Working in the construction industry can be dangerous at the best of times, but defective equipment can greatly increase the danger workers face on a construction site. Large machinery and even smaller equipment, when poorly made or badly maintained, can lead to serious injuries and even death. Equipment manufacturers and construction companies have an obligation to provide safe equipment. When they fail to do so and someone is injured, the party at fault needs to be held responsible.
I help construction and other industrial workers to pursue legal action when they are hurt due to negligence. If you or a loved one has been hurt by defective equipment, you deserve to know what your legal options are. You may be entitled to compensation that could help greatly with the medical costs, lost work and pain that results from your accident.
Dangers Of Defective or Faulty Equipment
So many different types of equipment are necessary for construction work. If any piece of equipment does not work as it should – due to manufacturing defects, inadequate maintenance or faulty operation – people get hurt as a result. Defective equipment can include:
- Scaffolding
- Ladders
- Forklifts
- Heavy machinery
- Welding rigs
- Cranes
- Trucks
- Power tools
- Safety gear
Equipment needs to be designed and manufactured to exacting specifications when it is to be used in a demanding environment. Even the highest quality equipment must also be maintained regularly by certified personnel if it is to continue to operate safely. And even when it is built right and maintained properly, equipment still has to be operated safely to prevent construction site injuries.
Construction Site Injuries Due To Faulty Equipment
When a piece of equipment does not function as it should, or is used incorrectly, it can lead to serious injuries. Some of these include:
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Chemical damage
- Being run over
- Explosions
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Amputations
The defective equipment may cause the operator to lose control, or it may malfunction in such a way that it ignites, explodes, electrocutes or hits someone. Even small power tools have the ability to cause serious injury. When a larger piece of equipment causes an accident, the damage can be catastrophic.
Establishing Fault After an Equipment Failure
After you have been hurt in a defective equipment accident, you should always seek out medical care. Your employer should also have you go through the workers’ comp process, ensuring that the company’s insurance will pay for your medical bills and lost work. However, you should be aware that many employers and their insurers will attempt to minimize the cost of an accident as much as possible. You may not get all the money you need to care for yourself and your family following the accident.
When you are hurt by faulty equipment, it is always advisable to contact an attorney to discuss your situation. When you call my firm, I can help you determine if legal action is your best option. If we decide to pursue a case, I will quickly move to establish who was at fault for the accident.
Whether the fault lies with your employer, the equipment manufacturer or another employee, I may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries above and beyond what you receive for your workers’ compensation. If we need to pursue a third party claim against someone who is not your employer – such as a sub-contractor or equipment manufacture, we will do so. My ultimate goal is to see that you get all the money you need to move on from the accident.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a defective equipment accident, please contact my firm now for a free consultation. I am ready to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.