Skid steer loaders are a type of compact tractor that have a bucket placed on the front to move objects. Individuals use front loaders to move piles of dirt, gravel, or sand. Some of the features of skid steer loaders include wheels that can turn in tight spaces. Diesel engines are used to power skid steer loaders, and while powerful, they can emit toxic fumes.
To decrease the risk of being seriously harmed when using this machinery, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration encourages individuals to have several safety features installed on skid steer loaders including falling object protective structures, interlocked controls, lift-arm supports, rollover protective structures, seat belts, and side screens.
Skid steers are manufactured by a variety of companies including ASV, Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Gehl Company, Hyundai, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Komatsu, LiuGong, Mustang, New Holland, Volvo, and Wacker Neuson.
Harm Caused by Skid Steer Loaders
The National Safety Council reports that the dangers associated with skid steers are comparable to risks faced by a person who uses a tractor. There are a variety of risks involved, including the following:
- An accident occurs while backing up.
- Inadequate maintenance or repairs are performed on a skid steer loader.
- The lift arm, loader bucket, or other moving part crushes a worker.
- The loader falls on a person.
- The loader rolls over, resulting in a person being crushed.
- The skid steer loader has been defectively designed.
- Workers are injured while performing repairs on a skid steer loader.
To obtain compensation, a party must demonstrate that an accident was caused by the negligence of another party. To satisfy this requirement, a party must establish that a distributor, manufacturer, or other party had a duty to protect the skid steer loader’s operator or people in the vicinity of the loader, that this party failed to protect the vehicle’s operator or a person in its vicinity, that this failure caused an accident, and that this accident caused the victim to suffer injuries.
Obtain the Assistance of a Skilled Attorney
Although farming equipment can be useful, in some cases, this equipment can also cause serious injuries. In few cases are accidents involving skid steer loaders caused by the person who is operating the equipment. If you are injured by farming equipment, contact a skilled personal injury attorney at Jay Trucks and Associates who will fight for the compensation that you deserve.