New York Personal Injury Attorneys

New York Skid Steer Injuries Lawyer

Thousands of individuals experience injuries on construction sites every year. Some of those injuries occur in or because of operating a skid steer loader. Skid steer loaders are medium-sized, four-wheel work vehicles that allow for various attachments. Uses for skid steers include digging, trenching, and transporting heavy objects and debris.

Since the 1980s, the construction industry and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have had concerns about skid steer safety. The vehicles are safer than ever thanks to the implementation of new safety features. Nonetheless, accidents occur due to misfortune, user error, or lack of safety training.

If you or someone you love experienced injury or even died as a result of injuries on a jobsite due to a skid steer, you may be eligible for a compensatory settlement. The New York personal injury lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo (SPBMCC) have secured billions of dollars in settlements for their clients. We have the compassion to see victims during a time of need, and the knowledge and grit to fight hard in the courtroom for injured New York and New Jersey workers. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose SPBMC?

The attorneys at SPBMC fight for the individual, the workforce, and the greater New York and New Jersey communities. Our extensive track record includes serving as lead counsel for injured 9/11 rescued workers, as well as serving as general counsel for the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. We are a full-service personal injury firm and we frequently work with clients who have construction-related injuries.

Why work with SPBCM?

  • We have recovered more $2 billion in the last 10 years for our clients.
  • We work with injured individuals, but also with groups filing class action suits.
  • We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not pay any fees unless we settle or win your case. 

Types of Skid Steer-Related Injuries

Skid steers have existed for decades and have always posed some risk to the individuals in and around them. Although the CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implement safety measures regarding construction sites and equipment, accidents still occur. Workers may experience injuries while operating a skid steer, or from being near one on a construction site. What are some examples of skid steer injuries?

  • Pinning incidents between the frame and the bucket of the machine, or between the frame and the lift arms, causes skid steer injuries.
  • Workers may experience crush injuries from a skid steer.
  • Rollover incidents cause skid steer injuries.
  • Employees can become pinned between the loader and another object.
  • Employees can be run over by skid steers, which may result in injuries or even death.

Safety Measures

The CDC added new safety measures to skid steer regulations in the 1980s and 1990s. These machines now come equipped with rollover protection, as well as interlocks. The rollover protection is similar to that of an off-road vehicle (ATV), which adds more traction and stability. The interlock typically requires the operator to use a seatbelt or a safety bar before starting the ignition.

Though these measures exist, sometimes companies use out-of-date equipment. Additionally, sometimes these features do not function properly or need to be serviced. Above all, it is imperative that employees have safety training on how to operate the vehicles and use all provided safeguards. Even if the employee is at fault, an employer’s neglect to provide proper training could mean they have liability.

Legal Help for Skid Steer Injuries

Seek legal counsel if you or someone you love has been injured or wrongfully killed in a skid steer construction accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.