Construction Equipment Failures

Construction equipment, whether new or old, can fail for any on no reason.  A construction equipment failure could be the result of a product with a defective design, or due to defective manufacturing.  It could also be the result of equipment misuse, overuse, poor equipment maintenance, or improper training on how to use equipment. 

Common examples of equipment failures include: 

  • failed hydraulic lines;
  • failed compressed air lines;
  • failed brake lines;
  • failed cables;
  • failed bolts; and
  • failed ladders.

Almost any tool or piece of equipment can fail.  Construction workers are seriously injured every day because of defective nail guns, defective sanders, defective saws, defective drills, defective pumps, and defective pressure tanks, as well as when parts fail on forklifts, backhoes, cranes, lifts, bulldozers, and skid steers.   

When small equipment or parts fail, various things can happen, including airborne nails, metal, drill bits, saw blades and rubber hosing.  When motorized equipment fails, the danger is even greater as buckets drop, booms swing, tires spin, and equipment overturns. 

Crowded and noisy jobsites often make it impossible for a construction worker to avoid a falling backhoe bucket, dodge a forklift blade, duck a wrecking ball, sidestep a falling ladder, or turn away from flying debris, which can lead to serious personal injury. 

New York State has special laws, known as “Labor Laws” that protect construction workers from injury or, if injured, that permit construction workers to recover from some or all of the people or companies that caused or contributed to their injury.  The specific provisions of the New York State Labor Law are: 

  • Section 200;
  • Section 240; and
  • Section 241(6).
Section 200 is a general provision that requires jobsite owners and contractors, and their agents, to provide a safe workplace for construction workers and lawful visitors, and imposes liability for injuries sustained at an unsafe workplace.  Section 240 is a specific provision concerning precautions that must be taken to prevent construction site falls, or falls from a height, and liability for fall-related injuries.  Section 241(6) is a specific provision concerning steps that must be taken to ensure compliance with the New York State Industrial Code, and liability for violations of the New York State Industrial Code.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving construction equipment failures.  If you or a loved have been injured due to dangerous construction equipment, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York construction site accident attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.