Floatstep Dock Ladder Finger Amputation Lawsuit Lawyers

As one of the nation’s premier personal injury and mass tort law firms, we are capable of successfully handling all types of cases. If you or a loved one are injured due to the negligence of another, there is no better place to help advocate for your rights than Parker Waichman LLP.

Floatstep Dock Ladder Finger Amputation Lawsuit Lawyers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a stern warning concerning the use of Floatstep dock ladders manufactured by Atlantic Aluminum and Marine Products Inc. These ladders pose significant risks of fingertip amputation and crushing injuries due to hazardous pinch points. Despite reports of serious injuries, including two cases of fingertip amputations in Kentucky (2022) and Florida (2018), the manufacturer has not initiated an acceptable recall of these products.

The Design and Dangers of Floatstep Dock Ladders

Floatstep dock ladders are designed to rise out of the water when not in use, making them a preferred choice for many dock owners. The ladder system consists of a base with bushings attached to the dock and a hollow ladder that slides up and down these bushings. The pinch points, where the injuries occur, are located between the bushings and the hollow ladder at both the top and bottom on each side. These points can trap and crush fingers, leading to severe injuries such as amputations.

Constructed from aluminum with a black plastic float at the base, these ladders range in size from three to ten steps. Despite their availability on platforms like DockGear.com, Havendock.com, TMPmarine.com, and boatliftanddock.com, the CPSC strongly advises consumers to stop using these ladders immediately and dispose of them to prevent further injuries.

Manufacturer’s Defense and Regulatory Position

Atlantic Aluminum and Marine Products Inc. contests the CPSC’s warning, claiming that the injuries were due to improper installation. The company asserts that the ladders involved in the incidents lacked the recommended rubber stoppers, which are intended to mitigate injury risks. Despite this defense, the CPSC continues to warn against the use of these ladders, emphasizing the inherent dangers they present.

Impact on Consumers and Legal Options

The injuries caused by Floatstep dock ladders can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Fingertip amputations and crushing injuries lead to immediate and intense pain, potential long-term disabilities, and substantial medical expenses. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing physical therapy. These injuries can also impact a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities, exacerbating the financial and emotional strain.

For those affected by these defective ladders, legal recourse is available. Victims can file a product liability lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries. The process involves proving that the product was defective and that the defect directly caused the injury. Key steps in this legal process include collecting evidence such as medical records, photographs of the injury and product, and documentation related to the purchase and installation of the ladder.

Navigating a product liability lawsuit requires specialized legal expertise. An attorney can assist in filing the necessary legal documents, representing the victim in court, and negotiating settlements. During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information to build their cases. This phase is crucial for gathering all relevant evidence and requires meticulous attention to detail.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Securing an attorney is essential for anyone pursuing a product liability lawsuit. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide victims through each stage of the legal process, from filing the initial complaint to negotiating settlements or representing them in court. An attorney ensures that the victim’s rights are protected and works to obtain the maximum compensation possible.

In a product liability lawsuit, victims can recover various types of damages. Compensatory damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Additionally, non-economic damages may be awarded for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be granted to penalize particularly reckless behavior by the manufacturer and to deter similar conduct in the future.

Free Consultation
Parker Waichman LLP
Are you inquiring about a new matter?
What type of accident did you have?
Please share a few details about your inquiry so we can connect you with the best person to assist you.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Related Video

4.8 from 549 Reviews

Client Reviews

Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.

The best lawyers, excellent communication, very friendly and very efficient
Yonny Buenaño
5 months ago
I would like to thank Ms. Tina Morace for all her work on my claim. She was always effective and diligent during the process and I was always in the loop. Again, thank you and I recommend Parker/Waichman, LLP for all your legal needs... Positive Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Pamela Felts
4 years ago
I would like to thank the Parker Waichman Staff for helping me throughout this journey, Bonita Rollis was exceptionally awesome in guiding me throughout this process. From the beginning she offered hospitality and wished me longevity in my course of healing. We creation a connection, which made it easier for me to understand the process. I explored with questions and she listened with patience and provided recommendations every time we spoke. I have and will always recommend this firm to any of my family and friends.
donna rayside
2 years ago
I am very satisfied with the results in my cases with the firm of Parker Waichman, their work is very efficient, I am also grateful to Miss Maryann Gallizy for all the availability and also the kindness with which she helped me
Naznely Pajaro
4 months ago

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.