Industrial plants and mills are great sources for good jobs for many people in our area. However, if one isn’t careful, they could also be the most dangerous jobs. If you or a relative have been in an industrial accident, here are some steps you should take.
What constitutes an industrial accident?
In any large industrial workplace – steel mills, ship building, chemical plants, and others – there is an inherent risk for sustaining any sort of injury. People often make mistakes, but in environments such as industrial workplaces, these mistakes can cause all manner of things that could get you injured. An explosion could leave you seriously burned, railings can fall taking you with them, or falling debris could land on you, crushing your limbs or delivering a serious head injury.
How do you know if you have a potential industrial accident case?
Employers are legally required to provide their employees with a safe workspace, otherwise they will be held responsible for any injury you sustain on the premises. This means that on top of paying for your medical treatment, they may also be required to pay punitive damages as punishment for their negligent behavior.
What do you do if you’re injured in an industrial accident?
Your first step should be to seek immediate medical treatment. You must then inform your manager of the injury and fill out the right forms. You should then try to get witness statements from any of your coworkers who saw the accident. It is also a good idea to take photos of the accident as evidence, just in case your boss or the company covers up important details of the accident or threatens you or your coworkers to not speak about it. It is in your best interest to gather as much evidence as you can.
What kind of lawyer should you hire for an industrial accident case and when?
You should seek out firms who have experience in handling these types of cases. There are many things that can complicate an industrial accident investigation, such as defective product issues, workers-comp issues, third party responsibility, and more. If you get a lawyer who has no history with such cases, they can miss out on certain key issues, which could cost you large sums of money.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer for an industrial accident case?
It varies by firm. Ours operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning our services are free unless we help you earn money.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an industrial accident case, or you have any more questions, be sure to call our number, or come by our office, where our lawyers are eager to help.