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Scissor Lift Aerial Platform Accidents

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

 

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 scissor lift aerial platforms.
Scissor lift aerial platforms are a vertical lift with the platform being the same size as the actual base. They’re often used in both indoor and outdoor projects and because of their stability, these lifts are often used as work platforms. Unlike other boom platforms, scissor lifts only move vertically between 20 feet and 60 feet and typically have an unrestricted weight capacity of 1,000 pounds with higher restricted capacities. The largest scissor lifts used in heavy construction often have weight capacities of 50 tons. While an essential piece of equipment, scissor lift aerial platforms are not without risk.
If you have been injured in a scissor lift aerial platform 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.

Scissor Lift Aerial Platform Dangers

When scissor lift aerial platforms are used correctly, they are not dangerous. However, when an operator is not properly trained in its usage, the lift is not safely maintained, or is defective in design and/or manufacture, workers and bystanders can be put at risk for serious and deadly injuries.

Tip-overs are the most common accidents that occur with aerial lifts, especially if the lift is used on uneven ground or they are overloaded. Other accidents that may occur include electrocution, falls, left ejections, and being struck by falling objects from the lift.
The most common injuries seen in scissor lift aerial platform 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 attorney 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 lawyers 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.

 

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