A scissor lift is a rather unique piece of equipment used to elevate workers or, in some cases, large objects. The support beams on a scissor lift are crisscrossed, allowing for the extension beams to be very compact when the lift is in the lowered position. In addition, when fully extended, the once 6 to 8′ tall lift can reach a height of 50′ or more. Construction scissor lifts are typically larger models and have a platform that is elevated to serve as an aerial work surface. Many other lift applications elevate an average of 6 to 10′ to provide access under the object that is being lifted. Some of the standard applications for a scissor lift include:

• Boat Scissor Lifts
• Car Scissor Lifts
• Motorcycle Scissor Lifts
• Heavy Duty Truck Scissor Lifts
• Industrial Scissor Lifts
• Hydraulic Freight Scissor Lifts
• Portable Scissor Lifts

When used correctly and following all of the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, scissor lifts provide a great service in many workplaces. However, due to the nature of the device and the environments where it is used, there are always dangers to consider when using a scissor lift.

There is never any guarantee that a mechanical device will function flawlessly or that the operator will not exceed the safe parameters of the unit. In many cases, the danger can be difficult to identify before the incident. Some of the most common hazards when using a scissor lift include:

• Falling From The Scissor Lift Platform – While all lifts must have a safety railing, it is not impossible to fall from the platform. The fall could occur if the platform is moist or slippery, the worker loses their balance, or the lift malfunctions, and there is a sudden shift or tilt to the platform.
• Getting Trapped – It is not uncommon for an occupant of a scissor lift to become trapped between the railing or edge of the lift platform and a structure or other large object during the elevation of the scissor lift.
• Tipping The Scissor Lift – While the base of a scissor lift is extremely heavy, it is possible to tip a larger lift that is fully extended under some circumstances. When placed on uneven surfaces, the scissor lift is less stable and can be tipped if an occupant leans too far over the edge or makes a sudden or fast movement on the platform. Other environmental factors like rain and wind can also contribute to the instability of an extended scissor lift.
• Touching Power Lines – Touching any power line while extending a scissor lift can result in electrocution. Scissor lifts should never be used in close proximity to any live power lines. And it is always best to assume that any power line is live and dangerous when elevating a scissor lift.
• Mechanical Failure- All mechanical devices need to be properly maintained and serviced. If a scissor lift is not serviced regularly, there is an increased potential for failure that can result in falling, folding or other hazards to the occupants of the lift platform.
• Product Defect- Even a new or relatively new scissor lift should be inspected and tested regularly to ensure its proper function. There is always the potential for a product defect that could result in a life-altering or life-threatening incident.

One of the first questions most scissor lift injury victims ask is who could be liable for this traumatic event. And many are shocked to learn that the list is rather long. The responsible party could be:

• The manufacturer or commercial distribution chain could be to blame if the scissor lift is found to be defective
• A rental company could also be accountable if the unit is defective or has been improperly maintained
• The manufacturer could also be responsible if proper safety warning labels and safety equipment are not installed
• Your employer could be liable if the scissor lift was being used while you were on the job

Determining the dollar value of any injury case can be complex. Your expert scissor lift injury attorney at DTLA Law will help you to better understand the potential value of your case by considering:

• The severity of your injuries and the cost of your medical bills – including emergency room care, hospital bills for care and surgeries, follow-up visits, therapy, rehabilitation, and prescriptions
• Because the recovery time for a severe injury can be extensive, future medical expenses are also taken into consideration in determining a settlement amount
• Lost wages are calculated to ensure that you are compensated for the income you have lost due to your scissor lift injury
• The loss of future earnings could also be included if your scissor lift injury will impact your ability to earn an income in the future
• Finally, physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional trauma, are evaluated

With all of this information, your DTLA Law scissor lift injury attorney will be able to help you understand the potential value of your injury settlement and who is responsible for the compensation.

Each case is as unique. The severity of your injuries and the actions of the responsible party will have an impact on how quickly the settlement process moves once the claim is presented. With years of experience successfully processing these cases, your DTLA Law scissor lift injury attorney will evaluate your case details and provide you with an estimate for the time needed to secure your settlement. It is crucial for all victims to understand that in California, there is a Statute of Limitations requiring them to file a claim within two years of the date of their injury. If the filing is not made in that time, you will lose the right to file against any parties you believe to be liable for your injuries.

The scissor lift injury attorneys at DTLA Law understand that you are facing many challenges as you begin the recovery process after your injury. The stress of mounting medical bills, loss of income, and pain of the healing process can quickly start to feel overwhelming. However, we want you to understand that the DTLA Law team is here to protect your rights and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. And we are happy to provide our expert legal services to you with no upfront fees or costs. We do not invoice you for our services until we have gotten you the money you deserve for your injury.

Even if you have spoken to another law firm that did not appear interested in representing you as your scissor lift injury attorney in Los Angeles, give us a call. We are available 24/7 to provide a free second opinion on any scissor lift injury case. Our goal is always to work with only our client’s best interests in mind to ensure that justice is delivered and your rights are professionally protected. You focus on healing and know that the DTLA Law team is looking out for your legal rights and safeguarding your financial future so that you can restore your life and move past this traumatic, life-altering event.  

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