On industrial and construction sites, injuries can come from many sources. One of the most common causes of workplace accidents involves misuse of machinery or faulty machinery. While heavy machinery enables efficient and large-scale production of goods and construction, even experienced machinists are at risk of serious injury when a machine malfunctions. These accidents can lead to serious and life-changing injuries and even death.
If you have been injured on the job in an accident involving heavy machinery or power tools, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and help with lost wages.
The Florida workers’ compensation system is notoriously complex, however. An experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyer at Work Injury Rights can help by handling your claim, safeguarding your legal rights, and fighting for the benefits you need if your claim is denied or delayed. Call us today at 954-833-5226.
What Are Some Common Causes of Workplace Machinery Accidents in Florida?
Machinery misuse or faulty machinery accidents can involve virtually any type of tool or machinery used on the job. Most of these accidents happen in industries such as construction, transportation, mining, and manufacturing.
Common machines that can be dangerous when misused or faulty include:
Accidents involving machinery may be caused by a defect in the machine. Injuries may also happen when the equipment is not used properly or safety protocols are not followed. One of the most common OSHA violations in manufacturing, for example, is proper machine guarding to prevent crush and amputation injuries. Inadequate training can also contribute to improper use or mishandling of dangerous machinery.
A lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) can also contribute to injuries from faulty or misused machinery. Common types of PPE used to prevent injury from heavy machinery include steel toe boots, eye protection, hard hats, and gloves.
No matter which factors contributed to your accident, you are generally entitled to compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.
What Are Some Faulty Machinery Injuries?
Workplace machinery accidents are often responsible for serious and even catastrophic injuries as well as wrongful death. The type and severity of injury depends on the type of machinery, personal protective equipment, and other factors but many Florida workers hurt by faulty machinery suffer injuries such as:
- Loss of limb through avulsion (when a limb is torn off), guillotine, or crush amputation
- Traumatic brain injury
- Crushed fingers, hands, or limbs
- Lacerations and punctures
- Fractures
- Electrical burns
These injuries aren’t just painful and expensive to treat; they can also cause permanent disability, psychological trauma, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life. Workers’ compensation offers benefits for long-term or permanent disability but successfully proving your claim can be challenging.
Insurance companies fight these claims with tactics like limited choice in the initial physician who assesses the injury, very restrictive laws governing what they owe you after you are hurt, and adjusters who represent their interests.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you prove your claim to seek the benefits you deserve.
Contact a Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims Attorney to Discuss Your Faulty Machinery Injury
We’ve recovered millions in workers’ compensation benefits for our clients! Our Florida workers’ compensation claims attorneys have more than 45 years of combined experience to help you protect your rights and seek the fair compensation you deserve as you work to recover and move on with your life.
Have you been seriously injured by faulty machinery or misuse of machinery on the job? If you want help submitting your claim and ensuring your claim is as strong as possible, or your workers’ comp claim has already been denied, contact Work Injury Rights today to schedule a free consultation.
