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.
Heavy Equipment Injuries and Work Accidents
Common causes of heavy equipment injuries include:
Defective equipment or parts: When dangerous or defective parts or equipment can be shown to be a cause of an accident or contributing factor to an injury, an equipment seller or manufacturer may be found partially liable.
Falls: Already the leading cause of work injury, falls from heavy equipment can result in serious injury, including the potential to be caught between pieces of heavy equipment or being run over.
Removal of safety equipment: Removal of safeguards, alarms and other features designed to reduce injury risks are a common cause of machine-related injury.
Inadequate training: Both victims and machine operators are made safer by proper training. Failure to provide training can result in increased injury risk.
Improper lookout: Flagmen and other safeguards are designed to reduce injury risks to those working around large equipment. Operators often have limited visibility and failure to follow best practices can significantly increase injury risk.
Dangerous operation: Large machines are only as safe as their operators. Dangerous operation is a frequent cause of injury involving large machines.
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.
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:
Lifetime medical benefits for care related to the injury, including rehabilitation and transportation costs.
Replacement of lost wages.
Permanent partial or total disability benefits.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you've suffered a machine injury at work in Louisiana, it's crucial to first seek medical attention. After that, notify your employer about the accident as soon as possible and gather any evidence, such as photographs and witness statements. It's also recommended to consult a machine injury attorney to understand your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Machinery accidents in Louisiana workplaces are often caused by improper maintenance, inadequate training, lack of safety guards, or malfunctions. Workers who operate heavy equipment are at risk of injuries from entanglement, crushing, or being struck by machinery parts. An equipment accident attorney can investigate the cause and identify liable parties to build a strong case.
In Louisiana, most employees are covered by workers' compensation if they suffer a machine injury at work. Workers' compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement, regardless of fault. Consulting with a machine injury attorney is advisable to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
It's best to consult an equipment accident attorney as soon as possible after your injury. The sooner you reach out to us, the better we can assess your case, gather evidence, and advise you on the next steps. If you need assistance, contact us today.
Additional Information in Louisiana
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.
Contact Louisiana Workers' Comp
Whether you have suffered an immediate injury or have endured a long-term disability or chronic illness, you deserve to have the support you need to recover. Our work injury attorneys will provide you with nothing less than compassionate understanding and exceptional legal counsel.
1140 St. Charles Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Thibodaux Location
407 West Third St Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301
Disclaimer: The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute an attorney client relationship. We are workers compensation attorneys serving the entire New Orleans area including Larose, Golden, Meadow, Thibodaux, Houma, Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Metairie, Belle Chasse, Elmwood, Boutte, Harahan, Destrehan, River Ridge, Raceland, Slidell, Kenner and all of Louisiana. We serve St. Tammany Parish, Livingston Parish, Orleans Parish, and Jefferson Parish.
Common causes of heavy equipment injuries include:
