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Update: Genie Boom Lifts Recalled for Fall Hazard
Genie Industries is recalling 2020 TZ-34 and TZ-50 trailer mounted boom lifts that were sold with bolts which connect the slew turntable bearing to the chassis that may have been under tightened. “The loose bearing may affect the stability of the lift, increasing the risk of personal injury,” NHTSA said. Genie is notifying owners and technicians will properly tighten the slew bearing bolts, free of charge. This recall began in December 2020.
What is a Boom Lift?
A boom lift is a type of aerial lift that allows for both horizontal and vertical reach. The machines are widely used for a variety of outdoor jobs, industrial tasks, and construction projects. Boom lifts may also be referred to as basket cranes, cherry pickers, or man lifts.
What’s the Problem?
Accidents involving boom lifts can be severe. They can cause significant injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death.
Related: How to check if you can file a wrongful-death lawsuit
Causes of Boom Lift Accidents
- Failure to train lift operators
- Failure to provide fall protection
- Failure to maintain the equipment or fall protection
- Defective lifts
- Defective fall protection
- Failure to secure brakes and/or pads
- Moving the lift while it is extended
- Raising the lift when unsafe to do so
- Horseplay
- Failure to inspect straps, ropes or chains
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [1]
2 Die in Boom Lift Accident in Oregon
Two arborists died in a boom lift accident at a farm in Happy Valley, Oregon, as they worked at the Pickathon music festival, according to The Oregonian [2].
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said the workers had been in a boom lift before climbing up trees to get to ropes holding up a shade installation at the festival. They were wearing safety equipment and were roped to the boom lift, which was positioned on an incline.
When the arborists were about 40 feet in the air, the lift suddenly tilted and fell, hurtling the victims to their deaths. The medical examiner’s office says the deaths were likely accidental.
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FAQs
Can I sue for lost wages if I am unable to work due to injuries from a boom lift accident?
Yes, if you are unable to work due to injuries from a boom lift accident, you can sue for lost wages as part of your compensation claim. This can include both the income you have already lost and any future earnings you may miss out on due to ongoing disability or recovery time.
What evidence is crucial for building a strong boom lift accident lawsuit?
Crucial evidence for a boom lift accident lawsuit includes photos and videos of the accident scene, maintenance records of the equipment, eyewitness statements, safety inspection reports, medical records documenting your injuries, and any communications with your employer or the equipment manufacturer.
How does a workers’ compensation claim differ from a personal injury lawsuit in a boom lift accident?
A workers’ compensation claim provides benefits such as medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault, and is typically the exclusive remedy against your employer. A personal injury lawsuit, on the other hand, allows you to seek full compensation, including pain and suffering and possibly punitive damages, but requires proving negligence or fault by a third party, such as the equipment manufacturer.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I signed a waiver before operating the boom lift?
Yes, even if you signed a waiver before operating the boom lift, you may still be able to file a lawsuit. Waivers may not be enforceable if the accident was caused by gross negligence, product defects, or if the waiver violates public policy. An attorney can assess the validity of the waiver in your case.
See all related cases our personal injury attorneys have taken on.
Do I Have a Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Boom Lift Accident Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boom lift accident, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: