Catastrophic Failures: When to Call a Construction Equipment Injury Lawyer

BLITZ LAW GROUP
Nov 18, 2025
3 min read

The skyline of New York City is constantly evolving, thanks to the heavy machinery and powerful equipment used by skilled construction workers. Cranes, excavators, scaffolds, and power tools are essential for the job, but when these complex machines fail due to poor maintenance or a defect, the results are rarely minor. Equipment malfunction is a leading cause of severe injury and death on construction sites. If you or a loved one are hurt, securing expert legal help is paramount.

Two workers in safety vests and helmets in a construction site. One man is in apparent pain while lifting wood. Background shows scaffolding.

Common Accidents Caused by Equipment Malfunctions

Equipment failure is not always spectacular, but it is always dangerous. These failures often violate safety standards and directly point to negligence on the part of the owner, contractor, or manufacturer.

Scaffolding and Ladder Collapses: Faulty welds, rusted frames, or inadequate locking mechanisms on scaffolds and ladders can lead to catastrophic falls from great heights. Injuries typically include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and multiple fractures.
Crane and Hoist Failures: When mechanical components fail—such as load lines snapping, counterweights shifting, or brakes malfunctioning—cranes can drop heavy materials or even collapse entirely. These incidents often result in crushing injuries and wrongful death.
Excavator and Loader Accidents: Hydraulic hose ruptures, brake failures, or steering malfunctions can cause heavy vehicles to lose control, crushing workers on the ground or causing tip-overs that seriously injure the operator.
Defective Power Tools: Simple equipment like nail guns, saws, or drills can cause severe lacerations, amputations, or deep puncture wounds if safety guards are missing, or the tools are inherently defective.
Forklift and Aerial Lift Malfunctions: Failure of lift platforms or faulty stabilizers can lead to workers being thrown to the ground. This often results in complex bone breaks and head injuries.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Equipment Failure

Injuries from equipment malfunction are typically severe due to the immense force involved. They often require extensive, long-term medical care:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by falls or being struck by falling debris.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Often resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis from falls or crushing accidents.
Amputations and Severe Lacerations: Caused by defective power tools or machinery with exposed moving parts.
Crushing Injuries: Typically internal injuries and broken bones caused by falling materials or heavy vehicles.
Complex Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures, shattered bones, and joint damage often requiring multiple surgeries (like the total knee replacement secured in our $3.2 Million settlement case).

Seeking Justice: When to Call a Construction Equipment Injury Lawyer

When equipment malfunctions, liability is often shared by multiple parties, making the case highly complex. An experienced construction equipment injury lawyer is essential to investigate the following potential defendants:

The Site Owner/General Contractor: For violating state labor laws (like New York's Scaffold Law) or failing to enforce strict site safety protocols and inspections.
The Equipment Owner/Lessor: For failing to properly maintain, inspect, or repair the equipment before sending it to the site.
The Manufacturer: For designing or manufacturing a defective product (a product liability claim).
The Subcontractor: For using equipment incorrectly or modifying safety features.

If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to faulty or poorly maintained equipment, securing compensation is crucial for covering lifelong medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.