$700,000 Settlement in Defective Ladder Lawsuit

By Jaimee Wolbert

Published on August 19, 2005

The makers of Versaladder, Versa Products and its subsidiary G&L Products, did not admit to any wrongdoing in the case. The settlement is the largest in the company's history.

In 2001, Frank Socky, 74, was using the Versaladder while working on a floodlight outside his home. When the ladder unexpectedly collapsed, he fell 12 feet to his death.

Lawyers for Mr. Socky's widow allege that the popular Versaladder product has a hinge defect that can cause it to collapse while in use. They presented evidence of more than 170 reported instances of hinge failure, causing injuries ranging from amputated fingers to broken bones. Three deaths, including Mr. Socky's, have also been linked to the ladder's use.

The company disputes the number of reported injuries and maintains that the product is safe. According to their spokesperson, they agreed to a settlement to avoid the uncertainty of a jury trial.

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