Attic ladder fall
After a Recalled Attic Ladder Fails
30-second answer
Stop using the ladder. Do not climb, test, unfold, or repair it to collect evidence. Get medical help first. From a safe position, save photos, the model, failed parts, installation records, and every recall or repair document.
Reviewed by Arta Wildeboer, California attorney (Bar #286995) · Updated
Do this now
- 1Stop using the ladder. Keep other people away and do not climb, test, shake, unfold, dismantle, or repair it to collect evidence.
- 2Get emergency or medical help. Tell providers what happened and report symptoms accurately.
- 3Take wide photos from a safe floor position. Include the ladder, attic opening, frame, hardware, landing area, and surrounding damage.
- 4Save the brand and model only if the inside-door label is visible safely. Keep failed parts, receipts, manuals, installation records, and prior repair messages.
- 5Follow the CPSC recall process. Before repair or removal, keep copies of registration, kit, instructions, photos, and records showing who changed what and when.
Avoid this
- Do not recreate the fall or move a failed part to make the damage look clearer.
- Do not clean, straighten, glue, discard, or surrender broken hardware without documenting who received it.
- Do not delay a necessary safety repair or ignore official instructions just to preserve evidence.
Save these
- Safe wide photos of the ladder, attic opening, frame, steps, hardware, and landing
- Brand and model label, only if visible without climbing
- Failed bolts, washers, nuts, spreader parts, hinges, or other detached pieces
- Receipt, order, manual, warranty, and recall registration
- Installation, inspection, maintenance, complaint, and repair records
- Names of the owner, landlord, property manager, installer, contractor, and repair person
- Witness details, incident records, and original photos or video
- Medical records, bills, injury photos, expenses, and missed-work records
Common questions
Which ladders are recalled?
CPSC recall 26-661 covers certain Louisville, Featherlite, Lite & Century attic stairway ladders with gas struts. The brand and model are inside the attic door. Do not climb to read the label.
Should I install the free repair kit now?
Stop use and follow the recall. If someone was hurt, safely document the ladder first when feasible. Keep the kit, instructions, removed hardware, and repair record. Do not perform an unsafe repair yourself.
Who may have important records?
The manufacturer, retailer, installer, contractor, owner, landlord, property manager, maintenance provider, insurer, and medical providers may hold different records. Their involvement does not prove responsibility.
Does the recall prove someone is legally responsible?
No. The recall may matter, but it does not automatically prove a defect, installation problem, notice, the cause of a fall, or legal liability. Those questions depend on the evidence.
Want more detail?
Read the full explanation
Louisville Attic Ladder Recall: Evidence to Save After a FallOfficial resources
Questions about your situation?
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