Bulldozer Accidents

Most construction companies working on projects throughout Maryland regularly employ bulldozers. Many of these companies consider bulldozers to be essential machinery, but they can also be incredibly dangerous, and workers who operate bulldozers or work near them face a significant risk of injury due to their size and power. While safety measures are typically in place, bulldozer accidents still occur, and when they do, they often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. If you were injured in a bulldozer accident at work, you may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits, and it is smart to consult with an attorney to understand your rights. The knowledgeable Prince George's County workers' compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., are dedicated to helping injured workers secure the compensation they deserve, and if you hire us, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Bulldozer accidents can happen for many reasons, including operator error, mechanical failures, insufficient training, or unsafe worksite conditions. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, crush injuries, and amputations. In severe cases, bulldozer accidents can also lead to fatalities. Additionally, workers may suffer emotional trauma following such incidents, which can complicate their recovery and affect their ability to return to work.

Common causes of bulldozer accidents include rollovers, being struck by or caught between equipment, and collisions with other machinery or structures. Injuries sustained from these accidents often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term disability, which can be financially and emotionally devastating for workers and their families.

In Maryland, workers injured in bulldozer accidents are often entitled to workers' compensation benefits under the Maryland Workers' Compensation Act. To qualify for these benefits, the injured party must meet certain criteria. Specifically, they must be classified as employees, as independent contractors and volunteers are not covered under the Act. Additionally, the injury must have occurred during the course of employment and be related to job duties.

Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland generally cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication. If the injury prevents the worker from returning to their job, they may also be entitled to disability benefits. Temporary total disability benefits are provided to workers who are unable to work at all while recovering. These benefits are typically calculated at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to certain caps set by the state. Temporary partial disability benefits are available for workers who can return to work in a reduced capacity and are calculated based on the difference between the worker’s pre-injury wages and their post-injury earning capacity. Eligible employees can receive temporary disability benefits until they are able to return to work at full capacity or reach maximum medical improvement.

If the injury results in a permanent disability, the worker may be entitled to permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits, depending on the severity of the injury. Permanent total disability benefits are awarded to workers who are completely unable to work due to their injuries and are calculated at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage. Permanent partial disability benefits are available for workers who can work but have a lasting impairment, and the amount of compensation is based on the injury's severity and the worker’s level of impairment.

Bulldozer accidents often result in life-altering injuries, leaving workers and their families to deal with significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one were injured in a bulldozer accident, it is important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our skilled Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys have extensive experience representing injured workers, and if we represent you, we will help you fight to protect your rights. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we regularly represent people in workers’ compensation claims in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, and all counties in the State of Maryland. You can arrange a confidential and free consultation by contacting us via our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.