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Heavy Equipment Accident and Injuries in Florida

Heavy Equipment Accident and Injuries in Florida

Construction workers who are exposed to heavy machinery such as cranes face a high risk of a serious work-related injury. The tragic reality is that a high majority of construction site fatalities and injuries in Florida may be traced back to errors in heavy equipment operation and maintenance.

These accidents can be quite devastating. When the unimaginable happens, such as long-term disability or fatal injury, you need dedicated lawyers who are experienced in handling these cases because they’re often pretty complicated.

Our Florida construction accident lawyers at Sternberg | Forsythe  have a proven track record in obtaining fair compensation for injured workers and their families. We are always ready to assist you in reclaiming the benefits that are rightfully yours in the event that you suffer any kind of loss or injury on the job.

Why do Heavy Equipment Accidents and Injuries Occur?

Heavy machinery, in addition to its size, requires a high level of skill to operate efficiently. This means that any mistake, no matter how minor, could cause a malfunction, resulting in serious harm.

Some examples of heavy machinery include:

  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Trenchers
  • Wheel loaders
  • Graders
  • Tractors

In most situations, heavy equipment accidents and injuries are caused by a variety of negligent activities, including the following:

  • Violation of safety protocols
  • Failure to properly maintain and examine equipment
  • Mishandling the machine
  • Improper cargo loading, resulting in rolling or tipping of the equipment
  • Using the incorrect machine for a given project
  • Lack of qualified site supervisors

No matter what caused your injuries, our construction accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

Supervisors and contractors must adhere to the rules and regulations set by The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when working on a building site. If a construction worker is hurt due to a company’s failure to follow OSHA rules, the company may be held liable in a lawsuit.

Individuals who may be held liable in a heavy machinery accident in Florida include:

  • Site owners
  • Architects/engineers
  • Equipment manufacturers

If you believe your construction site is unsafe, you can file an anonymous report with OSHA for a site inspection. It is important to note that being fired or demoted by an employer for submitting a report is illegal.

What to Do After Getting Injured in a Heavy Equipment Accident

The first step if you are injured in a heavy machinery accident is to report it. Most construction workers find this intimidating because they worry that their company may take legal action. However, no worker should be frightened to file a safety accident report or fight for their rights.

When the incident has been reported, your next step should be trying to locate any potential witnesses. To find potential witnesses, simply make a list of everyone who was in the area at the time of the accident. You’ll need their addresses to reach out to them, so be sure to collect those.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential witnesses, you should seek medical attention immediately to begin your road to recovery. Don’t forget to get all of your medical documents from doctors, therapists, or anyone else who has treated or seen you so that they can be used in court if necessary.

Worker’s Compensation Claims for Heavy Equipment Accidents and Injuries in Florida

The worker’s compensation law in Florida aims to offer employees insurance coverage. This ensures you can receive finances for disability payments, medical expenses, and lost wages if injured in a heavy equipment accident. The incident should have happened while performing related duties on a worksite to get compensated.

The Florida worker’s compensation system stipulates that you must file a report to your employer within 30 days after suffering work-related injuries. It’s best to visit your primary health care provider to determine the extent and nature of the injury. After confirmation, you may qualify for benefits like:

  • Disability benefits
  • Partial wage replacement
  • Full medical care coverage
  • Death benefits

Who Can File a Claim for Heavy Equipment Accidents in Florida?

All kinds of employees can file a heavy equipment accident case in Florida. You could demand compensation if you got injured while using a piece of heavy machinery. Ensure you consult established construction accident lawyers to fight for your rights.

They know the tricks insurance agencies may use to delay or deny you compensation and will use appropriate legal structures to help you secure a settlement. The following classes of workers can file a heavy equipment accident claim in Florida:

  • Mechanics
  • Heavy equipment operators
  • Ironworkers
  • Warehouse employees
  • Forklift operators
  • Supervisors and foremen
  • Factory workers
  • Drivers
  • Construction workers
  • Assembly line employees

Engage Our Construction Accident Lawyers Today!

Our construction accident lawyers at Sternberg | Forsythe specialize in construction and heavy machinery accidents. They know what kinds of questions to ask and what types of evidence to collect so that you can continue to enjoy the highest possible quality of life following an accident. Schedule an appointment today!

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