Telehandler 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 telehandlers.

A telehandler, also sometimes known as telescopic handler, teleporter, or boom lift, is similar to a forklift but instead has a boom which can be fitted with several attachments including fork tines, work platforms, a lifting jib, or an earthmoving bucket. Telehandlers are widely used in the agriculture and construction industries for moving loads in places that are unreachable for typical forklifts or in areas where cranes aren’t feasible. While popular because of their size, low weight, maneuverability, computer safety sensors, and front stabilizers, telehandlers are not without their risks for accidents.

If you have been injured in a telehandler 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.

Even with safety mechanisms in place, accidents with telehandlers can still occur. Statistics show that the main cause of telehandler accidents are due to loss of control of the vehicle and overloading. This is why it is important that telehandler operators are properly trained in their safe usage, the telehandler is properly maintained, and a telehandler that is defective in design and/or manufacture is never used in the workplace.

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 lawyer 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 injury 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.