Aerial lift accidents are more common than you might think, especially on construction sites where workers rely on equipment such as boom and scissor lifts and bucket trucks to get the job done.
Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, the results can be devastating and lead to serious injuries or something worse. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in an aerial lift accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
An experienced aerial lift accident attorney can help you through the legal process. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can ensure all injured workers get the fair compensation they deserve.
Types of Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts come in different shapes and sizes. Each is designed to help construction workers and others reach heights safely and efficiently. These lifts are essential on construction sites, but it’s crucial to learn what they are and understand their differences to avoid aerial lift accidents.
Let’s break down the main types of aerial lifts and how they’re used.
Boom Lifts
Boom lifts are the most versatile models on a construction site. They come in two main types: articulating and telescopic.
Articulating boom lifts have arms that can bend, making them perfect for reaching over obstacles and into tight spots. On the other hand, telescopic boom lifts can extend straight out, offering a longer reach but less flexibility.
Whether for high-rise maintenance or complex construction tasks, boom lifts can help workers safely reach hard-to-reach areas.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are all about stability and height. These platform lifts move straight up and down, like an accordion, and are commonly used indoors and outdoors.
These lifts are ideal for installing wiring, painting, or any other job requiring a stable platform at different heights. But as safe as they seem, scissor lift accidents can still happen, especially if the lift is overloaded or not operated correctly.
Personnel Lifts
Personnel lifts, often called vertical lifts, are smaller and more portable than boom and scissor models. They’re typically used for maintenance and light construction tasks that don’t need the heavy-duty capabilities of larger lifts.
These lifts are perfect for indoor tasks where space is limited, such as changing light bulbs in high ceilings or doing quick repairs.
Common Causes of Aerial Lift Accidents
Aerial lift accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, often resulting in serious injuries for construction workers. Around 26 workers die each year from these types of incidents [1].
Understanding the common causes of these accidents is critical to improving aerial lift safety on construction sites. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Falls from elevation: One of the leading causes of aerial lift accidents is falls from elevation. Whether it’s a scissor lift, boom lift, or a bucket truck, any slip or loss of balance can lead to a dangerous fall.
- Tip-overs: These are another major concern, especially when construction workers use aerial lifts on uneven terrain. A boom or scissor lift can easily tip over if it’s not positioned correctly or if it’s overloaded. Each lift operator needs to make sure the machine is stable before using it.
- Electrocutions: Contact with an overhead power line is a serious risk for anyone working with aerial lifts. Electrocutions are common when a lift operator is unaware of nearby power lines or fails to maintain a safe distance. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Caught-in/between accidents: Workers can also be caught between the lift and another object, such as a wall or another piece of equipment. These accidents can cause crushing injuries or even fatalities.
- Mechanical failures: Aerial lifts are very complex machines, and any mechanical failure can lead to an accident. So, it’s important to regularly inspect and fix these machines so they’re always in good working order.
- Falling objects: Objects falling from aerial lifts threaten not only the workers in the lift but also those on the ground. Even a small tool falling from a height can cause serious injury.
Injuries Sustained in Aerial Lift Accidents
An aerial lift accident can cause many injuries and affect the lift operator and others on the construction site. Here are some of the most common injuries that might occur in these incidents:
- Broken bones and fractures: It’s common to experience a broken bone or fracture in boom or scissor lift accidents. The impact from a fall or being struck by a lift can easily result in fractures.
- Spinal cord injuries: A lift accident can cause severe spinal cord injuries, which may lead to long-term disability or even paralysis. These injuries often need serious medical treatments and rehabilitation.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A fall or a blow to the head can result in traumatic brain injuries, which can have life-changing consequences.
- Internal injuries: When a worker gets crushed or falls, they may experience internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries are often life-threatening and need quick medical attention.
Legal Rights of Aerial Lift Accident Victims
If you’ve experienced an aerial lift accident, knowing your legal rights is important. Whether you or a loved one were injured on the job, understanding your options can make all the difference in getting the support and compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation if you were injured on the job. This insurance can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability payments.
However, worker’s compensation doesn’t always cover everything. If a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, was negligent, you may be able to pursue compensation through a third-party liability claim.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Sometimes, an aerial lift accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence. Whether it’s the employer, manufacturer, or another party, proving negligence can lead to a personal injury lawsuit.
These cases often involve product liability if the aerial lift has a defective design or manufacturing flaw.
Premises liability can also arise if the working conditions are unsafe or proper training is lacking.
Wrongful Death Claims
In the event an aerial lift incident leads to a fatality, the victim’s family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for Your Case
When it comes down to dealing with the aftermath of aerial lift accidents, having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understands the difficulties of these cases and is dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Experience in Aerial Lift Accident Litigation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of handling all kinds of accidents. Our team has successfully represented clients in many cases, where we secured favorable results even in the most challenging situations.
With a deep understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, safety standards, and product liability law, we know exactly how to handle these cases.
Client-Focused Approach
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you’re not just another case number. We take a personalized approach, and our first step is to offer you a free consultation so we can create a legal strategy for your specific situation.
Our team understands the financial burden of an aerial lift accident can be overwhelming, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
Our team’s commitment to fighting for maximum compensation ensures we pursue all available damages on your behalf, from medical bills to lost wages.
Taking Action After an Aerial Lift Accident
Experiencing an aerial lift incident can be difficult, but knowing what steps to take afterward is extremely important. Taking the right actions can not only protect your health but also ensure your legal rights are protected.
If you find yourself involved in these accidents, you should:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident
- Preserve evidence
- Consult with an attorney
Contact an Aerial Lift Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve experienced an aerial lift incident, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help you easily handle the legal process and fight for maximum compensation. With extensive experience handling these cases, our team knows how to protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly. Whether dealing with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we’re committed to obtaining the best possible outcome.
Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online contact form.
Specific Cases We Handle
- Bucket Truck Accident Lawyer
- Concrete Burn Injury Lawsuit
- Construction Site Fall Lawyer
- Crane Accident Lawyer
- Defective Product Wrongful Death Lawyer
Resources: [1] eLCOSH
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