Construction Accidents Caused by Heavy Equipment
Despite numerous federal safety regulations for the workplace and an ever-increasing number of precautions, construction sites remain a place of disproportionately frequent accidents and injuries. Construction accidents come in many forms and from a variety of factors, requiring workers, employers, and property owners to be cognizant of the potential dangers. One particularly dangerous risk on a construction site is that of heavy equipment, which can injure or kill an unsuspecting worker if not handled with due diligence.
We urge construction workers in and around the Daytona Beach area to take care when operating such tools and machinery, as exemplified below. In the event you are injured by equipment on site, our law firm is ready to assist you at every step of the way.
Types of Heavy Equipment
Many construction sites utilize a variety of vehicles and machines that can pose a significant risk if not handled and monitored carefully. Depending on the site and its safety procedures, the following equipment can result in severe injuries when mishandled:
- Forklifts
- Cement mixers
- Cranes
- Aerial lifts
- Front-end loaders
- Backhoes
- Compactors
- Trucks and tractors
- Bulldozers
- Cherry pickers
The Risk of Injury
Heavy machinery poses an elevated risk for a few reasons. First, and most obviously, these machines utilize enough force to inflict serious harm or death to workers. Moreover, because of the power behind such equipment, injury can easily be inflicted before anyone has time to react accordingly. All it takes is a brief moment of negligence for a worker to face hospitalization and potentially lifelong damage. Common injuries from heavy equipment include:
- Spinal injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Brain damage
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Death
Even when injuries are able to heal properly, the financial consequences of such an accident are a problem unto themselves. The costs of hospitalization, ongoing medical bills, loss of work, and similar financial losses can be devastating for an individual or family. Sadly, employers and insurance companies are rarely cooperative when it comes to covering all of these costs. If you are faced with any significant injuries as a result of a construction accident, you will likely need an experienced personal injury attorney to receive the full compensation you deserve.
Finding Fault
It can be difficult to discern who is legally responsible for a workplace injury, especially in a construction zone where multiple people are working on different tasks at any given time. Our lawyers will get to the bottom of your case, speaking with eyewitnesses, coworkers, property managers, equipment manufacturers, and anyone who may have played a part in what led to your accident. Because negligence comes in many forms, there are multiple ways in which a construction accident may occur - from a lack of safety regulations to faulty equipment or an irresponsible equipment operator. No matter the cause, we will work to unearth the facts of your accident before helping you seek compensation for your injury or loss.
Speak with a Lawyer Today
If you are involved in a workplace accident, it is crucial that you seek legal recourse as soon as possible. Construction companies and property owners are quick to build their own defense, possibly hiding evidence or speaking with employees before they can be questioned by another lawyer. Contact our office today to learn how we can begin working on your behalf.