Heavy equipment injuries are among the most common causes of serious and catastrophic work accidents, particularly for those employees who work in construction, manufacturing and other heavy industry. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports being struck by equipment, or caught in or between equipment, are second only to fall injuries as the leading cause of serious and fatal work accidents. These are complex claims that often result in serious or catastrophic work injuries as well as multiple liable parties, and are best handled by an experienced New Orleans work accident attorney from the outset of a claim.
Common causes of heavy equipment injuries include:
These claims are best investigated by an experienced work injury lawyer in New Orleans, Covington, or Raceland, as soon as possible after an incident occurs. Both thoroughly investigating all of the factors of causation, and a comprehensive determination of medical and rehabilitative needs, are required to make a comprehensive claim for damages.
Common heavy equipment injuries include:
Most employers are required by law to provide employees with workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to pay medical costs, lost wages, and other benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. In exchange, employers cannot be sued by an injured employee in most situations. However, other third-parties who are found to be partially responsible for accident or injury may be pursued for damages. When serious or catastrophic injury occurs, determining all of those responsible is a critical part of building a comprehensive claim for damages. Workers’ compensation benefits include:
Workers’ compensation insurers work to limit the cost of claims as a routine business practice. Denying and delaying claims are commonplace, as is attempting to blame injuries on pre-existing conditions. In many cases, the full cost of a claim, including home care, rehabilitation and disability, may not be known for months or even years after a claim is filed. Premature return-to-work orders, challenging disability determinations, and other common tactics used by insurers, are more difficult to fight when victims and families wait until such challenges to seek help and advice from an experienced New Orleans work injury law firm. If you have been injured, call day or night for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 985-202-9907.
Louisiana Workforce Commission - Workers' Compensation: Resources and information for both employers and workers regarding workers' compensation. It includes links to relevant forms, legal information, compliance rules, and procedures. Additionally, the site provides guidance on reporting workplace injuries and fraud, as well as accessing medical services and benefits for injured workers.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Machine Guarding: Ensuring safety in workplaces by mandating the use of protective devices on machines to prevent injuries such as amputations and lacerations. It provides comprehensive details on different types of machine guards, such as fixed, adjustable, self-adjusting, and interlocked guards, each designed to address specific operational and safety needs. It also outlines the importance of these guards in protecting workers from potential hazards associated with machine operations, and emphasizes the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure effectiveness.
National Safety Council - Workplace Safety: Focuses on providing resources, guidelines, and best practices to help businesses create safer work environments. The site offers information on various safety topics like ergonomics, fall prevention, and emergency preparedness, catering to a wide range of industries. Additionally, it provides tools, training, and reports aimed at reducing workplace accidents and improving overall safety culture.
