Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in terms of the prevalence and severity of work-related accidents and injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are more than 4,000 fatal accidents within the construction sector every year. This equates to more than 10 deaths per day.
The most common causes of construction injuries and fatalities include:
- Falls from height
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Electrocution
- Accidents involving individuals being struck by objects
Construction workers can also sustain serious injuries as a result of using heavy machinery and equipment. In this guide, we’ll discuss what causes heavy equipment accidents on building sites and offer advice for those who have been injured.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES
Construction workers utilize a wide range of equipment and machinery to construct buildings and other structures. Heavy machinery, tools and vehicles make it possible to complete innovative projects, but they also pose a risk. Operating heavy machinery can cause severe, even fatal injuries.
Examples of heavy equipment you may see on a construction site include:
- Cherry pickers
- Bobcats
- Forklift trucks
- Dumpsters
- Nail guns
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Compactors
- Cranes
- Backhoes
Accidents that involve heavy machinery and equipment impact operators and drivers, as well as other people in close proximity to the site.
Causes of heavy equipment accidents in construction include:
- Machinery or vehicle collapse
- Rollover
- Equipment malfunction
- Vehicle collisions
- Workers becoming trapped between or behind machinery or heavy vehicles
- Getting caught in a machine
- Crushing
TYPES OF INJURIES CAUSED BY HEAVY MACHINERY ACCIDENTS
Working with heavy machinery carries a high risk of injury. The power, force, size and weight of heavy-duty equipment means that injuries are often severe. Examples of injuries caused by heavy equipment accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs and amputation
- Severe cuts and burns
- Electrical injuries
WHEN IS IT POSSIBLE TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR A HEAVY MACHINERY ACCIDENT?
Some construction accidents are inevitable, but others are caused by negligence on the part of other people. There are several possibilities in terms of liability when a heavy machinery accident occurs. If the machine operator was responsible for their own injuries, they wouldn’t be able to claim compensation. If somebody else was negligent, they may have a viable claim. This may include:
- The employer or site manager
- The equipment manufacturer
- The company or individual responsible for safety testing and equipment provision
If you were injured at work as a result of using faulty machinery, defective personal protective equipment or vehicles that didn’t meet the required safety standards, or you were forced to use machinery without the relevant training or protection, you may be eligible for compensation.
HOW TO CLAIM FOR A HEAVEY EQUIPMENT ACCIDENT
If you think you may be able to claim compensation following a heavy equipment accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. When you have a consultation with an experienced construction accident lawyer, they will ask you questions about the incident and gather as much information as possible to determine if you have a valid case. If you were injured through no fault of your own, and you have evidence to support your claim, your lawyer will start to build your case.
There are several benefits to working with a reputable, experienced legal team, including:
- Accessing expertise and knowledge
- Receiving personalized, tailored advice
- Taking the stress out of making a claim
- Maximizing the chances of making a successful claim
- Ensuring you get the full compensation you are entitled to
WHAT KINDS OF DAMAGES ARE AWARDED FOLLOWING A HEAVY EQUIPMENT ACCIDENT?
Construction accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, which impact people in different ways. Damages will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you sustain severe injuries as a result of a heavy equipment accident, you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Loss of income if you are unable to work or support your family
- Medical bills and healthcare costs, including long-term and ongoing care
- Emotional trauma
- Lost earnings since the incident
CONCLUSION
Working in construction carries a high risk of injury. Using heavy equipment offers incredible benefits for construction workers, site managers and architects and engineers, but it can also contribute to severe injuries.
If you’ve been injured at work while using heavy equipment, it’s wise to seek legal advice. Contact the friendly, knowledgeable team at Wells Trumbull today to schedule a free consultation. Our expert injury lawyers will do everything possible to fight your corner and get the compensation you deserve.