Who to Call After Heavy Equipment Accidents?

Whether you are a heavy equipment operator or responsible for ensuring that your business's equipment is in good condition, you may need to hire an attorney after an accident. In the event of an accident, your employer must provide workers' compensation benefits, but it is not necessarily your fault. That's why you should call an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.

Rollovers

Thousands of freight-bearing vehicles traverse Midwestern roadways each day. The size and weight of these vehicles increase the risk of rollover accidents. Especially on curved roads, drivers must adjust their speed to avoid rollovers.

Several common causes of rollovers include overloaded vehicles, improperly loaded cargo, and speeding. The Centers for Disease Control reported that trucking accidents are the leading cause of job-related deaths.

Construction laborers, maintenance workers, and heavy equipment operators made up half of all heavy equipment-related deaths. Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of deaths from large trucks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study on the deaths of large trucks. The most common heavy equipment-related deaths were due to being struck by equipment loads.

When a driver is drowsy, he or she may not have the proper reaction time, and the vehicle could roll over. The resulting traumatic brain injuries can cause full or partial paralysis. In addition, many traumatic brain injury victims require round-the-clock medical care.

Collisions with people and
heavy machinery

Thousands of work-related fatalities occur yearly in the United States, and many accidents are associated with heavy machinery. Luckily, some steps can be taken to minimize the risks of injuries.

The best way to reduce your risk of injury is to be informed about the hazards of heavy machinery. This includes understanding the working environment and equipment you'll use. It's also a good idea to keep the OSHA standards for the operation of heavy machinery in mind.

Getting into a heavy machinery accident can be terrifying, and the injuries can be debilitating. Injuries can range from broken bones to spinal cord damage, and they can lead to time off from work.

A heavy machinery is a tool of choice for workers to perform various tasks. Unfortunately, improper use or training can lead to serious injuries and even death.

The most common causes of heavy machinery accidents are the failure to follow OSHA standards and unsafe behavior by workers. In addition, heavy mobile equipment can crush a worker if the job is done improperly.

Improper assembly or installation
of heavy machinery

Using heavy machinery is not for the faint of heart. Aside from the sheer weight of the equipment, there are hazards to befall both the operator and the equipment itself. A good rule of thumb is to always keep your wits about you. The biggest threat to you and your co-workers comes from the unexpected. Luckily, you can take a few measures to mitigate the effects.

The most logical course of action is training your workers on key protocols. In the process, you'll be able to reduce accidents and keep your employees out of the hospital for longer. While doing this isn't always easy, it is worth the effort. Having a few well-conceived policies in place will ensure your employees are not injured in the first place. Having a good safety program will help you sleep better at night.

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of injury is to keep your company's fleet of heavy-duty vehicles clean and free of debris. While at it, ensure your employees know how to use the equipment they're given properly.

Workers' compensation claims are not
fault-based claims

Unlike personal injury claims, workers' compensation claims are not fault-based. This means an injured worker does not need to prove that the employer is at fault for an accident. This is because the system is designed to help injured workers recover and return to work as quickly as possible.

In some cases, however, an injured worker can make a third-party claim against an employer or a co-worker. This claim could be filed to recover lost wages and medical expenses. The claim can also be filed to recover pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.

Depending on the situation, a worker injured in a heavy equipment accident may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. This can include payment of hospital bills, disability and wage loss benefits, and retraining. In addition, the employer may be eligible to file a subrogation lien. This means the employer will reimburse the employee for workers' compensation costs if the worker successfully sues a third party for damages.

Hire a Trusted
Construction Accident Lawyer
Today

Getting injured on a construction site can be a frightening experience. You may wonder what to do and who to turn to, from the injuries to the financial burdens. A construction accident lawyer can help you navigate through the aftermath.

Employing a lawyer with experience with these matters is crucial if you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction accident. Contact us by phone at +1-844-872-6824 or by email at hello@ouchusa.com.