654, “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Employers should take several actions to prevent ladder fall accidents.
- Rules: Employers should strictly prohibit the use of makeshift ladders.
- Inspections: Employers must inspect ladders prior to every shift. Defective ladders must be removed.
- Training: Workers should be trained to safely use ladders. They must maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
- Placement: Employers should ensure that all extension ladders are placed at least 3 feet from the landing surface.
When a worker is injured in New Hampshire, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help injured workers. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker may be able to receive benefits through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if the liable party was separate from the worker’s employer. For example, the manufacturer of a ladder could be liable if it was defective in some way and caused the worker to fall. A general contractor could also be liable if a work site was in an unsafe condition.
Common Injuries Associated With Ladder Falls
Falls remain a major cause of injury and death for workers in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2023, about 1 in 5 (20.8 percent) workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.5 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for 47.8 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2023.” Victims of ladder falls tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Head Injuries: Any type of fall from a ladder can cause a worker to hit their head and sustain major head trauma. This can range from minor concussions to skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries.
- Back Injuries: Falls are a major cause of spinal cord injuries. Many construction workers suffer herniated discs or fractures to their vertebrae.
- Fractures: Another extremely common injury associated with ladder falls is orthopedic injuries and bone fractures. These are especially common in a person’s wrists and forearms, as people often brace for impact.
- Internal Injuries: Not all of the injuries associated with a ladder fall will be outwardly obvious. Many workers sustain major internal trauma to their organs.
Any type of fall in the construction industry can be traumatic and very difficult to deal with. Workers may need to take weeks or even months away from their jobs. They could also be burdened with high medical bills. In the most severe cases, workers may not be able to return to their profession. They may also need to contend with long-term injuries that greatly impair their ability to perform daily tasks. Any worker injured in a construction accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim.
Investigating New Hampshire Construction Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the worker injured in this Hanover ladder fall accident. It is our sincere hope that he’s able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. Steps need to be taken to prevent similar incidents at this construction site down the road.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a New Hampshire construction accident? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of experienced construction accident lawyers is here for you. We are committed to getting victims the medical and financial assistance that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.