Worker Operating Skid Loader Injured In Paxton Grain Elevator Accident

Unsafe Premises - May 8, 2024

Worker Sustained Leg Injury After Backing Into Auger At Paxton Grain Elevator

PAXTON, ILLINOIS (May 7, 2024) – A worker operating a skid loader was injured in a Paxton grain elevator accident after backing into an auger.

Ford County officials are saying that the incident took place on Monday. An employee for Ludlow Cooperative Grain Elevator’s Paxton was operating a skid loader and somehow injured after backing into machinery in the grain elevator.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. He was extracted from the grain bin and taken to a local hospital in order to receive treatment for a leg injury.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Skid Loader Accidents

Accidents involving skid loaders are far more common than many people realize. According to Safety and Health, “In Michigan, 32 workers died from skid steer loader-related injuries between 2001 and 2021, and 99 were injured from 2015 to 2021, according to MSU.” There are a number of steps that companies should take to help keep workers safe.

• All workers should receive adequate training on how to use equipment.
• Workers should be provided with adequate protective equipment.
• Businesses should ensure that their premises are maintained in a reasonably safe condition.

Generally speaking, workers injured on the job cannot bring claims against their employer directly. Instead, most incidents where workers are injured are adjudicated through the workers compensation system. But an injured worker may also have recourse through a third-party liability claim. There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any incident involving a skid loader.

• Product Liability: The company that manufactured a skid loader could be liable for an injury caused by a defect or malfunction with the equipment.
• Premises Liability: The property owner where an accident took place could be liable for an accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition on the property.
• Contractor Liability: In many situations, workers are injured by contractors who work for an employer separate from the injured worker.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any workplace accident. Workers are often left with high medical bills and may need to take extensive time off of work. Many injured workers may never be able to return to their profession. Sadly, though, companies that manufacture skip loaders will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if a worker is injured while using their products.

Investigating Paxton Skid Loader Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the worker injured in this Paxton grain elevator accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other instances like this.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a skid loader accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of worker’s rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.