Brooklyn, New York Heavy Equipment and Machinery Accident Attorney
Were You Involved in an Heavy Equipment Accident on a Construction Site in Brooklyn?
There are several safety hazards in industrial workplaces and construction sites, including those posed by large and powerful machines.
Due to the fact that machinery accidents can result in incapacitating injuries and tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and other costs, those with legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of work sites and the safe operation of heavy equipment must take the necessary precautions to protect workers. Sadly, they do not always meet their obligations.
Our attorneys have handled some of the most serious injury cases involving workers who were struck by heavy machinery such as bulldozers, track loaders, backhoes, excavators, cement mixers, cranes, dump trucks, forklifts, garbage trucks, paving machines, snow plows, bulldozers, rubber tire loaders, drill rigs, and other types of excavation equipment.
The attorneys at the Brandon J. Broderick Law Firm in Brooklyn, New York have built a strong reputation in helping injured workers. We have seen firsthand the destruction caused to our clients' families by heavy equipment accidents on construction sites. If you or a loved one was hurt in a Brooklyn construction site accident involving heavy machinery or equipment, dial (877) 740-7603. We only accept claims on a contingency basis, so you won't have to pay anything unless we successfully recover money on your behalf. The consultation is free.
Workers' injuries caused by heavy equipment
Heavy machinery and equipment can be extremely dangerous, not only to the operator, but also to nearby workers and even non-workers. While the cause of an accident depends greatly on the machine involved, the mechanism of injury typically falls into one of several broad categories:
- Accidents involving machines that transport heavy loads, such as dump trucks and forklifts, frequently involve a rollover. Vehicles that are overloaded beyond their rated capacity are prone to rollover accidents.
- Struck-by accidents pose a risk because large blind spots on heavy machinery pose a danger to other workers and pedestrians. Recently, there has been a spike in the number of collisions between garbage trucks and pedestrians in New York.
- Electrocution is a risk for machine operators working near live electrical wires. For instance, crane operators must be aware of the location of overhead electrical wires, while excavator operators must have a thorough understanding of the location of all underground utilities in order to avoid them safely.
- Overload cranes and dump trucks are susceptible to accidents, as are other load-bearing machines. Load capacities must be observed to prevent these types of accidents, especially when operating a vehicle on uneven terrain.
To prevent workers from being injured in accidents involving heavy equipment, employers must provide comprehensive safety training and manufacturers must ensure that their equipment is in proper working order. When these fundamental responsibilities are breached, workers pay the price.
We Handle All Types of Accidents Involving Machinery and Equipment
Brandon J. Broderick has fought for injured workers and their families in Brooklyn and New York for more than a decade, we have the expertise to handle all types of construction workplace accidents involving machinery, equipment, and tools, including:
- Saws and other cutting equipment
- Earthmovers, graders, excavators, and so forth.
- Machine presses and metalworking machinery
- Cranes, forklifts, and hoists
- Airguns, pneumatic tools, and nailers
- Industrial equipment for processing
- Grinders, sanders, and other abrasive devices
- Drilling and welding machinery
Despite the fact that these and other specialized machinery serve important purposes on construction sites, their use poses numerous dangers to workers and others.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy equipment and machinery contribute to thousands of workplace injuries and fatalities each year. Many of these accidents involve:
- Fires, explosions, and burn injuries
- Electrocution and electric shock
- Brain injuries
- Crush and degloving injuries
- Caught in / between accidents
- Loss of limbs, fingers and amputation
- Improper machine guarding
- Falls and falling objects
Following a Machinery Accident, Your Right to Compensation
Your right to compensation for a work-related injury caused by a machinery accident will depend on the specifics of your case. You may have grounds to pursue, for instance:
Workers’ compensation: By law, injured workers are entitled to benefits provided by their employer's workers' compensation insurance. Regardless of who caused your accident, you may be eligible for medical benefits, wage replacement, disability and rehabilitation benefits.
Personal Injury Lawsuit: You may also pursue civil damages outside the workers' compensation system by filing a personal injury lawsuit against a non-employer third party. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit under the following conditions:
- Claims against general contractors or worksite owners for violations of the New York Labor Law, including failures to provide a safe worksite (Labor Law § 200), protect against height-related hazards (Labor Law § 240(1)), and provide safe, regulation-compliant machinery to those employed on the site, such as guarded power saws and excavators with functioning backup alarms (Labor Law § 241(6)).
- Your accident was caused by another contractor's or employee's negligence.
- Product liability claims against machine or equipment manufacturers whose products were defective in design or construction (i.e. machines/ products that malfunction).
Our attorneys represent clients in both workers' compensation and personal injury proceedings at Brandon J. Broderick. If you have grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit, which can provide greater compensation for damages not covered by workers' compensation, such as pain and suffering, we can help you navigate both your workers' compensation case and your civil case.
Consult With Brandon J. Broderick a Heavy Equipment and Machinery Accident Lawyer About Your Claim
You must hire a construction accident lawyer with plenty of experience if you want to make sure you get full compensation for your losses and suffering. Cases involving heavy equipment and machinery on construction sites can be complex.
If you have been injured in a heavy equipment accident in Brooklyn, it is crucial that you contact our construction accident attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick in New York City to pursue your injury claim. We can represent you in both workers' compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits. We provide guidance to construction workers in Brooklyn and New York.
Call (877) 740-7603 if you or a loved one has been injured in a construction fire or explosion. Free consultations are given, and cases are taken on a contingency fee basis.