Looking For a Boom/Aerial Lift Injury Attorney?
Aerial and Boom lifts are essential tools in many industries across South Carolina, from construction and warehousing to utilities and telecommunications. These machines allow workers to perform tasks at elevated heights with increased efficiency. But with this advantage comes significant risk. When accidents occur, the consequences can be devastating, leaving individuals with serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or worse.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aerial or boom lift accident, the David W. Martin Law Group is here to help. Our legal team understands the complexities of these types of injuries and is committed to helping victims and their families seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether you need a Boom lift injury attorney in South Carolina or an Aerial lift accident lawyer in South Carolina, we are prepared to assist you every step of the way.
Boom/Aerial Lift Cases Statistics and Legal Landscape in South Carolina
South Carolina experiences numerous boom and aerial lift accidents annually, primarily in the construction and maintenance sectors. While state-specific data is limited, these incidents comprise a significant portion of workplace injuries, with national OSHA data showing approximately 26 deaths yearly from such accidents.
Legal claims typically proceed through workers’ compensation, though third-party liability suits may target equipment manufacturers, rental companies, or contractors. South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules in third-party claims and maintains a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury (two years for workers’ compensation).
Key legal issues include improper training allegations, maintenance failures, and product liability claims. Recent precedents have expanded rental companies’ duty of care regarding operator certification verification. Available damages include medical expenses and lost wages through workers’ compensation, while third-party claims may add pain and suffering compensation and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Understanding Aerial and Boom Lift Accidents
Aerial and boom lifts are used for elevated tasks in construction, painting, electrical work, signage installation, and more. They include cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and telescoping boom lifts. Forklifts also fall into the category of high-risk lift machinery. These machines pose significant risks when improperly operated or safety measures are overlooked. Accidents can occur due to mechanical failure, operator error, improper setup, or environmental hazards. Regardless of the cause, injured workers should not face the consequences alone.
If you have been hurt on the job, contact an experienced aerial lift attorney in South Carolina to explore your legal options.
Common Aerial and Boom Lift Accidents
Aerial lifts, including boom and scissor lifts, elevate workers to high or hard-to-reach places. Unfortunately, these machines are frequently involved in workplace accidents. The most common types of incidents include:
- Falls from Height: Whether due to improper harness use, unstable platforms, or sudden equipment jerks, falls remain the leading cause of death involving aerial lifts.
- Tip-Overs: Overloading, improper operation, or setting up on uneven ground can cause boom lifts or scissor lifts to tip over, putting operators and those nearby at risk of crushing injuries.
- Electrocution: Many accidents occur when lifts come into contact with overhead power lines. Electrocution is particularly common among tree trimmers, construction crews, and utility workers.
- Caught-In/Between Accidents: Workers can become pinned between the lift and a wall or beam, often causing broken bones, crush injuries, or internal damage.
- Mechanical Failures: When lifts are poorly maintained or have defective parts, sudden malfunctions can result in catastrophic injuries.
If you have experienced these incidents, speaking with a boom lift accident lawyer in South Carolina can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Common Injuries Caused by Lift Accidents
The injuries sustained in a lift-related accident can be life-changing. Workers may face months or years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, or permanent disability. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from falls or blunt force impacts
- Spinal Cord Injuries leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues
- Broken Bones and crushed limbs requiring surgery
- Internal Injuries and organ damage from impact or compression
- Burns or shock from electrocution
- Psychological Trauma, including PTSD or anxiety after a workplace accident
A boom/aerial lift injury lawyer in South Carolina at David W. Martin Law Group can help you seek compensation for your medical care, lost income, pain, and suffering.
Who is Liable in an Aerial or Boom Lift Accident?
Understanding who is legally responsible is a critical step in any injury case. At David W. Martin Law Group, we evaluate each incident in detail to determine all potentially liable parties. Depending on the circumstances, those responsible might include:
- Employers or Site Supervisors
Under South Carolina workplace safety laws, employers can be held accountable if proper training was not provided or the job site was unsafe.
- Equipment Manufacturers
If the lift malfunctions due to a design flaw or defective part, the manufacturer may be liable for producing unsafe equipment.
