Soon-to-Be New Mississippi Father Falls Off Ladder in Tragic Work Accident, Faces Permanent Paralysis

The sad and unfortunate story of a soon-to-be Mississippi father who was injured in a workplace accident just after receiving the news that his wife was pregnant has shaken a community, and serves as a reminder of the dangers workers face when it comes to falling off ladders. According to local news reports, Luke Byrd, a Mississippi carpenter, may never walk again after falling off a ladder at work, shortly after he received the joyous news that he would be a first-time father from his newly-pregnant wife. The terrible workplace accident happened on July 11, when Mr. Byrd was working in his carpenter job and he suffered from a 15-foot fall from a ladder. Mr. Byrd was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to his spine, but he was told that he may never walk again due to the injuries he sustained in the fall. Although reports indicate that the Byrd family remains “motivated” by the news of the new baby on the way, Mr. Byrd’s paralysis will require the couple to make significant modifications to their home and the way that they live. A GoFundMe page was set up for the couple to help cover these expenses (such as a wheelchair ramp to the home and bathroom modifications), stating, “These expenses, coupled with the surgery and physical therapy, will require financial resources not available to the young newlyweds. Any contributions you could make would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Friends and family of Luke Byrd.”

Workplace Falls Off of Ladders Pose Risk of Danger to Mississippi Workers

Unfortunately, the reality is that Mr. Byrd’s case is not isolated. Indeed, falls off ladders remain a significant risk to workers in many Mississippi workplaces and job sites. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, in 2020 alone 161 workers died in the United States as a result of falling from ladders. In addition, there were 22,710 workplace injuries caused by falls off ladders in the U.S. that same year. The CDC notes that jobs that are particularly susceptible to ladder falls include construction work, maintenance work, repair work, and jobs involving workers who work in small businesses. Accordingly, Mississippi workers must remain vigilant and careful when working on or around ladders, and employers should always ensure worker safety when ladders are present or required at the job.

Legal Help for Injured Workers in Mississippi

If you were injured at work in Mississippi and you need legal help obtaining important Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits, contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help Mississippi workers get compensation due for their injuries sustained in work-related accidents. Do not hesitate to learn about your entitlement to Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits today. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC and speak to an experienced Mississippi lawyer about your case now.

Source:

magnoliastatelive.com/2024/07/23/mississippi-man-paralyzed-in-job-accident-just-hours-after-finding-out-his-wife-is-pregnant/