Workers’ Compensation Claims for Injuries Involving Heavy Machinery
If you need workers’ comp for a heavy machinery injury, it’s important to understand your rights. Workers’ compensation law can be complex, but we can help make sure you get the benefits you need and deserve.
As a Memphis workers’ compensation lawyer with over 40 years of experience, I’ve helped countless workers navigate their claims and win fair compensation.
Here’s what to know about how to protect your claim and your future.
Why Heavy Machinery Injuries Are Common
From forklifts to industrial presses, heavy machinery is essential for many jobs, but it also carries high risk. Accidents involving heavy machinery can happen for a variety of reasons. And as long as it took place at work, you likely have a claim for workers’ comp.
Some of the most common causes include:
Operator Error
Mistakes can happen even with experienced workers. This is especially true if the site training was inadequate or workers are fatigued.
Mechanical Failure
Machinery that isn’t properly maintained can malfunction, causing serious injuries.
Lack of Safety Protocols
When employers don’t implement proper safety procedures, the risk of accidents rises dramatically.
Unsafe Work Environments
Crowded or poorly organized workspaces increase the likelihood of accidents.
These injuries are often serious, ranging from broken bones and crushed limbs to traumatic brain injuries. Even minor injuries can require significant medical care and time off work.
Types of Injuries Commonly Caused by Heavy Machinery
Heavy machinery can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal injuries
- Hearing loss
If you’re injured while operating or working near heavy machinery for your job, it doesn’t matter who was at fault or how serious your injuries might be. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Machinery Injuries
Worker’s comp benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation if you can’t return to your previous job. It can be a life-safer for anyone injured by heavy machinery.
And there are steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of success:
First, report the injury immediately. Notify your employer as soon as possible, because delays in reporting can hurt your claim.
Then, always get medical attention. While there, make sure your doctor documents your injury accurately.
You should also document the incident yourself, as you’re able. Take photos, write down details about how the injury occurred, and list any possible witnesses. Ideally, you could do this right when the accident happens, but if your injury prevents you, anything you can collect later will still help.
And lastly, always work with an experienced attorney. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate complex machinery injury claims, especially when the insurance company or your employer questions your story or doesn’t want to pay.
These are very common tactics, and a lawyer can make all the difference in those situations.
Challenges in Machinery Injury Claims
Claims involving heavy machinery can be more complicated than other workplace injuries. Insurance companies may dispute the claim. They often argue the injury didn’t happen on the job, wasn’t that bad, or shouldn’t be covered in full.
In some cases, mechanical malfunctions or unsafe work conditions can make the claim more complex. Claims might require expert testimony or detailed evidence.
An experienced lawyer can present your claim effectively and make sure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
Why You Need an Experienced Workers’ Comp Lawyer
At our Memphis law firm, we specialize in helping workers injured by heavy machinery. Guided by an attorney with over 40 years of experience, we’ve won multiple awards for client satisfaction and have built a reputation for fighting hard for workers who are often overlooked.
When insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims, we step in to protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
And we don’t make a penny unless and until we win your case. So you have nothing to lose.
If you’ve been hurt on the job due to heavy machinery, contact our Memphis workers’ compensation team today. We’ll help you navigate the system, fight for your benefits, and give your claim the care and attention it deserves.