Being injured in a heavy machinery accident is a traumatic experience. In addition to the physical and emotional injuries you may have sustained, you may also be facing financial challenges due to medical expenses and being unable to work as a result of your injuries. If your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of Heavy Machinery Accidents
Machinery accidents can occur for several reasons. Some of the most common include:
- User Error: User error is a leading cause of heavy machinery accidents. While the machines are designed to be safe, they are only as safe as the people who operate them. All it takes is a moment of distraction or a misunderstanding of the controls to create a dangerous situation. Even experienced operators can make mistakes, which is why it’s so important for everyone to receive proper training before using heavy machinery.
- Poor Maintenance: Poor maintenance is another common cause of heavy machinery accidents. If a machine is not properly maintained, it can malfunction and cause serious injuries. For example, if the lubrication system is not working properly, it can cause the parts of a machine to overheat and seize up, or if the machine is not properly calibrated, it can lead to inaccurate readings that can lead to incorrect decisions being made about how to operate it.
- Manufacturer Defects: In some cases, accidents are caused by defects in the design or during manufacturing. For example, a manufacturer may fail to include important safety features on a machine, such as guards or warnings, making it more likely that an operator will be injured.
- Outdated Machines: Another common cause of heavy machinery accidents is outdated machines. If a company is using an outdated machine, it may not have the safety features of newer models and can be more likely to cause an accident.
The cause of your accident will affect who could be held legally responsible for your injuries. The following parties are examples of parties that could be responsible for your injuries:
The Owner of the Machinery
If the owner of the machinery knew or should have known about potential hazards and did not take steps to address them, then they may be held liable. For example, if they knew that a part of the machine was not working properly but did not have it repaired or warn users that the machine was broken.
The Manufacturer of the Machinery
If the manufacturer of the machinery knew or should have known about potential hazards that occurred in the design or manufacturing process and did not take steps to address them, they may be held liable. For example, if they knew that a certain part was defective but did not issue a recall.
The Operator of the Machinery
If the operator of the machinery was negligent in their use of it, then they may be liable. For example, if they were using it for something other than its intended purpose or if they were not following safety protocols, then they could be responsible if an accident occurs.
Why You Should Hire GOLDLAW
If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident involving heavy machinery, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at GOLDLAW for help. There are many law firms out there that offer personal injury services, but what sets us apart from the rest is our experience and dedication.
- We have a team of experienced lawyers who are passionate about fighting for the rights of accident victims, and we will do everything we can to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
- We understand the stress and anxiety that can come with being involved in a personal injury accident, which is why we will take care of all the legal details for you. All you need to do is focus on your recovery. We will be here for you every step of the way, and we will fight for your rights.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out. We will review your case and let you know what your options are so that you can get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.