Green energy has many positives. The cheap cost of electricity production allows many businesses and private homes to trim expenses in an environmentally-friendly way, while also shaking dependence on traditional energy sources. The technology, ever in development, is not without its problems. Wind turbines weigh in the thousands of pounds and sit high in the air. When mechanical problems occur – and they do frequently – these money-saving devices turn into life-threatening hazards. Wind power companies and turbine owners may not be doing enough to limit the risk to people living and working close to turbines. Wrongful death cases and significant injuries from turbine accidents are inevitable, if manufacturers continue to cut production corners.

Pennsylvania Turbine Fire

Photo Credit: Panoramio

In 2009, one of 12 wind turbines in Mahanoy Township, Pennsylvania caught fire while crews were performing regularly-scheduled maintenance. Locals in nearby Butler Township were so wary of the dangers that they aggressively fought a proposed wind farm that would’ve placed 27 turbines next to residential homes and schools.

187-Ton Windmill Collapse

Photo Credit: Dennis Nett

One of 20 windmills in a wind farm in Fenner, New York collapsed like a kid’s bendy straw scattering mechanical parts and jagged steel across the landscape. Enel North America, the company owning the windmill, had more than 260 turbines in various farms throughout the country at the time of the accident. The estimated replacement cost for the single turbine was between $2 and $3 million, according to Syracuse.com. The windmills in Fenner sit 212 feet off the ground, nearly as tall as the town’s highest building.

Turbine Malfunctions, Throws Fireballs

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A wind turbine on the home of Texas State Representative Susan King experienced mechanical failure in October 2011. The turbine’s blades continued to spin even as the engine sparked, ignited and spewed gouts of flame across a two-acre swath of the senator’s property. Crews responding to the emergency needed eight trucks to contain the blaze. Next Era Energy owns the turbines on King’s ranch, according to Friends of Freedom International.

Windmill Blades Fall Off

Photo Credit: Yes to Renewables

Bolt failures on a windmill in Rugby, North Dakota caused the blades and rotor on the tower to fall off and crash to the ground. Subsequent inspections by the Public Service Commission discovered similar problems in at least four more turbines in the 71-turbine farm. Iberdola Renewables owns the turbines manufactured by India-based Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. Inspectors normally examine bolts every six months, according to “The Bismarck Tribune”. That leaves only two explanations: the bolts show rapid degeneration or those inspectors aren’t keeping up with proper protocols.

With the force involved in these accidents, it’s only a matter of time before someone sustains significant injuries. Companies that fail to properly maintain wind turbines may be liable for damages relating to injuries or life loss occurring as a result.

If you or someone you love sustained injuries as the result of manufacturer negligence, you may have rights to pursue the party responsible for damages. New Jersey accident attorneys are ready to represent your interests and stand up to those at fault for your losses. Having an advocate on your side allows you to focus on what’s important – your recovery.

Photo Credit: Renewable Power News