Working around heavy machinery can be extremely dangerous. If something goes wrong, these powerful machines —cranes, bulldozers, or forklifts—can cause serious harm.
Accidents involving heavy machinery often lead to severe injuries, leaving victims with long-term consequences. Seeking help from a West Palm Beach work accident lawyer after an accident is crucial when protecting your rights and helping you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’re in West Palm Beach and have been involved in a heavy machinery accident, Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. has a team ready to help. With extensive experience handling heavy machinery accident cases, they know how to fight for you and ensure you receive the financial support you need to recover.
Common Causes of Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery accidents can happen for several reasons; some are more common than others. The root cause is often faulty equipment or a lack of proper maintenance. When machinery isn’t properly maintained, it can malfunction or break down, leading to accidents that could have been avoided.
Another frequent cause is operator error. If a machine operator hasn’t been trained correctly, they may not know how to handle the machinery safely. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially if they’re using large equipment like cranes or bulldozers.
Similarly, unsafe working environments or employer negligence, such as not enforcing safety protocols, can also contribute to accidents. Employers are responsible for creating a safe work environment; failing to do so can put workers at risk.
Some of the heavy machinery most commonly involved in accidents include:
Cranes
Cranes are large machines that lift and move heavy materials, like steel beams or concrete blocks, usually at construction sites or shipyards. They have long arms that can rotate and reach high places.
Accidents with cranes can happen if the crane tips over, a load falls, or the operator makes a mistake. These accidents can cause serious injuries to the workers below.
Forklifts
Forklifts are used in warehouses, factories, and stores to lift and move heavy items like pallets. They have two metal prongs in the front that can pick up and carry heavy loads.
Forklift accidents often happen when the machine tips over, the load falls off, or a person gets struck by the forklift. These accidents are usually caused by operator error, improper loading, or poor visibility.
Bulldozers
Bulldozers are big, powerful machines with a large metal blade in the front used for pushing dirt, rocks, or other materials. They’re common on construction sites, road projects, and land-clearing jobs.
Accidents with bulldozers can happen if the machine rolls over, if the operator loses control, or if someone gets too close to the moving blade. Due to the bulldozer’s size and power, these accidents can result in severe injuries.
Excavators
Excavators are large machines with long arms and buckets at the end, used to dig and move earth or other materials. You often see them at construction sites, where they’re used to dig foundations, trenches, or large holes. They can also be used in mining and demolition projects.
Accidents with excavators can occur if the machine tips over, the bucket swings and hits someone, or the ground beneath the excavator collapses. These accidents are dangerous because heavy excavators are powerful, and any mistake can lead to serious injuries for nearby workers.
Each of these machines comes with risks, and the injuries can be devastating when something goes wrong.
Types of Injuries in Heavy Machinery Accidents
Injuries from heavy machinery accidents are often severe. Crush injuries, for example, can lead to broken bones, damaged organs, or even amputation. These types of accidents also commonly cause spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s ability to work and live their normal life.
Besides the physical damage, heavy machinery accidents can take an emotional and psychological toll. The long-term effects can be life-altering, requiring ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological support.
In these cases, it’s critical to have a West Palm Beach heavy machinery accidents lawyer on your side. They can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses that arise from the accident.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
If you’re injured in a heavy machinery accident, you have certain legal rights. In Florida, workers are typically entitled to workers’ compensation, which helps cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages while you recover. Workers’ compensation, however, has its limits, and there are times when filing a personal injury claim is a better option.
A personal injury claim may be filed if your accident was caused by employer negligence or a third party, such as the manufacturer of the faulty machinery. This type of claim can help you seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. A heavy machinery accident attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, can guide you through this process and help determine the best course of action.
Understanding your rights and the responsibilities of your employer or other parties involved in the accident is essential for ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
How Our West Palm Beach Heavy Machinery Accidents Lawyer Can Help
At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., our West Palm Beach heavy machinery accidents lawyer takes several important steps to help clients get the compensation they deserve. First, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes gathering evidence, reviewing safety protocols, and interviewing witnesses to determine who was at fault.
We also guide you through the claims process, whether you’re filing for workers’ compensation or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Our goal is to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible, covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, our team has experience negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you during such a difficult time.
With Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. on your side, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your legal team is fighting for your best interests.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a heavy machinery accident, there are several types of compensation you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to the injury, such as surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover the wages you lost during your recovery period.
- Reduced earning capacity: In some cases, injuries may prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all. In these situations, compensation for your reduced earning capacity may be available.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond the financial impact, you may also be compensated for the emotional and physical pain caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages: If gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing played a role in your accident, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
A West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer for heavy machinery injuries will tirelessly ensure you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to after a serious accident.
Steps to Take After a Heavy Machinery Accident
If you’ve been injured in a heavy machinery accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect your legal rights and your ability to seek compensation:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Some injuries may not show symptoms until later, and getting medical care ensures your injuries are properly documented.
- Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer needs to know what happened, and reporting the accident helps start the workers’ compensation process.
- Document the scene and your injuries. Take pictures of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and the machinery involved. Gather witness statements if possible, as this evidence can be helpful later.
- Contact a heavy machinery injury attorney near me. Reaching out to a lawyer immediately can help ensure your legal rights are protected and that you take the correct steps to seek compensation.
Why Choose Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A.
Choosing the right lawyer after a heavy machinery accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we have a track record of success in heavy machinery accident cases. We are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they need to move forward.
Our client-focused approach ensures that every case receives personalized attention, and we develop legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we’ll work hard to secure a fair settlement. Plus, we offer a free consultation and a no-win, no-fee arrangement, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Contact Our Heavy Machinery Accidents in West Palm Beach
If you’ve been involved in a heavy machinery accident, hiring the best heavy machinery accident lawyer in West Palm Beach is crucial. At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we understand your challenges and are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our top-rated heavy machinery accident lawyer in West Palm Beach can guide you through every step, from investigating your case to negotiating with insurance companies.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. today for a free consultation with our no-win, no-fee heavy machinery accident lawyer in West Palm Beach. We’re here to protect your rights and help you recover after a serious accident.