Construction accidents can come in various severities and circumstances. From ladder falls and scaffolding collapse to toxic exposure and shock injuries, workers can be harmed numerous ways on every shift, on every job. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a third party’s negligence to lead to a serious accident.
Even though an injured construction worker is often entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits after an injury, under specific circumstances a third-party liability claim might also come into play. If a third-party caused or somehow contributed to your accident, it might be possible to claim monetary compensation for your injuries. Third parties can include other contractors at the construction site, negligent drivers, vendors and manufacturers of defective equipment.
Injuries caused by defective equipment
Power tools, vehicles and heavy machinery can be faulty or defective for numerous reasons. Generally, either during the design phase, the manufacturing phase or the assembly phase, some critical error occurs that endangers the users of this equipment onsite. Additionally, hazardous or toxic material might be used in the product (lead-based paint, for example) that could lead to dangerous levels of exposure.
One common type of accident centers on the equipment’s safety features. Whether the safety features are absent or defective, injuries can be devastating. From faulty wiring to a missing shield on a saw, adequate safety gear is crucial to maintaining a worksite that is free from accidents and injuries.
Common injuries can include broken bones, lacerations, amputation, head trauma, spinal cord damage and paralysis. Additionally, workers can suffer burn injuries or shock injuries. Catastrophic accidents could prove fatal for the victim. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a defective power tool or faulty piece of machinery, it is crucial that you seek the guidance of an experienced attorney.