Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit Overview

Boom lift accident lawsuits target manufacturers, rental companies, employers, and worksite managers for injuries resulting from equipment failure and safety violations.

These cases typically involve allegations of defective design, inadequate safety features, improper maintenance, and insufficient operator training.

According to industry data, over 26 accidents involving boom lifts are reported annually, with approximately 3-5 resulting in fatalities.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued multiple safety warnings regarding boom lift operation and stability requirements.

Latest Boom Lift Lawsuit Updates

• April 10, 2025 – A multi-plaintiff lawsuit against GenTech Boom Manufacturing settled for $13.2 million in Los Angeles County Court. The case involved three workers who sustained permanent disabilities from a boom lift collapse at a construction site.
• February 22, 2025 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced an expanded investigation into reported stability issues with multiple boom lift models following a series of tip-over incidents.
• December 15, 2024 – A Texas jury awarded $8.7 million to the family of a construction worker killed when a boom lift malfunctioned, causing him to fall 40 feet. The verdict found the equipment rental company failed to properly maintain the equipment.
• October 5, 2024 – OSHA released updated boom lift safety guidelines requiring enhanced operator training and more frequent equipment inspections after documenting a 23% increase in boom lift-related injuries [1].
• August 27, 2024 – 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].

Boom Lift Accident Statistics

According to industry research and regulatory reports:

• Approximately 26,000 boom lifts are in active use on construction sites across the United States
• Boom lift accidents account for nearly 25% of all aerial work platform incidents
• Falls from elevation represent 70% of boom lift fatalities
• Equipment tip-overs cause approximately 18% of serious injuries and deaths
• The construction industry reports the highest number of boom lift accidents (64%), followed by maintenance operations (21%)
• Economic impact of boom lift accidents exceeds $180 million annually in medical costs, lost productivity, and legal expenses

Related: How to check if you can file a wrongful-death lawsuit

FDA Reports and Statistics

While boom lifts fall under OSHA rather than FDA regulation, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented:

• 347 reported incidents involving boom lift malfunctions over the past decade
• 82 serious injuries requiring hospitalization
• 29 fatalities directly attributed to equipment failure
• 14 manufacturer recalls affecting approximately 16,300 units since 2020

Boom Lift Injuries & Side Effects

Boom lift accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the heights involved and the substantial weight of the equipment.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions, contusions, and permanent cognitive impairment
• Spinal Cord Damage: Partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and mobility limitations
• Crushing Injuries: Internal organ damage, multiple fractures, and permanent disfigurement
• Fatal Falls: Death from elevation drops, often exceeding 30 feet
• Electrocution: Severe burns, nerve damage, and cardiac issues from power line contact

Do You Qualify for a Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a boom lift accident lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one was injured in a boom lift accident between 2020-2025
• The injuries required significant medical treatment or resulted in death
• The accident involved equipment failure, design defects, or inadequate safety features
• You can document negligence in training, maintenance, or operation
• You are within your state’s statute of limitations for filing a claim

Evidence Required for a Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit

Strong cases typically require:

• Medical records documenting injuries and treatment
• Employment records confirming authorized equipment operation
• Maintenance logs and inspection reports for the boom lift
• Witness statements and accident reports
• Expert testimony on equipment defects or safety violations
• Photographic evidence of the accident scene and equipment

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of boom lift accidents may be eligible to recover:

• Past and future medical expenses for treating injuries
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering compensation
• Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
• Punitive damages against manufacturers or employers who demonstrated gross negligence
• Wrongful death compensation for families of deceased victims

Boom Lift Recall Information

Several major boom lift recalls have been issued in recent years:

Genie Boom Lifts Recall (March 2025)

• Models affected: Z-45, Z-60, and S-65 manufactured between 2022-2024
• Defect: Platform leveling system failure causing sudden drops
• Incidents: 17 reported injuries, including 3 fatalities
• CPSC Recall Number: 25-157

JLG Industries Recall (November 2024)

• Models affected: 600 Series manufactured between January 2021 and August 2024
• Defect: Control system malfunction causing unexpected movement
• Incidents: 12 reported injuries
• CPSC Recall Number: 24-312

Terex Aerial Work Platforms (September 2023)

• Models affected: All models with hydraulic elevation systems manufactured in 2021-2022
• Defect: Hydraulic line failure causing rapid descent
• Incidents: 8 reported serious injuries
• CPSC Recall Number: 23-286

Statute of Limitations for Boom Lift Accident Lawsuits

The time you have to file a lawsuit varies by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim
• Some states permit only 1 year for product liability claims
• Wrongful death cases typically allow 2 years from the date of death
• The discovery rule may extend deadlines if defects were concealed
• Cases involving government entities often have shorter filing windows (6-12 months)

Don’t delay seeking legal counsel, as missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Related lawsuits:

• Crane & Aerial Lift Accident Case
• Altec Aerial Lift Case
• Terex Cranes Case

FAQs

1. Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for a boom lift accident?

Yes, you can still seek compensation under comparative negligence laws. Most states allow recovery even if you were partially responsible, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help determine liability and maximize your potential recovery despite shared fault.

2. What is the average settlement for boom lift accident claims?

Settlement amounts typically range from $250,000 to $5 million, depending on injury severity, permanent disability, and liability factors. Fatal accidents often result in higher settlements, averaging $2-4 million. Recent cases involving manufacturer defects have seen settlements exceeding $10 million for multiple victims.

3. How long does it take to resolve a boom lift accident lawsuit?

Most boom lift accident cases settle within 12-18 months of filing. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 2-3 years to conclude. Approximately 85% of cases settle before trial, though cases with clear liability and serious injuries may resolve more quickly.

4. Can I sue the rental company if the boom lift was rented?

Yes, rental companies can be liable for failing to properly maintain equipment, neglecting required inspections, or failing to provide adequate operational instructions. Many successful lawsuits have established rental company liability for providing defective or improperly maintained boom lifts to customers.

5. What if my employer’s workers’ compensation insurance denied my claim?

Workers’ compensation denials don’t prevent you from pursuing third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, maintenance companies, or property owners. These third-party lawsuits often result in substantially higher compensation than workers’ compensation benefits and can cover additional damages like pain and suffering.

6. 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, the equipment involved, maintenance and inspection reports, safety inspection reports, medical records documenting your injuries, and any communications with your employer, equipment rental company, and manufacturers.

7. 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 or liability. The exclusive remedy against your employer. A personal injury lawsuit requires proving negligence but potentially provides much higher compensation including pain and suffering plus possibly punitive damages if filed by a third party, such as the equipment manufacturer.

8. 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 was overly broad or your case meets other exceptions. An experienced attorney can review your waiver and determine your legal options.

Get A Free Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for boom lift accidents. In most states, you have only 2-3 years from the date of injury to file your claim, and waiting can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Our experienced team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case and recover compensation for you
• Nationwide representation with specific expertise in boom lift accident litigation

Don’t let crucial evidence disappear or deadlines expire. Contact us today to understand your legal options and start your path to recovery.

References:

1. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.453