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
A Bakersfield heavy equipment accident attorney at The Law Offices of Mickey Fine can help with these or other workplace accidents.
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
Please never assume that your injuries are too great or too small. The law provides relief in many different scenarios. A representative in our office will be happy to learn more about your situation and help you determine the potential value of an impending claim.
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
Do not assume that your recovery is limited to the Worker’s Comp system (even if your employer or insurance company tells you that). Talk to a Bakersfield heavy equipment accident attorney to make sure.
Talk with our Experienced and Aggressive Legal Team Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed while working with heavy machinery or dangerous equipment, please contact The Law Offices of Mickey Fine right away.
Our seasoned attorneys have the experience it takes to pressure insurance companies into negotiating fairly. We have a years-long track record of improving our clients’ financial outcomes. In most cases, we’re able to secure a successful out-of-court settlement. If we can’t, we are willing and ready to take the defendants to court.
Let us fight for your rights. You’ll only pay for our services if we’re successful in recovering money for your claim.
To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with our Bakersfield heavy equipment accident lawyers, please call us, text us, or use our online form right away. We’re here to help you.