It does not matter if you are working at a construction site or simply passing by at the wrong time, accidents involving heavy machinery can be catastrophic. The repercussions can be lifelong or even deadly.
If you or a loved one was injured in a heavy machinery accident in Melbourne, you may be entitled to compensation. The heavy machinery accident and injury lawyers in Melbourne at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine in Melbourne may be able to help you. Call 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation about your case.
Heavy Machinery & Severe Injuries
Circumstances surrounding construction accidents vary. According to OSHA, here are the top fatal four causes of construction accidents (excluding highway collisions).
- Fall hazards
- Struck-by hazards
- Caught-In/Between hazards
- Electrical hazards (Electrocutions)
Heavy machinery may be involved in any of these “fatal four” accidents. Here are some common types of machinery behind the accidents:
- Bulldozers
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Dump Trucks
- Trucks
- Excavators
- Backhoes
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Heavy Machinery Accidents
If you were hurt on the job in Melbourne, you can claim workers’ compensation, which can help pay for your bills. But depending on your injuries, those benefits may not go far enough.
These types of accidents can leave you with catastrophic injuries.
- Concussion
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushed limbs, hands, or fingers
- Amputations
- Orthopedic trauma
- Burns
- Bone Fractures. Broken Bones
- Wrongful death
You could be looking at mounting costs and losses, including long-term lost wages and pain and suffering.
While you cannot sue your employer in most cases, you may be able to file a third-party liability lawsuit against a non-employer defendant. If you qualify to file a lawsuit against a third party, you may recover the full value of your damages.
Third Party Liability for a Heavy Machinery Accident
Determining who is at fault can be complicated, which is why we recommend working with an injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine in Melbourne.
Third parties that may be liable for an accident involving heavy machinery include a subcontractor, a property owner, or the machinery manufacturer. But you will not be able to win a case and secure compensation for your injuries without establishing the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: A person or company has a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment to the others who use the machinery or are present in its vicinity.
- Breach of Duty: When a person or company fails to take reasonable measures to provide a safe environment, that may be considered negligence.
- Causation: Causation makes a link between a defendant’s behavior or action and your injury.
- Damages: You must have suffered physical, emotional, or financial damages because of the accident.
For example, if you are on a construction site and become entrapped in a machine because it is poorly maintained, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the third party responsible for maintaining the equipment.
The heavy machinery accident and injury lawyers in Melbourne at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you determine if you can file a lawsuit against third parties.
Contact Us After a Heavy Machinery Accident in Melbourne
Our heavy machinery and injury lawyers will help you understand your legal rights and options if you were hurt in an accident involving heavy machinery. We will conduct a thorough investigation and establish liability and identify sources of compensation as we work to get you the best result possible.
If you or a loved one has been in a heavy machinery accident and you require legal assistance, call 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation with an accident lawyer.
We work on contingency fees, which means you can hire a lawyer without paying any money upfront. With a contingency fee, the lawyers collect a fee only upon winning the case. We don’t get paid unless you do.
We Can Help.
