Worker’s Compensation And Heavy Equipment Accidents In Wisconsin
Despite safety regulations and industry standards, thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured each year in heavy machinery accidents on construction sites. Many work-related injuries and deaths occur when workers are struck by construction equipment and vehicles. The proximity to cranes, trenchers or other heavy machines can lead to workers being crushed or struck when machines move, and working close to any machine without awareness or proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can cause severe injury or death.
I am Peter J. Carman, an experienced heavy equipment accident lawyer providing legal guidance and representation for construction workers, equipment operators and industrial workers in the Fox Valley and beyond. I help those who have been injured in an equipment rollover or a forklift, crane or excavator accident or who have any other type of construction equipment injury.
Equipment Accidents: When Safety Fails, I Fight
The construction, manufacturing and transportation sectors face the highest risk. Heavy equipment is utilized in various trades within the construction industry, including cement and foundation work, as well as in manufacturing and warehouses, explaining the high rate of injuries. Equipment accidents can result in severe injuries, such as:
- Loss of limb or digit: Resulting in lasting damage, permanent effects on quality of life and potential need for prosthetic limbs or wheelchairs
- Eye injuries: Face impacts and other incidents that lead to physical loss of the eyes or vision loss
- Spinal cord damage: Can result in permanent paralysis
Significant settlements, sometimes reaching multimillion-dollar amounts, have been secured for clients struck by equipment at construction sites, sustaining neck and back injuries that require multiple surgeries. Worker’s compensation is available for heavy equipment accidents, regardless of whether you were operating the equipment at the time.
This coverage provides medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation for lost work time if the injury occurs within the scope of your employment. Worker’s compensation offers medical care and income without needing to prove employer fault in work-related injuries, aiming to provide easy access to medical care and replacement income.
Who’s Really To Blame? Proving Third-Party Liability In Equipment Accidents.
You may be asking, “Can I sue a contractor or manufacturer for equipment injuries?” In equipment accidents, it may be possible to receive compensation beyond worker’s compensation when multiple factors are involved. This can occur when third-party maintenance companies or contractors contribute to the accident.
OSHA regulations cover many aspects of heavy machinery operation, providing specific guidelines for cranes, hoists, conveyors and other equipment. Violations of these regulations can lead to significant fines and civil liability.
Tools are sometimes modified to bypass safety features for convenience, and inadequate worksite safety training can result in workers being caught by machine parts. Any equipment can become a serious source of injury if it is used, stored or maintained improperly.
If equipment leaves the factory in an unreasonably dangerous condition, the manufacturer may be liable for any injuries caused when the equipment is used as intended. In such cases, workers must initiate lawsuits against parties other than their employer, such as equipment manufacturers, who can be held responsible when accidents occur due to defective equipment.
Wisconsin Work Injury? Fight Back; Call For Justice Today.
If you have been injured in a heavy equipment accident, I may be able to help you face the insurance companies and other liable parties. As a Wisconsin worker’s compensation lawyer, I’m ready to fight for your rights. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss your case. Call the Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C., in Appleton at 920-770-1608.