Heavy Equipment Accidents in Ocala, FL
Heavy machinery plays an important part in the construction industry, as well as many other industries in Ocala, FL. Since Florida is the site of many development projects, the state is no stranger to heavy equipment accidents. Heavy machinery helps to decrease building time and make work more productive. However, it is also dangerous to operate and can lead to serious injury or death of workers or bystanders.
If you were harmed in a heavy equipment accident in Ocala, Florida, reach out to the experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers by completing our contact form or calling us at (352) 351-3258. We also handle other complex cases including Ocala industrial accidents, Ocala electrocution accidents, Ocala heavy equipment accidents, construction accidents, workplace accidents, workers’ compensation, and more types of cases.
How Our Ocala Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help After a Heavy Equipment Accident in Ocala
A heavy equipment accident in Ocala, Florida, can put you and your family in a difficult position. Workers’ compensation might be an option, but it also might not be enough to cover your losses. You might be experiencing significant pain and suffering as well, and you might not be sure where to turn for help.
The Ocala workers’ compensation attorneys with Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are some of the most experienced and well-regarded in the area. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience, and thus far, we have collected hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our deserving clients. We can help with your case by:
- Investigating the cause and extent of your damages
- Collecting evidence to improve your case
- Assisting you with all workers’ compensation-related communications and claims
- Negotiating a fair settlement and filing a lawsuit if the circumstances call for it
These are just to name a few of the ways our legal team can help with your case. Reach out today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our workers’ comp attorneys in Ocala.
How Common Are Heavy Equipment Accidents?
The Center for Construction Research and Training reports the following pertinent facts about fatalities involving heavy equipment:
- 7,681 construction workers died from 1992 to 2010 due to vehicles or mobile heavy equipment, accounting for approximately 404 deaths each year.
- 205 construction workers died between 2008 and 2010 due to vehicles and mobile heavy equipment, accounting for about 70 deaths each year.
- Construction workers killed in vehicle- and mobile-heavy equipment-related deaths include foremen, operating engineers, and truck drivers.
Heavy equipment crashes are among the most frequent causes of construction site injuries.
Common Causes of Heavy Equipment Accidents in Florida
Heavy equipment accidents often occur because of negligence, either because of the actions of the general contractor, site manager, or one of the workers they employ. Employers are required to provide proper training and safety equipment to workers. If they fail to do so, they may be responsible for the resulting accidents.
Some of the specific causes of heavy equipment accidents include:
- Improper assembly of equipment – Manufacturers or equipment retailers must correctly assemble heavy machinery to prevent injuries to workers.
- Poor communication – Some accidents occur when equipment operators and nearby workers fail to communicate or misunderstand each other.
- Lack of proper safety equipment – The construction industry has plenty of safety equipment available for workers, including personal protective equipment, backup alarms, convex mirrors, seat belts, rear-mounted backup sensors, and rollover protection systems. These safety devices can help prevent accidents. The lack of it may lead to more serious injuries.
- Load instability – When heavy machinery is not properly loaded, the vehicle can roll over and trap workers underneath. Employers must provide training on proper procedures to load and unload the machines.
- Poor lockout/tagout procedures – Lockout/tagout procedures help ensure that a piece of machinery is locked in a set position when it is not being used.
- Crowded work sites – Some construction sites are buzzing with many workers who are working on different types of projects. This can make it difficult for heavy equipment machine operators to navigate safely around the construction site. Employers are responsible for ensuring that areas within a machine’s swinging radius are properly roped off, and internal aisleways are clear.
- Overhead obstructions – Areas, where there are overhead power lines or other hazards, should be clearly marked to prevent accidents.
- Poorly maintained equipment – Heavy machinery must be properly maintained to work properly. If an employer fails to routinely maintain equipment that fails, they may be found liable for the resulting injuries.
Employers are also required to train workers on procedures established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Different Types of Heavy Equipment Accidents in Ocala
There are several different types of heavy equipment accidents that can occur, and many of them can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Struck-by accidents – Construction workers may be hit or run over by heavy machinery when the operator does not see them or a load falls on them.
- Caught-between accidents – A worker’s hand or other body parts may get stuck in heavy machinery.
- Falls – Workers may fall from the heavy machinery or a platform attached to it.
- Electrocution – Operators who come into contact with live wires while operating the machinery may be electrocuted.
Our lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve after any type of heavy equipment accident in Ocala.
Risk Factors for Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery accidents are more likely to occur when equipment operators are doing any of the following:
- Reversing
- Turning
- Loading
- Unloading
- Mounting the vehicle
- Operating the machinery on uneven surfaces
- Working near powerlines
- Removing debris from machines
- Performing maintenance on the vehicle
Accidents can also occur when operators are using heavy machinery that lacks machine guards or other safety features.
Contact Our Ocala Heavy Equipment Accident Lawyers for Help
If you were injured in a heavy equipment accident in Ocala, FL, the experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, are here to help provide legal advice and assistance. Get in touch with us today by calling us at (877) 469-1775 or by sending us a message online.