Equipment at construction sites are large and dangerous, and anything from improper operation to malfunction can lead to serious accidents. Both construction workers and nearby pedestrians could experience a catastrophic event.

If you were hurt by an aerial or scissor lift, which are common on big construction projects, you can seek compensation. With the assistance of a Philadelphia aerial/scissor lift accident lawyer from Marrone Law Firm, LLC, your odds of recovering fair damages are improved. Call our team to schedule a free consultation today with a workplace accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Aerial and Scissor Lift Accidents

Aerial lifts are vehicles that have extendable arms that offer great range and flexibility for people working on buildings, trees, power lines, and other tall objects, while scissor lifts rise vertically using crisscrossing supports. Some of the most common causes of accidents involving this equipment are:

  • Falls from Heights: Workers can fall from the lift platform due to a lack of fall protection or improper use of safety gear.
  • Tip-Overs: Overloading the lift or operating it on uneven ground can cause it to become unstable and tip over.
  • Electrocution: Working near power lines without maintaining a safe distance can lead to electrical contact and electrocution accidents.
  • Caught-Between Accidents: Workers can be crushed between the lift and overhead structures when maneuvering the platform in tight spaces.
  • Mechanical Failure: Poor maintenance or malfunctioning parts can result in lift failure (e.g. hydraulic leaks or faulty brakes).
  • Operator Error: Lack of training or improper handling of the controls can lead to unsafe operation.
  • Weather Conditions: Strong winds or rain can make the lift difficult to control or cause workers to lose balance.

In most cases, the cause of such accidents is someone’s negligent actions, and they are the basis for a personal injury lawsuit. A Philadelphia lawyer who has experience with scissors or aerial lift claims can gather relevant evidence to prove negligence and seek maximum compensation.

Who Is Responsible for Aerial/Scissor Lift Accidents?

Several parties may be responsible for incidents involving these dangerous vehicles. A lawyer could further clarify the responsibility after investigating the situation.

Employers

In many cases, the construction employers are responsible for the maintenance and safety of construction lifts. Negligent behavior can include not providing workers with proper safety equipment, failure to train employers how to use a lift, and inadequate supervision of activities on the work site. If a construction company is responsible for the accident, the worker may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Contractors

Contractors can be liable for aerial and scissor lift accidents if they act negligently while arranging the work with the equipment. The examples of such negligence are failure to secure the lift, not providing the necessary lift maintenance, and lowering or raising the lift unsafely. If contractors violate Aerial Work Platform Standards, they can also be held responsible for an accident on site.

Manufacturers

A lift manufacturer can also be responsible for the accident if the company fails to provide the equipment in working condition or if the design was faulty from the beginning. Some of the outcomes of such negligence include hydraulic failures, malfunctioning controls, and defective turntable components. All these issues can lead to serious accidents and life-threatening harm.

To identify the at-fault party, an experienced Philadelphia lawyer would need to conduct an investigation into the aerial lift accident. This is necessary to make sure the injured party files the right claims.

Consult an Experienced Philadelphia Aerial/Scissor Lift Accident Attorney Today

Whether you are a construction site worker or a pedestrian who sustained injuries from one of these lifts, getting fair compensation involves a comprehensive approach to taking legal action. At Marrone Law Firm, LLC, we have decades of experience helping victims of such accidents get the money they deserve. Call us to schedule a consultation today with an aerial and scissor lift injury lawyer in Philadelphia.