Altec Digger Derrick Lawsuit | 2026 Latest Updates

Altec has recalled several digger derrick models between 2020 and 2026, including recalls 20V-282, 21V-512, 25V251 and 26V150. The recalled parts could cause uncontrolled boom movement, and the notices warn of serious injury. No class action or MDL has been filed over Altec digger derricks. The record so far is individual. It holds NHTSA recalls and one federal workplace safety decision that faulted the employer, not Altec. It also holds a 1996 jury verdict for a lineman injured in a 1994 digger derrick bucket fall, in Bunt v. Altec Industries. Altec denied the allegations in that case, and the court ruled on post-trial motions in 1997.

Latest Altec Digger Derrick Lawsuit Updates

March 20, 2026: NHTSA Acknowledges Recall 26V150

NHTSA acknowledged recall 26V150 from Altec Industries on March 20, 2026. The recall covers about 12,375 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2026, including Digger Derrick units [1]. The tire pressure on the certification label is incorrect. Altec reported the recall on March 13, 2026, under its number CSN-3294.

April 17, 2025: Altec Files Part 573 Report 25V251

Altec submitted Part 573 report 25V251 to NHTSA on April 17, 2025. It covers 900 Altec Digger Derricks from model years 2024 and 2025. The counterbalance valve retaining ring may not be seated [2]. Altec’s own number for the action is CSN-3223. The report is the manufacturer’s filing with the agency, so it states the hazard in Altec’s own words.

July 21, 2022: OSHRC Affirms Citation Against Employer

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission reversed a judge on July 21, 2022, in docket 18-1864. It affirmed an OSHA citation against Henkels & McCoy, Inc. and set a $12,934 penalty [3]. The citation followed a fatal incident on May 2, 2018, involving an Altec DC47 series digger derrick. The decision cites an Altec recall notice dated October 26, 2018.

September 3, 2021: Altec Issues Bulletin 827 for Recall 21V-512

Altec issued Mandatory Action Bulletin 827 on September 3, 2021, under NHTSA recall 21V-512. It covers the rotation gearbox on certain D2/3/4000B, D30XXE and DHXXE Series digger derricks built December 2020 to February 2021 [4]. The bulletin is Altec’s owner notice, so it states the hazard in Altec’s own words. It covers only the series and build months named above.

June 25, 2020: Altec Issues Notice 760 for Recall 20V-282

Altec issued Customer Service Notice 760 on June 25, 2020, under NHTSA recall 20V-282. It covers rotation bearing cap screws on certain aerial devices and D2/3/4000B, D3000H, DHB, DHE and DHH Series digger derricks [5]. Altec built the units from September 2018 through January 2020. The notice is Altec’s own letter to owners, so it uses Altec’s wording.

April 18, 1997: Court Rules After Bunt Jury Verdict

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York decided post-trial motions on April 18, 1997, in Bunt v. Altec Industries, Inc., 962 F.Supp. 313 [6]. A jury had returned a verdict in December 1996 for a lineman injured in a 1994 digger derrick incident. The case is historical and not a current lawsuit.

What Is an Altec Digger Derrick?

According to Altec, its digger derricks have sheave heights from 37 to 85 feet and 10-foot load ratings from 3,800 to 30,000 pounds. Features include five function hydraulic overload protection and pole guide interlocks [7]. The recalls and court records on this page involve Altec units of this kind. They describe parts that could affect boom control.

Who May Be Affected?

Workers who operate or work around Altec digger derricks may be affected. Examples are utility crews setting or removing poles. The 25V251 report names “users and nearby personnel” as those at risk. Owners of units built in the recalled periods also receive Altec’s notices. Each situation needs an individual legal review, because the facts decide whether a claim exists.

Reported Injuries or Damages

Recall notices describe the hazard in the manufacturer’s words. They are not court findings, and they do not show that a defect caused any injury. The 25V251 report says loss of pressure can allow “uncontrolled movement of the equipment.” It adds a risk of “death or serious injury.” The 21V-512 notice says a failed rotation brake “can cause uncontrolled boom movement.” The 20V-282 notice says failed cap screws “can cause uncontrolled movement.” The OSHRC decision says an employee “was fatally injured” while using a digger derrick to remove a utility pole. The Commission found the employer failed to properly maintain the derrick bolts. That finding is against the employer, not Altec. In Bunt, the lineman reported severe and permanent injuries to his right foot. His theory was that Altec sold the derrick without a guard or shield over the bucket controls. Altec denied that allegation.

Recall and Regulatory Background

Altec has recalled digger derricks and related equipment several times. Remedies are free. Owners can call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832.

Evidence to Preserve

Records can show which unit was involved and how it was kept. Keep the following items:

• Product identifiers, such as the serial number, model and build date
• Maintenance and inspection records for the equipment
• Recall letters and Altec notices sent to the owner
• Photographs of the equipment and the scene
• Medical records and bills for the injury
• Employer and incident reports
• Communications with Altec, the employer and insurers

Build dates matter because each recall covers a set period. A serial number lets you compare your unit with the recalled series.

Filing Deadlines

Filing deadlines come from state law. The time limit can depend on where you live and on when the injury and its discovery happened. Missing a deadline can end a claim entirely, even if the evidence is strong. Talk to a lawyer promptly to learn which deadline applies to your situation.

Potential Compensation

Depending on the case, damages may cover medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and a spouse’s loss of services. In Bunt v. Altec Industries, the December 1996 jury awarded $1,695,474 in total damages. The award was itemized in those categories. It was reduced 20% for the plaintiff’s comparative fault. Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Potential compensation in any claim depends on its own facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Check Whether My Digger Derrick Is Recalled?

To check whether your digger derrick is recalled, compare its model series and build date with each notice. Altec lists series such as D2/3/4000B and DHXXE. Altec customer service can confirm a serial number.

What Should I Do After a Digger Derrick Accident?

After a digger derrick accident, report the incident to your employer and keep the equipment details, photographs and medical records. The OSHRC case began with an OSHA inspection and citation, so workplace reports may matter later.

What Does the Research Say About Altec Digger Derrick Injuries?

The key regulator finding on Altec digger derrick injuries is the OSHRC decision in docket 18-1864, which involved a crew leader and an apprentice in Jacksonville, Florida. It faulted the employer’s maintenance of the derrick bolts, not Altec.

Has Any Altec Digger Derrick Lawsuit Reached a Verdict?

An Altec digger derrick lawsuit reached a verdict in Bunt. The judgment against Altec was $1,196,379.20 for the lineman and $160,000.00 for his wife, following the jury’s December 1996 award in that federal case.

References

1. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCAK-26V150-3692.pdf
2. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V251-5344.PDF
3. https://www.oshrc.gov/wp-content/uploads/Henkels__McCoy%5E18-1864%5E_Commmission_Decision%5E072022%5EFINAL_publish.html
4. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCONL-21V512-4352.pdf
5. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCONL-20V282-9384.pdf
6. https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/bunt-v-altec-industries-895601199
7. https://www.altec.com/altec-derricks