Defective Construction Equipment

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Los Angeles Defective Construction Equipment Attorney

Maximizing Injured Construction Workers’ Compensation for 35+ Years

Construction sites are extremely dangerous when the proper precautions are not taken. Even the most responsible employees can run into safety issues on the job, at no fault of their own. A worksite with construction equipment that is broken or does not work properly can endanger anyone in the area.

When a faulty product is put on a construction site, injury or death may result. Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation can help after an accident. Our legal team will leave no stone unturned, working tirelessly to get you the best results possible.

A Team that Fights for Your Rights

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we have over 35 years of experience in holding mechanics, manufacturers, distributors, and other parties accountable. We know that taking legal action can seem impossible after a serious injury, which is why we do everything within our power to make it easy on you. This includes coming to you if you cannot make it to our office due to your injury.

Our experience, success, and track record are unmatched. To date, we have recovered more than $550 million in compensation for our clients. And while money isn’t everything, it can serve as a safety net and give you access to the medical care you need.

Don’t wait to contact our Los Angeles defective construction equipment lawyers—call (866) 884-1717 today for a free consultation.

Types of Defective Construction Equipment

Defective construction equipment refers to tools, machinery, or devices used in construction that have flaws, faults, or imperfections that can compromise their safety, functionality, or efficiency.

Our award-winning lawyers have recovered compensation for construction workers injured by defective equipment such as:

  • Ladders: Defective ladders may have structural weaknesses, broken rungs, or unstable joints, posing a risk of falls.
  • Scaffolding: Faulty scaffolding can lead to collapses or accidents. This may include issues with the structure, materials, or assembly.
  • Faulty switches: Electrical equipment with defective switches can cause electrical hazards and pose a risk of shocks or fires.
  • Hand tools: Defective hand tools, such as hammers, wrenches, or power tools, may have broken parts or malfunctioning mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Cranes: Defective cranes may suffer from structural issues, malfunctioning controls, or inadequate maintenance, leading to accidents and injuries.
  • Forklifts: Defects in forklifts, including brake failures, steering issues, or load instability, can result in accidents and damage.
  • Conveyor belts: Faulty conveyor belts can pose risks like jamming, tearing, or unexpected stops, leading to injuries or disruptions in workflow.
  • Drill presses and lathes: Defects in these machines can result in uncontrolled movements, mechanical failures, or other safety hazards.
  • Safety harnesses: Defective safety harnesses may fail to properly secure workers, increasing the risk of falls from heights.
  • Heavy machinery: Defective heavy machinery, such as bulldozers or excavators, can have mechanical failures that lead to accidents and injuries.
  • Missing safety guards: Equipment lacking proper safety guards exposes operators to potential hazards, increasing the risk of injuries.

Unfortunately, there is no limit to which equipment may be defective. Many construction workers are injured by defective equipment every year.

Who Is Liable for Accidents Involving Defective Equipment?

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries. But when construction workers are injured, many accidentally settle for less compensation than they are owed. This is because employees cannot sue their employers, a law that leads many workers (across all industries) to believe a workers’ compensation claim is their only option.

There are other options, however. Many injured construction workers have the right to file a third-party civil lawsuit to hold parties, besides their employer, accountable for negligence. Our Los Angeles defective construction equipment attorneys will investigate your case and identify the negligent party.

Third-party negligence may include but is not limited to:

  • Creating a product with a defective design
  • Failing to warn of a product’s safety hazards
  • Failing to thoroughly test a product
  • Failing to recall a product known to be defective
  • Failing to maintain a product, or keep it in good condition

Several parties can potentially be held liable for defective construction equipment injuries, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The following are common parties that might be held responsible:

  • Manufacturer: The manufacturer of the construction equipment may be held liable if the defect occurred during the design, manufacturing, or assembly process. This includes defects in the equipment's design or flaws that arise during production.
  • Distributor or Retailer: If the construction equipment passes through distributors or retailers before reaching the end user, they may be held liable for injuries caused by defects. This is particularly true if they knew or should have known about the defect but failed to take appropriate action.
  • Supplier of Component Parts: In cases where the defective equipment includes component parts, the supplier of those parts may be held liable if the defect in the components contributes to the overall defect in the equipment.
  • Assembler or Installer: If the equipment was assembled or installed improperly, leading to a defect, the party responsible for assembly or installation may be held liable for resulting injuries.
  • Rental Companies: Companies that rent out construction equipment may be held liable if they provide equipment that is known to be defective or if they fail to properly maintain and inspect the equipment.
  • Maintenance and Repair Companies: If a maintenance or repair company is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, or repairing the construction equipment, they may be held liable if their negligence contributes to a defect that causes injuries.
  • Design Professionals: In cases where the defect is related to the design of the construction project rather than the equipment itself, architects or engineers involved in the project's design may be held liable.
  • Government Entities: If the construction equipment is owned or used by a government entity, such as in public construction projects, the government may be held liable for defects under certain circumstances.

Proving Liability for Defective Construction Equipment

To succeed in a defective construction equipment injury case, the injured party (plaintiff) typically needs to establish certain key elements. The plaintiff must prove the following:

  1. Defective Product: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the construction equipment involved was defective. Defects can be categorized into three types: design defects, manufacturing defects, or marketing defects (failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions).
  2. Reasonable Use: The plaintiff must demonstrate that they were using the construction equipment in a reasonable and foreseeable manner at the time of the incident. If the equipment was misused or used in a way that was not reasonably anticipated, it could impact the case.
  3. Causation: The plaintiff must establish a causal link between the defect in the construction equipment and the injuries suffered. This involves demonstrating that the defect was a substantial factor in causing the injuries.
  4. Injury or Damages: The plaintiff needs to prove that they suffered actual harm or damages as a result of the defect. This can include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other measurable losses.

Successfully proving these elements often requires gathering evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments. Individuals pursuing such cases must consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide them through the legal process and build a strong case.

Construction Site Injuries that Qualify for Compensation

It is important to note that any construction site injury can qualify for compensation provided that defective equipment was to blame.

The most common injuries over which workers file for compensation include:

Each of these injuries can alter your life, as well as cost thousands—or tens of thousands—of dollars to treat.

Trying to pay for intensive medical treatment is difficult even when you are at full health and on the job. After an accident, your energy should go toward healing. Enlist someone else to advocate for you: Speak with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who knows how to recover compensation for those injured on construction sites.

Injured by Defective Construction Equipment? Call Now!

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we have the experience needed to effectively represent you. It takes in-depth industry knowledge to investigate construction equipment and determine if a defect exists. Our legal team understands how construction equipment, including heavy machinery, works. We are also well versed in industry rules and regulations, allowing us to identify any violations.

When you have been hurt by a defective piece of machinery or other worksite equipment, you deserve financial compensation from the company behind the accident. We are here to help you get it.

Contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles defective construction equipment attorney. Your consultation is free!

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