Construction Accidents and Defective Products
Many of the tools and types of equipment that construction workers use are inherently dangerous. But there are few things on a construction site that are more dangerous than a defective tool. Construction accidents involving defective products can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, or even death.
Workers who are injured in construction accidents while using defective tools can work with construction accident attorney Michael E. Shelton to hold liable parties accountable. He will fight to get clients at his Houston, TX, firm maximum compensation for accident damages.
Types of Product Defects on Construction Sites
The number of products, tools, and pieces of equipment on any given construction site is staggering. Construction workers may be required to use equipment such as nail guns, skill saws, sledge hammers, hammer jacks, fork lifts, cranes, and more. Any of these products could be defective in several different ways. Some of the most common types of product defects on construction sites include:
- Missing components
- Insufficient safety guards
- Design defects
- Inferior materials
- Loose bolts, screws, etc.
- Lack of appropriate warning labels
Why Are Defective Products Used?
In most cases, construction workers use defective products unknowingly. There are a few different reasons that defective products may be present on construction sites.
If a product is new, and it arrives at the construction site defective, there is really no way for workers to know. Unfortunately, these kinds of defective products may not be identified until they create a hazard, often resulting in accidents and injuries.
Once a defective product has been identified, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that it is immediately tagged, and, if possible, removed from the site. Neglecting to label and/or remove defective products is another possible cause of construction accidents.
Unfortunately, even when defective tools and equipment are properly tagged, they still sometimes get used by unknowing construction workers. If defective products are not stored away or removed, the tags that are meant to let workers know they are faulty may fall off or become worn down. In a busy environment, these tools could easily be picked up and used, thus resulting in injuries.
Who Is Liable for Construction Accidents Involving Defective Products?
When a construction accident occurs, it is important to determine who is liable so that they can be held accountable for resulting damages. When defective products are involved, liability may fall with the company that employs the construction worker or operates the construction site, or with the product manufacturer.
If a piece of equipment is defective due to design or manufacturing flaws, the issue falls under product liability. In these cases, we can help our Houston clients go after the product manufacturer for losses related to accident injuries.
Even if a manufacturer is responsible for defective equipment or tools, employers may still be held partially or completely liable for accident damages. If accidents are caused by an employer’s neglect to label or pull defective products from the construction site, they can be held accountable.
Michael E. Shelton closely examines the details of a construction accident to determine liability. Once liability is established, he helps clients pursue compensation for the full extent of their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get in Touch with Our Firm
If you have been injured in a construction accident, attorney Michael E. Shelton can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve. To discuss the details of your accident, and the extent of your losses, send us a message online or call our Houston law firm at (713) 807-0700.
