Backhoes and excavators are essential in a wide variety of industries. These types of equipment must be powerful and weighty for the work that they perform, and both machines require adequate training and safety measures to minimize potential injuries or death. When a backhoe or excavator operator is improperly trained, ignores safety procedures, or there is a defect in the equipment, the results could be devastating.
If you have been injured in an accident, contact Mike Agruss Law for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, Mike Agruss Law is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
Types of Backhoe and Excavator Accidents
Backhoes and excavators are probably the most utilized heavy equipment on construction sites; used in trench digging, hole digging, and excavation. Backhoes and excavators have specific weight load capacities issued by the manufacturers of this equipment. When this is ignored, excess weight can cause instability and put the operator and bystanders at risk for serious injuries or death.
Backhoe and excavator accidents can also be caused by if the equipment is improperly designed or manufactured. If an accident occurs due to a defective backhoe or excavator, the product designer, manufacturer, and anyone else in the chain of distribution of that product could be held liable for any damages and injuries their product caused.
Other causes of backhoe and excavator accidents include:
- Electrocution caused by the hook hitting live wires
- Rollovers
- Crushing or pinning accidents
- Runovers
To prevent accidents, it is important to follow specific safety tips before and during the use of backhoes and excavators. These include:
- Inspect the machinery-Before operating any piece of equipment, the operator should fully inspect the machine and all its components.
- Use the seatbelt-Using a backhoe or excavator can be bumpy; a seatbelt will aid in keeping the operator firmly in their seat.
- Work only in a safe work zone-Never operate the backhoe or excavator when others are too close. The boom can unexpectedly swing and hit others.
- Never carry passengers-Backhoes and excavators are one-person pieces of equipment. No passengers should be riding in the equipment, including in the bucket or on the lift arms.
- Watch for dangers-Wires, utility lines, trees, and ditches all pose a hazard to a backhoe or excavator. Care should be used to mark these areas and avoid them.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a backhoe or excavator accident due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.
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