Most machinery, though integral to productivity, is dangerous by nature. Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture and countless others interact with powerful and often complex machines daily, requiring constant adherence to safety protocols. Failure to stay attentive to machine safety, including maintenance protocol can result in serious and even fatal injuries.
Unfortunately, serious injuries due to unsafe machines are not uncommon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, injuries resulting from contact with objects and equipment are the third leading cause of work-related death and the fourth leading cause of nonfatal injuries involving days away from work.
If you have sustained a machinery injury it is reasonable that you may want to understand more about this type of claim and may be asking questions like “What is the most common injury caused by working with machines unsafely?” and “How can I secure compensation for my injury?” The experienced personal injury attorneys at D’Amore Law Group have been answering these same questions for decades and are happy to help.
What Factors Can Lead to a Machinery Injury?
Machine injuries are not always the result of equipment failure, though they certainly can be. More often they are caused by human error and involve a neglect of safety protocols pertaining to the operation or maintenance of the equipment. Understanding these factors is important to establishing and maintaining a safe work environment. For the purpose of your machinery injury claim, this knowledge may be valuable in helping to identify and establish liability. Here are some of the most common causes of machinery injuries:
Failure to Use Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is often required for the operation of specific machinery. Failing to wear appropriate gear such as goggles, gloves, or steel-toed boots can increase the risk of some injuries.
Inadequate Machine Maintenance
If you do not put oil in your car, it will eventually not work correctly. Maintenance is important and crucial for safety. Machines that are not properly maintained are more likely to malfunction which can put workers in dangerous situations when something goes wrong or they have to make repairs.
Lack of Training
It is important to understand how to properly and safely operate machinery which may require specific training. Without training, a worker may not understand when something is malfunctioning or the safety protocol associated with operating that machine.
Understaffing or Fatigue
It is never safe to operate machinery while fatigued, which includes being overworked. Workers who are rushing to finish a job or are exhausted are more likely to make dangerous errors when operating machines.
Skipping Lockout Procedures
Lockout or tagout procedures exist to ensure a machine is fully powered down when not in use. Failing to safely turn off a piece of machinery can result in unintended activations. Some common situations for unintended activations to occur may include during cleaning or maintenance, which can lead to serious injuries.
Lack of Supervision
Without adequate supervision, workers may take shortcuts around safety protocols which could result in injury. It is often part of a supervisor’s job to maintain compliance with safety regulations.
What Is the Most Common Injury Caused by Working with Machines Unsafely?
Depending on the type of equipment, a machinery injury could happen to any part of the body. The most common injuries are to the upper extremities like hands. That being said, the most common type of machinery injuries are cuts and lacerations. These can range from minor to severe, and even deadly depending on location and the time it takes to receive medical attention. If you are wondering, What is the most common injury caused by working with machines unsafely, it can vary by industry and equipment type. Here are some examples.
- Amputations,
- Broken bones,
- Eye injuries,
- Burns and scarring,
- Internal organ damage,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Scalping, and
- Electrocutions
There are many other types of injuries that could occur when machinery is in use. Safety precautions and attentiveness are crucial to avoiding accidents involving machines and other equipment.
How Much Is My Machinery Injury Claim Worth?
There is no average settlement for a machinery injury. Each case is unique and value is determined according to a number of factors including the severity of the injury, medical expenses, and the overall impact on the mental and physical well-being of the injured party.
Depending on the circumstances of your claim and who was responsible for your injury, here are some of the things you may receive compensation for.
- Cost of medical treatment,
- Physical therapy,
- Lost wages,
- Property damage,
- Pain and suffering,
- Anxiety,
- Depression, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
It is important to understand the long-term impact of your injuries when trying to place a dollar number on what you have endured. For example, a loss of limb payment may be more significant than an injury that will fully recover after treatment. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine the value of your claim and ensure you do not settle for less than what you deserve.
Do You Need an Attorney for Your Machinery Injury?
If you were in an accident caused by unsafe use of machinery, it may be difficult to determine the negligent party and who is financially responsible for what you have been through, especially if the accident happened at work.
The experienced lawyers at D’Amore Law Group can help conduct an independent investigation into your case, determine the value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies or the defendant’s legal team, and prepare to litigate if necessary, all while working with you to ensure that we are meeting your expectations. Other work-related injuries we handle include:
- Back injury at work,
- Knee injury at work,
- Head injury at work,
- Shoulder injury at work, and
- Countless others.
If you have incurred any sort of injury at work or anywhere else because of someone else’s negligence, it is important to seek the legal recovery you are entitled to. We have over 35 years of experience representing injured victims in the Pacific Northwest. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.