- Third-Party Contractors
Sometimes, subcontractors or equipment rental companies may have contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to the accident.
- Property Owners or Managers
Premises liability laws may apply if hazardous site conditions contribute to the injury. As lift injury attorneys in South Carolina, our role is to thoroughly investigate your case and pursue claims against all at-fault parties—so you can focus on healing.
Legal Options After a Boom or Aerial Lift Accident in South Carolina
Depending on the circumstances, victims of aerial lift accidents may have several legal avenues available. At David W. Martin Law Group, we explore all paths to protect our clients.
Workers’ Compensation Claims: Injured employees can file for workers’ compensation in most job-related accidents. This provides coverage for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation
However, workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering or allow you to sue your employer directly. That’s where an experienced boom lift lawyer in South Carolina can step in and look beyond workers’ comp for additional compensation.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims: When a party other than your employer, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, is responsible for the injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. This route allows you to seek:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in egregious cases)
An aerial lift lawyer in the South Carolina team will assess whether such claims apply to your case and handle them on your behalf.
Wrongful Death Claims: If your family has lost a loved one in a lift accident, a boom lift accident lawyer in South Carolina can file a wrongful death claim. These claims help surviving family members recover from:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income and support
- Emotional anguish and loss of companionship
What to Do After a Boom or Aerial Lift Accident
If you’ve been injured in a lift accident, here are a few essential steps to protect your health and your rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your well-being comes first. Even if you feel okay, internal injuries or concussions may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the Incident
Notify your supervisor or site manager immediately. This creates a documented record of the incident.
If possible, take photos of the equipment, site, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid Signing Insurance Forms Prematurely
Before giving statements or signing any paperwork, talk with an aerial lift accident attorney in South Carolina. Insurance companies may minimize your compensation.
How David W. Martin Law Group Can Help You
Our David W. Martin Law Group team represents injured individuals across South Carolina who have been harmed in aerial lift, boom lift, or forklift accidents. With a thorough understanding of personal injury law and a passion for helping injured workers, we focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of things.From investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, our team stands beside you at every phase of your case. Whether you need an aerial lift attorney in South Carolina or a boom lift injury lawyer in South Carolina, we provide reliable legal support to help you rebuild your life.
Our SC Personal Injury Law Firm at the David W. Martin Law Group Provide the Following Practice Areas:
- Bicycle Accident
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Medical Malpractice
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Truck Accident
- Sexual Abuse
- Social Media Teen Harm
- Slip and Fall
- Negligent Security
- Premises Liability
- Police Chase Accident
- Pedestrian Accident
- Motorcycle Accident & TBI
- Motorcycle Accident
- Personal Injury Local Counsel
- Hotel, Resort & Vacation Injury
- Employment Sexual Abuse
- Drunk Driving
- Dram Shop
- Dog Bite
- Amazon/Deliver Driver
- Defective Products
- Daycare/Childcare Negligence
- Camp Lejeune
- Boat Accident
- Bicycle Accident
- Uber & Lyft Accident
- Defective machinery
- LivaNova Heater-Cooler Injury
- Scaffolding Accident
- Unbeam Heating Pad Injury
- Amazon Delivery Truck accident
- Bella/Sensio Pressure Cooker Injury
- Vornado Steamfast Steamers Injury
Speak with an Aerial Lift or Boom Lift Injury Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt in an aerial or boom lift accident, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Between medical bills, missed work, and physical pain, you may not know where to begin. That’s where we come in. Let a trusted aerial lift injury lawyer in South Carolina evaluate your case and determine how we can fight for what you deserve. You can begin your legal journey by contacting David W. Martin Law Group, we have attorneys throughout the state of South Carolina who can assist you with your case. You can find which office is most conveniently located near you here.
Related Links:
- What Type of Evidence and Documentation Do I Need to File a South Carolina Personal Injury Claim?
- How to File a South Carolina Injury Claim with USAA Online
- Can Family Members File a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Loved One in South Carolina?
- Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Attorney for Your South Carolina Wrongful Death Case