
Workplace Injuries: What You Need to Know
On-the-job injuries can occur in any workplace and range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Common types of workplace injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Machinery accidents
- Exposure to hazardous substances
When our team of lawyers look into workers’ compensation cases, they often find that the cause is a faulty industrial product. This means that something went wrong with the equipment or machinery at work, causing the accident. By figuring out these faulty products, we can make the companies that made them take responsibility, helping our clients get the money they need.
On-the-Job Injuries On The Rise
According to federal statistics, 2.8 million U.S. workers experienced nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2022. Additionally, 5,486 workers died from workplace injuries, a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
State workers’ compensation systems often limit the ability to hold employers accountable. However, if a defective industrial product caused the injury, a product liability suit can be filed against the manufacturer.
Filing a lawsuit helps injured workers get compensation and makes workplaces safer. Lawsuits hold manufacturers, distributors, and others accountable for the safety of their products.
Issues With Industrial Products Machinery
Industrial products include any tools, machines, or equipment used in manufacturing, farming, and construction. When a worker is injured or killed on the job, it’s important to check the place they were working and the tools they were using.
Workplace safety is paramount, yet many environments still face significant hazards. Some common issues include:
- Missing Protection: Some machines lack the necessary safety covers.
- No Safety Directions: Safety guides may be missing or not displayed.
- Not Fastened Right: Equipment might not be properly secured.
- Inadequate Training: Workers may not be adequately trained on equipment use.
Accidents involving heavy machinery often result in severe injuries like amputations, causing long-term pain and impacting one’s ability to work. It’s important to prioritize safety and proper training to prevent these tragic incidents.
Evaluating Third-Party Claims
When examining workers’ compensation claims, it’s important to consider third-party claims. These can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment
- Lost income
- Punitive damages
Spouses of injured workers can also file for loss of services or consortium claims, which are not covered under workers’ compensation programs.