Here in Kern County and the surrounding area, we’re no strangers to accidents at construction sites, on oil fields, and in public works projects. If you work in the California construction industry or a related field, you have a hard job — and a dangerous one. Big machines make your daily tasks a little easier, but they come with dangers all their own. Unfortunately, innocent laborers suffer unanticipated injuries all the time, often involving heavy equipment. Whether the tools or machines malfunction, or whether the employer simply creates an unsafe working environment through negligence, these accidents usually aren’t the employee’s fault. Legally, employers and equipment manufacturers owe a duty of care to construction workers in California. If you (or someone you love) have suffered an injury in the course of your duties, you may be entitled to a financial recovery by law. In most cases, financial responsibility falls on the insurance companies that represent your employer or the equipment manufacturer. But insurers are notorious for mistreating injured victims in these cases. Because the insurance provider’s first concern is its own wallet, the first offer they make you will likely be unfair. As Bakersfield construction accident lawyers, our law firm has helped countless injured workers who’ve been offered far less than they deserve. Below, we explain how these accidents happen, what you’re entitled to under California personal injury law, and how a Bakersfield heavy equipment accident attorney in our office can help.
How Do Heavy Equipment Accidents Happen?
Almost all heavy equipment injuries happen by accident. No one intends for anyone to get hurt. Rather, these accidents happen because the responsible parties dropped the ball. In an effort to save time or money — or simply out of carelessness — they violated strict safety rules and left you in danger. Please understand, though, that even if your injury happened purely by accident, you may still be entitled to substantial monetary relief. California law provides great protection to injured construction workers, oil field employees, and other laborers. While it is impossible to guarantee specific outcomes for a given case in advance, you should know that victims are frequently entitled to more money than they realize. That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk with a Bakersfield personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury or wrongful death.Most Common Kinds of Heavy Equipment Accidents
In California, heavy equipment accidents tend to involve vehicles, tools, or machines like these:- Aerial lifts
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Cement trucks
- Company vehicles
- Cranes
- Dozers
- Dump trucks
- Electrical equipment
- Excavators
- Falling tools or equipment
- Farming equipment
- Forklifts
- Front-end loaders
- Scaffolding
- Skid-steer loaders
- Tractors
- Other dangerous or defective equipment
Machinery Accidents May Result in Catastrophic Injuries
No two accidents are quite alike. You may be entitled to compensation whether your injuries are moderate or catastrophic. Some of the most severe injuries in these cases include:- Amputation
- Brain damage
- Crushing injuries
- Death
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Heart damage
- Paralysis (partial or total)
- Spinal cord damage
- Stroke
- Third-degree burns
Your Legal Rights After a Heavy Equipment Accident in Bakersfield, CA
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against multiple parties. These might include:- Your employer
- The equipment’s manufacturer
- The retailer that sold the equipment
- Co-workers or other drivers involved in the injury
- Governmental entities
- Insurance companies representing any of these parties