The heavy equipment used in many occupations presents imminent dangers to workers. Machine-related accidents are more prevalent among construction, factory and warehouse workers. Employees in those sectors are at greater risk of serious injuries resulting in permanent disability or even death.
Some of the most common industrial accidents involve these types of heavy machinery:
- Front-end loaders — These large vehicles are used to move and deposit materials such as soil, rock and debris, either on construction sites or roadways. Even when used properly, they present risk of injury due to their sheer size and weight.
- Hoists — Machines used to lift heavy materials are especially dangerous. An overloaded or poorly rigged hoist can result in an unstable load that can swing or fall, causing injuries.
- Cranes — Tower cranes used in construction of buildings and other structures pose a risk of collapsing or tipping over due to multiple causes, including inadequate footing or balancing.
- Forklifts — These lifting/loading devices run the risk of overturning, dropping cargo or toppling from loading docks or other platforms due to driver error or mechanical failure.
Heavy machinery accidents are often more severe in nature than other workplace mishaps due to the sheer size and weight of the equipment involved. Heavy machinery can pose significant dangers even if operated correctly and with proper training and procedures in place.
If you’ve been injured on the job or been involved in a heavy machinery accident, you should speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney immediately. Workers’ comp benefits are designed to help cover medical expenses and lost wages that you suffered due to your inability to return to work in a timely manner. The determination of fault is not an issue or requirement in workers’ compensation cases. Employees who have been injured in heavy machinery accidents while in the course and scope of their employment are entitled to benefits without having to prove that their employer was at fault or negligent or that there was an equipment malfunction.
However, there may be situations in which you can also bring a court case against a machine manufacturer or another third party in civil court and outside of the workers’ compensation court. There are numerous factors that can contribute to accidents, such as negligence, improper training and machine defects or design flaws. Your attorney can take appropriate legal action to seek money damages from any third party who may be wholly or partly responsible for your heavy machinery accident.
Vassallo, Bilotta & Davis helps injured employees in Florida get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Please call 561-471-2800 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation at one of our law offices, located in West Palm Beach or Stuart.
