Heavy Machinery Accidents

Helping Construction Accident Victims Obtain Compensation Following Incidents Involving Heavy Machinery

Various types of heavy equipment are necessary to complete virtually any construction, renovation or demolition project. Unfortunately, heavy machinery is also a primary cause of construction worker injuries and even death.

Turley Redmond & Rosasco has focused our practice on injury recovery for nearly 30 years. Because our practice handles personal injury lawsuits and government benefit claims, we are well-suited to create a comprehensive plan to recover the maximum possible compensation for construction accident victims who have suffered injuries due to heavy machinery.

Examples of Construction Accidents Caused by Heavy Machinery

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) calls the four most common reasons for construction deaths the “fatal four”. In 2015, the fatal four — falls, being struck by an object, being crushed by an object and electrocution — were responsible for 602 deaths and thousands of injuries. Many of these deadly accidents involved heavy machinery, such as:

• A truck backing over a worker
• A crane dropping its load on the workers below
• A crane collapsing or toppling over
• A backhoe striking a worker
• Equipment causing a trench or wall to collapse
• The boom or arm of the machine hitting an overhead electrical wire
• A backhoe striking an underground electrical wire or gas line
• A worker falling from the cab of the equipment

Why Heavy Machinery Accidents Occur

Heavy machinery accidents are preventable if contractors and workers take adequate precautions. Our attorneys often handle claims involving such negligent conduct as:

• Inadequate training or supervision of equipment operators
• Failure to employ safety protocol and practices
• Not using colored vests and sound alert systems
• Using equipment that is improper for its purpose
• Defective or poorly maintained equipment

Recovery for a Heavy Machinery Injury

You may have several options for recovery. For immediate compensation, we urge you to file your workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation insurance pays medical bills and a portion of wages you lost because of your temporary disability. This system can be a lifesaver during the aftermath of a heavy equipment accident.

For a severe injury, you may be entitled to long-term disability under Social Security disability (SSD). SSD provides benefits if your disability has lasted or is expected to last for more than one year and prevents you from working at your former or other job. Because the process for recovering your SSD benefits may be lengthy, we suggest you apply right away so you receive your first payment as soon as you are eligible.

The New York Scaffold Law provides for an option not available to other workers. Employers and property owners are liable to construction workers for injuries on the jobsite. Additionally, you may have a third party claim against another contractor or equipment manufacturer whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

Consult With Our Long Island Construction Accident Lawyers for Assistance Recovering Damages

You are entitled to damages and benefits if you were injured by heavy equipment on your construction work site. Turley Redmond & Rosasco conducts a free assessment to determine your options for recovering damages. Our Long Island construction accident lawyers can maximize your compensation, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.  We have office locations in Garden City, Shirley, and, Ronkonkoma.