Defective Construction Equipment
The construction industry contributes to a high number of workplace accidents every year. In fact, the fatality rate for workers killed in construction accidents is the third highest among all accidents that occur in the workplace. Although employer negligence is a prime factor in many of these accidents, defective construction equipment also plays a big role.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for the design and manufacturing of various types of equipment used in the workplace. These include regulations for the safe design of cranes, forklifts and scaffolding, as well as design safety standards for power tools, machinery, ladders and other equipment used on construction sites.
When you work with a product liability attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP to handle a lawsuit that is related to defective construction equipment, you can rest assured that our considerable knowledge and experience in this field will work to your advantage. We understand how OSHA regulations may affect one's ability to seek and recover
compensation for injury caused by a defective piece of construction equipment and apply our legal knowledge to seek maximum compensation on each client's behalf. Our firm has successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for the injured. We are here to fight for you – call our offices to learn more about our services, experience and case results.
Product Liability Attorney: Defective Construction Equipment
Our legal team has the resources to handle virtually any type of defective construction equipment claim or lawsuit in the United States. We have highlighted a few of the key types of cases we can handle in this regard:
Defective Cranes
Many construction accidents can be attributed to malfunctioning or defective components of a crane. Cranes, hoists and rigging mechanisms must be free from defects that contribute to crane instability. Defective parts can cause cranes to tip over or collapse, leading to severe injuries to crane operators as well as other workers in the vicinity. Wire ropes and sling ropes used in rigging systems must be sturdy, reliable and free from wear and tear. Click here to read more about defective cranes.
Defective Forklifts
Forklift operations are governed by complex physical principals that enable the forklift to pick up and carry specified objects over large areas. By their very design, these machines tend to be delicately balanced. However, forklift manufacturers are required to include safety mechanisms in the design to protect workers and forklift operators in the event of a tip over. For instance, operator restraint systems like seatbelts are not mandatory on older forklifts, but newer industrial power trucks are required to be fitted with these protection systems, which can protect an operator from being crushed if the forklift rolls over. Read more about defective forklifts.
Defective Scaffolding
OSHA has extensive rules established for the correct design and construction of scaffolding. These include provisions for the right size and dimensions of the guard rails, platforms and footings. They also include provisions for the installation of personal fall protection systems. Most scaffolding accidents can be traced to faulty design and improper construction that result in a weak and unstable structure. Defective scaffolding accidents can include falls, scaffold collapses, electrocutions if the scaffold is erected too close to a power line and workers being hit by falling objects from a higher level in the absence of protective guard rails to prevent materials and tools from falling down. Read more about defective scaffolding.
Working with a Product Liability Lawyer
While employers are required to maintain and inspect construction equipment regularly, manufacturers are also mandated to ensure the equipment is strong enough to support loads and includes all necessary safety mechanisms to prevent accidents. Take this opportunity to find out more about defective construction equipment and your legal rights if this has caused injury to you or a loved one. Your initial consultation with an attorney at our firm is free, and you pay nothing for our legal services unless we negotiate a settlement or win a jury award on your behalf.
Injured by defective construction equipment? Contact a product liability lawyer at our law office for a free case review.