Front-End Loader Accidents in Illinois

Helping Victims of Front-End Loader Accidents Recover Fair Compensation 

IL Work Injury Lawyer is the premier farming injury firm for Illinois front-end loader accidents, aggressively negotiating with all liable parties to secure the highest possible compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured at a Carbondale construction site, Pullman demotion site, or any accident site throughout Illinois, we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

$12,300,000: Allan, a union plumber, was crushed while unloading materials at a construction site. We demonstrated that the front-end loader had a design defect that led to the loader uncoupling from the machine.

$750,000: Truck driver Ricky was severely injured when he was caught by a front loader while workers unloaded material. We demonstrated that the construction company had failed to perform routine maintenance that could have prevented the incident.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

Not every law firm can handle these types of cases, but our skilled attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience in industrial or construction accidents. We have a perfect 10/10 AVVO rating and have earned the prestigious Super Lawyers designation thanks to our fierce advocacy for victims. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Front-End Loader Accidents in Illinois?

Causes of front-end loader accidents include:

• Operating equipment on uneven ground
• Speeding or abrupt machine movements
• Broken or malfunctioning safety devices
• Carrying heavy loads, especially with the loader raised
• Inadequate training, maintenance, or supervision
• Failure to use ROPS or seatbelts
• Mechanical failure and design flaws
• Walking or moving in front of the machine while in operation
• Failure to implement proper safety procedures
• Loader detaching from the tractor

What Are the Most Common Front-End Loader Injuries?

Operators and pedestrians often suffer severe injuries due to the size and weight of this equipment. Common injuries among farmers include:

• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed limbs and compartment syndrome
• Amputations and paralysis
• Bone fractures, including pelvis, ribs, legs, and arms
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Death due to tractor rollovers and runovers

What Damages Can Injured Victims Recover in Illinois?

We will fight to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your needs. This can include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of normal life
• Funeral and burial expenses for wrongful death
• Punitive damages, in case of gross negligence

What Is the Average Front-End Loader Injury Payout?

The average payout for a farming accident is $3,959,716, with a range between $8,500 and $53,852,558. Your compensation will depend on the types of injuries sustained, available evidence, liability, total damages, and insurance policies. 

Example Cases

Angel Garcia was working on a demolition project, using a front-end loader to collect construction debris. With his vision obstructed, Garcia was unable to see the edge of the building, and the loader fell four stories with him trapped inside the tractor. He died from catastrophic injuries, and a court awarded his family $53,852,558.00. 

Jordan Sanchez was a high-school senior working in a field with his younger brother. At the time of the accident, he was tasked with picking up rocks and tossing them into the loader bucket. Sanchez was hit by the tool and dragged under its wheels. He died as a result of catastrophic injuries, in full view of his younger brother. The family sued, stating that the employer and operator were negligent. They were awarded $32,000,000.00. 

Why You Need a Front-End Accident Lawyer

These cases often involve technical details and multiple liable parties, including operators, employers, and manufacturers. Developing a strong case requires sorting through extensive business documentation, safety procedures, equipment repair records, and expert testimony. 

Our skilled attorneys will guide you through all the legal steps to pursuing both compensation and accountability. We are highly familiar with local court systems, including Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, and rural counties. 

How Common Are Front-End Loader Accidents?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration website details 92 separate accidents that have happened nationwide since 2020. Of these, 35 were fatal. 

A 2019 report in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics found that 63% of all accidents occurred while operators were stepping out of the rig. This is likely due to the fact that the worker is facing in the direction of the equipment rather than the ground they’re stepping onto, making it more likely that they will fall on a hazard they didn’t see. 

Where Do Front-End Loader Incidents Happen Most Often in Illinois?

• Construction sites in Naperville, Schaumburg, Aurora, Joliet, and Rockford
• Farm operations in McLean, Kankakee, DeKalb, and Peoria
• Industrial zones and equipment yards in Cook and Will counties
• Roadwork in suburban Chicago, including Evanston, Wilmette, and Buffalo Grove
• Residential developments in Crystal Lake, Arlington Heights, and Forest Park

What Laws Govern Front-End Loader Injury Claims in Illinois?

Some victims may be eligible for workers’ compensation, which covers medical bills and lost wages (820 ILCS 305). However, regulators have created loopholes for agricultural businesses, excluding them from insurance requirements if they have fewer than 400 working hours per quarter. 

If your employer doesn’t have this insurance, you can sue under the Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/). This law requires property owners to maintain safe premises and fix any issues that they know may result in harm to invitees. In some cases, you may be able to sue even if any potential dangers were open and obvious, particularly if the employer had reason to believe you would have been distracted (Deibert v. Bauer Bros. Const. Co., Inc.). 

Manufacturers can also be sued under the Product Liability Act (735 ILCS 5/2-21). If manufacturing defects or quality assurance failures exposed you to danger, they can be liable. For fatal accidents, surviving family members can seek compensation through the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/).

All these cases will require you to prove negligence. This can be determined by referring to OSHA regulations that govern the use of earth movers and other equipment. For example, bidirectional vehicles must have backup alarms in addition to any other alarms (740 ILCS 180/).

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

In general, you have two years to file a claim, making it crucial that you act quickly (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Call us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Front-End Loader Operator and Other Victims’ Injuries in Illinois?

Potentially liable parties can include:

• Employers, if eligible for employment insurance
• General contractors and site managers
• Equipment rental agencies
• Repair agencies
• Landowners for farm-related incidents
• Manufacturers for design flaws or defects

Common Defenses in Illinois Front-End Loader Accident Cases

Our team will vigorously defend you against the insurance agency’s arguments, which can include the following.

Unauthorized Activity: The defendant might argue that you left an authorized area or were not qualified to use the equipment. We’ll use surveillance footage in addition to work logs and witness testimony to prove you were authorized to use the tools.

Comparative Negligence: Illinois employs a modified comparative negligence system, whereby each party is assigned a portion of the blame (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Insurers will insist that you are primarily responsible, such as by failing to follow proper procedures. We will refute this with expert testimony.

Loader Modification: Manufacturers will argue that the machine was modified or damaged after sale, so they are not responsible. Summaries of equipment specifications can demonstrate that the attachments or tractor were not modified.

Safety Devices and Procedures Followed: Businesses will argue that they provided proper PPE and that there have been no prior OSHA violations. Inspection records and accident reports can disprove this.

How to Strengthen Your Front-End Loader Injury Case in Illinois

Prompt action can strongly improve your case. Follow these steps immediately.

• Seek immediate medical attention, and secure your medical records. 
• Take photos of the accident scene, including any hazards or damage to the machine.
• Gather contact information for all witnesses in the area. 
• Report the incident to your supervisor and ask for a copy of the report.
• Do not speak to insurance adjusters or other third parties.
• Contact us immediately so we can begin investigating your case.

How a Front-End Loader Accident Attorney Can Help

We can assist you with all elements of your claim, including:

• Investigating the accident and the equipment.
• Consulting with engineering experts.
• Filing all claims, including workman’s comp and civil suits.
• Negotiating with third parties.
• Evaluating your damages for full compensation.
• Preparing for trial if negotiations fail.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a front-end loader accident lawyer in Illinois?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win. 

Who can file a front-end loader injury lawsuit in Illinois?

Victims or surviving family members can file lawsuits. This can include employees, subcontractors, general contractors, and invited guests. 

Book a Free Consultation

With a 98% success rate across 5,000 cases, we are compassionate and experienced attorneys serving work accident victims throughout Illinois, ready to fight for you. There are no fees unless we win your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights.