Skid Steer Loader Accident Lawsuit | Book Our Lawyers

Skid steer loaders, while small in size, are powerful tools used in both construction and agricultural tasks. Yet, it’s important to note that these loaders pose significant risks. Every year in the United States, they are linked to major injuries and fatalities. Accidents involving skid steer loaders often occur due to flaws in the equipment’s design, excessive weight being carried, or usage on unsound terrain.

Free Skid Steer Loader Accident Lawsuit Evaluation: If you suffered a serious injury in an accident involving a skid steer loader, or if a loved one died in a skid steer loader accident, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer of the skid steer loader and we can help.

What is a Skid Steer Loader?

A skid steer loader is a small frame machine with lift arms and four wheels that mechanically lock in synchronization on each side. The left-side drive wheels of a skid steer loader can be driven independently of the right-side drive wheels.

By turning the left and right wheel pairs at different speeds, the loader turns by ‘skidding,’ or dragging its fixed-orientation wheels across the ground. Skid steers are capable of zero-radius, ‘pirouette’ turns, which makes them extremely maneuverable and useful for jobs that require a compact, agile loading machine.

Also known as skid loaders or skidsteers, skid steer loaders are manufactured by a number of companies including:

• Wacker Neuson
• LiuGong
• Volvo
• John Deere
• Case
• JLG
• JCB
• New Holland
• Gehl Company
• Mustang
• ASV
• Caterpillar
• Bobcat
• Komatsu
• Hyundai

Skid Steer Injuries

Unfortunately, despite their many uses, skid steer loaders may cause serious injuries when:

• a person is pinned between the bucket or lift arms and the frame of the loader;
• the skid steer rolls over;
• a person is pinned between the loader and another object:
• a person is run over by a skid steer loader.

As with other types of heavy equipment, accidents involving skid steer loaders may stem from many causes. Any number of parties may be at fault, from the operator to the supervisor to the manufacturer of the loader. First and foremost, establishing responsibility requires uncovering the root causes of the skid steer accident.

This requires experience, technical expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of what the jury needs to hear and see at trial. With the help of our trusted network of experts, the skid steer loader accident lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, can establish the responsibility of those at fault for your injuries.

Defective Design Cases

To prevail in a skid steer loader accident lawsuit on a defective design theory, the plaintiff must prove that the loader was sold in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to the user or user’s property and that:

• the seller was in the business of selling the skid steer loader that caused the accident; and
• the loader was expected to and did reach the user without substantial change in the condition in which it is sold.

Failure-to-Warn Cases

To reach a jury on a skid steer loader accident failure-to-warn theory of liability, the evidence must be able to support a reasonable inference that the existence of an adequate warning might have prevented the injury.

Most jurisdictions have adopted a presumption that a warning, if given, would have been heeded. This means that the manufacturer of the skid steer loader has the burden of proving that the user would not have heeded a warning if one had been given.

Related accidents suits:

• Backhoe accident suit
• Construction site accident suit
• Crane and aerial lift accident suit

FAQs

Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action in a skid steer loader accident case?

Yes, you can file an individual lawsuit if you prefer not to join a class action. This might be beneficial if your case involves unique or severe circumstances.

What should I do if my claim related to a skid steer loader accident is denied?

If your claim is denied, consult with an attorney to explore further legal action. An attorney can help challenge the denial and pursue compensation.

Can manufacturers be held accountable for defects found in skid steer loaders?

Yes, manufacturers can be held accountable for defects that cause accidents. This can include design flaws, manufacturing errors, or failure to provide adequate safety warnings.

See all the personal injury and accidents suits we’ve taken on.

Do I Have a Skid Steer Loader Accident Lawsuit?

The Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in skid steer loader accident lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new skid steer accident cases in all 50 states.

Free Skid Steer Loader Accident Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that involved a skid steer loader, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a skid steer loader accident suit and we can help.