Heavy machinery makes construction and industrial work possible, but when something goes wrong, the results can be catastrophic. One moment of carelessness around a crane, forklift, loader, or excavator can result in life-altering injuries for a worker or bystander.
At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we represent individuals in Denver who’ve been seriously injured in heavy equipment accidents. Whether you were working on a construction site, passing through a road project, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, we’re here to help you pursue justice and full compensation.
How Heavy Machinery Accidents Happen
In Denver, construction projects are everywhere—from the ongoing I‑70 corridor expansion to high-rise developments in LoDo and RiNo. With so much heavy equipment in operation across job sites, commercial zones, and industrial yards, there’s always a risk when safety protocols aren’t followed.
Common causes of heavy machinery accidents include:
- Poorly trained or unlicensed operators
- Inadequate safety inspections or maintenance
- Miscommunication between crew members
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Working too close to power lines or other hazards
- Reversing equipment without a spotter
- Overloading or tipping of lifts and cranes
When safety takes a backseat to speed or cost savings, it’s workers and bystanders who pay the price.
Types of Equipment Involved in Serious Accidents
Heavy equipment is powerful, and when it malfunctions or is misused, the consequences are immediate. We’ve represented clients hurt in accidents involving:
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Backhoes
- Scissor lifts and boom lifts
- Skid steers and compact loaders
- Industrial trucks and dump trucks
Whether the accident occurred on a construction site, an oil and gas facility, a warehouse, or along a public road, our team is equipped to handle complex claims involving equipment failure, site liability, and serious injuries.
Common Injuries in Heavy Machinery Accidents
Because of the weight and force involved, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Victims may face:
- Crushed limbs or amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe burns
- Fractures, torn ligaments, or nerve damage
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries often require multiple surgeries, extended rehab, and long-term care. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we work to make sure your legal case reflects not just what you’ve suffered, but what you’ll need to recover.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In construction and industrial accidents, multiple parties may be responsible. That’s why a thorough investigation is critical.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- General contractors who failed to provide a safe job site
- Subcontractors responsible for specific equipment or tasks
- Equipment manufacturers if a design or mechanical failure occurred
- Property owners or developers who ignored known hazards
- Other third parties, such as delivery drivers or site visitors
If you’re a worker, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but that may not cover everything. In some cases, we may pursue a third-party injury claim to seek compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, including pain and suffering and full wage loss recovery.
What to Do After a Heavy Machinery Accident
The aftermath of a heavy equipment accident can be chaotic and disorienting. Here are the steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek emergency medical care right away
- Report the incident to your employer or site manager
- Request a copy of the incident report or OSHA filing
- Take photos of the scene, machinery, and your injuries if possible
- Collect witness names and contact information
- Avoid signing anything from an insurance company without legal advice
- Call a personal injury attorney who understands construction and workplace accident law
We’re here to guide you through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance carriers to preparing for trial if necessary.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya?
For nearly 20 years, we’ve stood beside injury victims across Denver with strength, skill, and compassion. We understand how devastating a heavy equipment accident can be—and we know how to uncover the truth behind what happened. Our firm takes a hands-on approach to every case. We work with medical providers, industry experts, and accident investigators to build a case that tells the whole story of your injury and its impact on your life.
Clients trust us because we don’t settle for lowball offers or drag things out. We’re smart in our strategies, aggressive in negotiations, and compassionate in the way we treat every person who walks through our door. If you’ve been hurt in a heavy machinery accident, we’ll fight to get you the support and results you deserve.
Talk to a Denver Heavy Machinery Accident Attorney Today
You don’t have to take on insurance companies or contractors by yourself. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya is ready to stand up for you.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll explain your rights, options, and how we can assist you. There’s no fee unless we win.