Construction Equipment Malfunctions
If you work at a construction site, warehouse, or factory, you probably use some type of machinery on a daily basis. From forklifts and drills to bulldozers and cranes, today’s machines allow workers to perform their job more quickly and efficiently than before. While new technology has resulted in significant safety advances over the years, there is still a risk of injury anytime a worker is operating industrial equipment. Equipment malfunctions can be particularly dangerous, often causing serious burns, lacerations, broken bones, or death. When this happens, the worker can often not return to work, either temporarily or permanently. Fortunately, Workers’ Compensation can help provide financial relief from medical bills and lost wages.
Like any workplace injury, it is important to immediately notify your superior about the accident and provide as much detail as possible about the equipment malfunction. Include any witness accounts and whether the equipment had ever been known to malfunction before. The more information you have about the accident, the more likely it is that your claim will be approved. In addition to Workers’ Compensation benefits, you may be entitled to additional compensation from a third party, including the manufacturer or the maintenance company responsible for the defective equipment.
Causes of Equipment Malfunctions
The following are some of the more common causes of equipment malfunctions that can result in a workplace accident:
- Defective equipment: If a worker has been injured due to a defective piece of equipment or machinery, he or she may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor.
- Poorly maintained equipment: All equipment must undergo regular maintenance in order to meet current safety standards. Employers must ensure that employees are trained on how to properly maintain the equipment or machinery that they regularly use.
- Failure to properly repair equipment: If a piece of equipment requires repairs, this must be taken care of as soon as possible. The equipment should not be used again until the repairs are complete.
- Insufficient training: Before a worker can be allowed to use heavy equipment or machinery, he or she must be properly trained on how to use, maintain, and shut off the machine.
Common Injuries from Equipment Malfunctions
Common workplace injuries resulting from equipment malfunctions tend to be quite serious, requiring immediate medical attention. The following are examples of some of the most common injuries that can occur as a result of an equipment malfunction:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Eye and ear injuries
- Dismemberment
- Head and brain injuries
- Serious nerve and tendon damage
If an equipment malfunction causes a fatal workplace accident, the surviving family members are usually eligible to collect Workers’ Compensation death benefits on behalf of the deceased worker.
While victims of equipment malfunctions tend to be those working in the construction industry, any employee can be injured at work if the equipment that they use to do their job malfunctions. For example, an office worker can be electrocuted if a copier malfunctions; or a kitchen worker can be injured if a common cooking appliance is defective in some way.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Equipment Malfunctions
Workplace injuries caused by equipment malfunctions can be particularly devastating, resulting in lost wages and high medical bills. If you or a loved one has been injured at work due to an equipment malfunction, you are urged to contact the dedicated Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We have a proven track record of securing optimal outcomes for our clients and we will aggressively pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.