Cherry Picker and Bucket Truck Injuries

People working in certain industries, like construction, utilities, and tree care, regularly use cherry pickers and bucket trucks to complete their job duties. While these devices help people perform tasks in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, there are risks associated with using them, and cherry picker and bucket truck injuries occur with frequency. Such harm can cause permanent deficits and loss of income, but fortunately, people hurt while using cherry pickers and bucket trucks at work can often recover workers’ compensation benefits. If you were hurt in an on-the-job accident, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about what benefits you may be owed.

The skilled Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., can evaluate your losses and aid you in seeking the maximum benefits recoverable.

Cherry picker and bucket truck injuries often result from falls, equipment malfunctions, or operator errors. For example, workers can fall from elevated heights due to improper use of safety harnesses, unstable ground conditions, or sudden movements of the boom. Such falls often cause serious injuries such as fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma. Equipment failures, such as hydraulic system malfunctions or structural defects, can also lead to accidents, causing crush injuries, amputations, or severe lacerations. Additionally, operator errors, including insufficient training and the failure to follow safety protocols, can contribute to the risk of these incidents.

The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) dictates that people injured while working can recover workers’ compensation benefits if they meet certain requirements. Specifically, the harm in question must be an "accidental personal injury.” Further, it must arise out of and in the course of employment. In other words, it generally must occur at the workplace or while the injured party is performing job duties. Additionally, the Act covers only employees, which means the injured party must demonstrate the existence of an employee-employer relationship. If a party meets all of these criteria, they can file a claim with the Workers' Compensation Commission for determination.

The Act allows people who suffer compensable injuries to recover benefits for the cost of their medical care and loss of income. Specifically, the Act provides for medical and hospitalization benefits, which include the cost of any necessary treatments, medication, adaptive devices, and prosthetics. Additionally, injured employees are entitled to wage reimbursement for time spent on required medical examinations and Commission hearings.

The Act also states that employees who cannot work due to their harm, either at all or at their full capacity, can recover disability benefits. Temporary total disability benefits are provided to employees who are recovering from an injury and are totally disabled from working in any capacity. These benefits amount to 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly wage capped at the State average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability benefits compensate employees who can only perform limited or part-time work during recovery. They are paid at a rate of 50% of the difference between their average weekly wage and current earnings but are capped at 50% of the State's average. Temporary total disability benefits are paid at a rate of two-thirds of the average weekly wage, at least $50 per week, up to the State average, until the worker can return to work or reaches maximum improvement.

If an employee suffers permanent harm, they may be granted permanent disability benefits. Permanent total disability benefits are paid at a rate of two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Permanent partial disability benefits cover partial disabilities; payments are based on the severity of the injury and the body part in question and are paid for a set statutory period.

Cherry picker and bucket truck injuries can cause permanent impairments, and when they happen at work, may be grounds for pursuing workers’ compensation claims. If you were hurt while working, it is advisable to talk to an attorney about your rights. The trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., can assess your harm and help you to seek any benefits you may be owed. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we regularly help people pursue 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 conference by contacting us via our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.