Generator Accidents

 

Construction is one of the most dangerous careers in America, with one in ten construction workers injured each year while working on the roads, infrastructure, and buildings across the country. This often involves the use of dangerous and heavy equipment such as generators. 

Generators are used when portable power is needed. However, if these important pieces of equipment are used incorrectly, gasoline, kerosene, and other gas-powered generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shocks, fires, burns, and even death. 

If you have been injured in a generator accident, contact 844 See Mike 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, 844 See Mike 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. 

Generator Risks 

On average, 70 people die from generator accidents every year. While just a small fraction of the injuries sustained in construction, it still remains that generators pose serious and deadly risks to those in the workplace. 

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in minutes if a generator is being used in an enclosed building. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can linger for hours, so even if you do not smell anything, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide.

If a generator is operated in a wet environment it poses a risk of electrocution. Generators should never be plugged into a wet outlet and a canopy structure should be used over the generator to prevent water from entering the generator and pooling underneath it. When any extension cords are used, they should have a proper wattage rating, be long enough to allow the generator to be placed away from enclosed spaces and areas where anyone could be working, and none of the cords should have damage or crimping. 

A well-trained generator operator will know the dangers of backfeeding. Backfeeding occurs when electricity flows in the opposite direction than it should, which is why it is illegal to plug a generator into any public service line, including standard outlets in a home or garage.

Finally, generator fuel can pose a fire risk, especially if the generator is not allowed to cool before refueling or the generator is placed near flammable substances. Smoking should be prohibited near the generator as well, and care should be used around the hot engine and muffler to avoid burns. 

The most common injuries seen in generator accidents include: 

• Bruises
• Lacerations
• Fractures
• Abrasions
• Amputation
• Crushing injuries
• Severe burns
• Permanent disabilities
• Head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Death 

Liability in Construction Accidents 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH ACT), employers have an obligation to maintain a safe working environment and follow the regulations of OSHA. If the employer, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another employee fails to follow the appropriate standards of care and their actions or inactions cause an accident, they could be liable for the injuries and damages their negligence caused.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits, including medical and rehabilitation expenses, partial wages, and disability benefits to an injured worker regardless of who was at-fault for the accident. Workers compensation does typically prohibit an employee from suing their employer for the accident; however, there may be other options including filing a claim against a negligent third-party, such as a subcontractor, vendor, defective equipment designer and/or manufacturer, or general contractor who is not the employee’s direct employer.

Construction accidents are often complex, involving multiple parties and defendants. This is why it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorneys to determine your rights under Illinois law.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, the attorney at 844 See Mike 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.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 1,000 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 135 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.