These excavator accidents can occur in a number of different scenarios including the machinery colliding with a worker on the ground, the excavator being operated too close to the edge of a trench leading to the trench collapsing and rolling over, or the bucket of the excavator falling and crushing workers on the ground because the bucket is not secured properly. Though the number of construction accidents and construction site fatalities has declined with the downturn in the economy and reduction in the number of construction projects, construction remains the leading industry for job site fatalities. The attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been protecting the rights of those injured in serious construction accidents throughout Georgia for over a quarter of century.

Although excavator accidents can occur in a variety of situations, some of the most common types of excavator accidents include the following:

Excavator Driving Accidents: These accidents may occur when the excavator collides with another piece of heavy machinery or a worker on the ground. These accidents are often the result of untrained or inexperienced operators. The operator may fail to notice potential driving hazards or to observe co-workers in the path of the excavator. These accidents may also occur when an inexperienced excavator operator drives an excavator too quickly over uneven terrain, which can result in the excavator rolling over.

Ditch Collapse Accidents: If the excavator is used too close to the edge of a trench, it may cause the trench to collapse which could also result in the excavator rolling over. Excavator operators may have insufficient training and operate the excavator too close to an unshored trench. An inexperienced operator may also operate the excavator near the trench when someone is inside. This type of incident can easily result in a fatal excavator accident when the excavator overturns or the trench collapses on someone inside the ditch.

Unauthorized Operator: It is common on construction sites for excavator operators to leave the excavator unattended with the jib raised and the keys in the ignition. This can allow for untrained or inexperienced personnel to operate the excavator resulting in injuries.

Bucket Crush Accidents: These accidents can result when the bucket is not properly attached to the jib or the quick hitch pins are not in place. The operator should be adequately trained in the proper fitting of attachments. These excavator accidents involve the excavator buckets falling and can result in fatal excavator crushing accidents. These accidents are common with “quick couplers”, which are hydraulically operated within the cab to allow attachments to be changed quickly. Many older excavators do not have manual safety pins to ensure that the buckets stay attached. This means that the buckets can fall on unsuspecting victims when the boom is raised.

Excavator accidents can result in catastrophic and even fatal injuries. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, handles cases of this kind that involve an excavator that malfunctions or collides with a worker, or causes a trench collapse or excavator rollover accident in residential or commercial construction. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Georgia construction excavator accident, we will handle your case with commitment, dedication and compassion.

Our Georgia excavator accident attorneys and experienced construction job injury attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.