If you were injured in an NYC construction vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses
In New York City and throughout the state, multi-ton construction vehicles pose a serious risk to both operators and other construction workers on the job site. Any unexpected malfunction or loss of control of such a large, heavy vehicle can result in severe and debilitating injuries.
If you were struck by a construction vehicle while on the job, dealing with the aftermath can prove to be challenging. That's when having experienced legal representation from a construction vehicle accident lawyer can help you find your way forward.
At Keogh Crispi, P.C., we have an impressive history of getting significant results in construction accident cases across New York. In one instance, we secured $1.2 million for the family of a man who was fatally struck by a dump truck. After a serious construction accident, let us be your first call. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your potential legal case.
Common types of work accidents involving construction vehicles
Different types of construction vehicles carry varying degrees of risk, dependent on their unique features, such as blind spots, maneuverability, and function.
Cranes
Cranes are among the most dangerous pieces of heavy machinery on a construction site, as the crane's boom arm extends far above the cab, and a heavy counterweight is necessary to stabilize the front. The risks associated with cranes include falling objects, collapsing booms and jibs, swinging cranes striking other buildings or objects, and tip-overs. Accidents involving cranes can cause severe injury or even death, especially if the crane is overloaded or not used properly.
Excavators
Excavators are equipped with a hydraulic system to lift heavy loads and dig deep into the ground. The potential dangers of excavators include striking, crushing, and pinning injuries. The swiveling motion of the excavator's boom and chassis can also result in accidents if workers are caught in the path of either, and the heavy buckets and attachments can cause serious injury if they fall off.
Backhoes
Backhoes are construction vehicles that combine the functionality of a tractor and an excavator. They are used for digging and excavation tasks such as moving soil, rocks, and debris. Backhoes typically have a digging bucket on the front and a backhoe on the rear, which can rotate up to 200 degrees. Like excavator accidents, construction vehicle accidents involving backhoes may include a worker getting struck, crushed, or pinned by the equipment. Accidents may also happen if the swiveling motion of the backhoe catches workers off-guard. The attachments at the end of the boom can also fall off, potentially striking construction workers below.
Bulldozers
Bulldozers, which are heavy construction vehicles equipped with a large blade mounted to the front for pushing materials, require a large counterweight inside the machine to maintain balance and prevent tipping over. On the job site, construction workers can be hit by a moving bulldozer, crushed by the sheer weight of the machine, or injured by the bulldozer suddenly restarting and catching unaware workers under the moving vehicle. Bulldozers can also tip or roll over on uneven ground, causing serious injuries.
Forklifts
Forklift accidents on work sites throughout NYC are responsible for numerous fatalities and injuries, particularly when workers are struck or crushed by the machine. Hazards involving forklifts include workers being run over or struck by a forklift in transit, crushing accidents resulting from the forklift tipping over or crushing a worker between the forklift and another object, and injuries from falling objects when loads are not secured or are too heavy.
Cement mixers
Cement mixers, or concrete mixers, are vehicles designed to mix cement, sand, and water to make concrete. They have a rotating drum on the back that mixes the materials and then transports the mixture to the construction site. Due to the operator having limited visibility and large blind spots, workers are at risk of getting hit by the vehicle. The rolling barrel and concrete hopper also pose a risk of limbs being pulled into the machinery.
Dump trucks
Dump trucks are heavy-duty construction vehicles that carry and transport bulk materials such as sand, gravel, rocks, and debris. The primary purpose of a dump truck is to load, transport, and dump heavy loads, which can weigh up to several tons. The risks associated with dump trucks arise from their size and weight, which can pose a danger to workers and bystanders. The most common accidents involving dump trucks occur due to their blind spots and limited visibility, which make it difficult for the operator to see people and objects behind the vehicle. Dump trucks are also prone to tipping over, especially when loaded unevenly.
Cherry pickers
Cherry pickers, also known as aerial lifts or boom lifts, are mobile elevated work platforms used for various tasks such as trimming trees, repairing buildings, and installing electrical equipment. They have a platform attached to a hydraulic arm that can be raised to heights of 100 feet or more. The risks associated with cherry pickers include workers falling from the platform, the platform tipping over, or the cherry picker coming into contact with power lines or other hazards, causing electrocution or other injuries.
Contact a construction vehicle accident lawyer in NYC
Some of the most common causes of construction vehicle accidents include lack of training, maintenance issues, worksite problems, and vehicle defects. Parties that may be held responsible for a construction vehicle accident include the driver, the manufacturer of the vehicle, and the company that owns the equipment.
Unfortunately, recovering compensation after a construction vehicle accident isn't always as easy as it should be. This is especially true when dealing with large construction companies and insurance providers that may try to deny or minimize the extent of the damages suffered by the victim.
At Keogh Crispi, P.C., our dedicated legal team is committed to fighting for the rights of injured construction workers in NYC. We understand the complex and nuanced nature of construction vehicle accident cases and have the knowledge and experience to help you recover the compensation you're entitled to under New York law.
To review your legal rights and options after a construction vehicle accident in NYC, schedule your free consultation today.