Vibratory Plate Compactor 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 vibratory plate compactors. 

Vibratory plate compactors are used to compact loose materials such as soil, gravel, hot asphalt, and aggregate mixes. Most of these compactors are engine-driven where the exciter mechanism causes the machine’s base plate to rapidly vibrate which moves the materials closer together with vibrations reaching up to 4,000 per minute. While only approximately 200 pounds in weight, vibratory plate compactors can still cause serious accidents.

If you have been injured in a vibratory plate compactor 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. 

Vibratory Plate Compactor Dangers 

In any construction project, it is important that the correct tool is used to prevent accidents and injuries. Vibratory plate compactors, due to their smaller size, are often used in confined spaces. These types of equipment are notorious for causing nerve damage from usage, lung issues from exposure to soil and exhaust, and ear damage from the continuous noise during usage. There are also risks if a vibratory plate compactor operator is improperly trained, if the wrong compactor is used for the given soil conditions, the compactor is not properly maintained, or is defective in design and/or manufacturing. 

The most common injuries seen in vibratory plate compactor 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 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 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.