Big River

September 2023

Lesiones Personales

¿cómo causan accidentes industriales la maquinaria y los equipos defectuosos?

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Los trabajadores de los sectores de la construcción, la agricultura, el petróleo y el gas u otras industrias afines manejan a menudo muchos tipos diferentes de maquinaria y equipos. Los equipos industriales pesados plantean un gran número de riesgos inherentes. Dado el enorme tamaño y complejidad de estas máquinas, los trabajadores deben tener un alto nivel de destreza para manejarlas. Sin embargo, ni siquiera los trabajadores más cualificados pueden evitar un accidente causado por maquinaria y equipos defectuosos. Sin que sea culpa suya, los trabajadores pueden resultar gravemente heridos y, a veces, estos accidentes son incluso mortales. Si usted o un ser querido ha sufrido lesiones debido a maquinaria o equipos industriales defectuosos, es importante que sepa que tiene opciones legales. ¿Qué Tipos de Accidentes Causan las Máquinas y Equipos Defectuosos? Cuando la maquinaria y los equipos pesados presentan defectos, una jornada laboral normal se convierte en una situación de vida o muerte para los operarios y trabajadores que se encuentran cerca. Por desgracia, las consecuencias de estos accidentes suelen ser catastróficas. Los tipos más comunes de accidentes causados por maquinaria y equipos defectuosos incluyen: Caídas a un nivel inferior Trabajadores atrapados o golpeados por equipos o piezas Electrocuciones Exposición a sustancias químicas tóxicas Explosiones e incendios Tipos de Maquinaria y Equipos Defectuosos que Causan Accidentes Por maquinaria y equipos industriales pesados se entienden las máquinas, componentes, herramientas, piezas y otros productos que utilizan los trabajadores en el desempeño de sus funciones. Aunque cualquier tipo de maquinaria pesada puede contener defectos, hay algunas que causan accidentes con más frecuencia que otras. Entre ellas se incluyen: Grúas Topadoras Carretillas elevadoras Retroexcavadoras Cargadoras sobre ruedas Sierras circulares Tornos de arrastre Niveladoras Máquinas de fundición a presión Excavadoras Lesiones Comunes Causadas por Maquinaria y Equipos Defectuosos Una vez más, las lesiones causadas por maquinaria y equipos defectuosos son algunas de las más graves. Entre las más comunes figuran: Lesiones cerebrales traumáticas Electrocuciones Quemaduras Inhalación de humo Fracturas óseas Amputaciones Rotura de ligamentos Lesiones en la espalda, la médula espinal y el cuello, incluida la parálisis Pérdida de audición o visión Laceraciones desfigurantes Los Tipos más Comunes de Defectos en Maquinaria Pesada La maquinaria pesada puede presentar distintos tipos de defectos. Algunos de ellos se producen durante el proceso de fabricación. Por ejemplo, una sierra eléctrica puede no haber sido construida con las protecciones de seguridad necesarias. Incluso la comercialización de un determinado tipo de maquinaria puede ser defectuosa. Esto suele ocurrir cuando el fabricante no advierte a los consumidores, las empresas y los trabajadores de ciertos peligros asociados al uso del equipo. Los anteriores son sólo dos tipos de defectos que pueden encontrarse en la maquinaria pesada. Otros defectos comunes son: Los equipos pesados no se colocan en el lugar adecuado, lo que expone a los trabajadores al riesgo de sufrir lesiones con los equipos cercanos. Errores cometidos durante la instalación o el montaje de determinadas máquinas Materiales inadecuados o de mala calidad utilizados durante la fase de fabricación Cableado defectuoso ¿Quién es Responsable de las Máquinas y Equipos Defectuosos? Las empresas que fabrican, diseñan, venden o distribuyen maquinaria y equipos defectuosos pueden ser consideradas responsables de las lesiones causadas. Estos casos se conocen legalmente como demandas de responsabilidad objetiva. Esto significa que usted no tiene que demostrar que la parte responsable fue negligente. Sólo tiene que demostrar que la maquinaria o el equipo es defectuoso y que usted resultó herido como consecuencia de ello. Aun así, demostrar la responsabilidad en las demandas por productos defectuosos puede resultar complejo. Siempre es aconsejable que trabaje con un abogado especializado en accidentes industriales en Baton Rouge que pueda ayudarle a obtener la indemnización completa que se merece. Si su reclamación prospera, puede obtener una indemnización por cualquier pérdida que haya sufrido. Esta indemnización se conoce legalmente como daños y perjuicios, y los tipos más comunes disponibles son los siguientes: Gastos médicos Pérdida de ingresos Pérdida de capacidad de ganancia si no puede volver a la misma línea de trabajo o ganar el mismo salario después del accidente Dolor físico Angustia emocional Desfiguración permanente No siempre es fácil saber el importe total de los daños y perjuicios que le corresponden tras un accidente industrial. Por ejemplo, es posible que por su cuenta sólo calcule las pérdidas que ha sufrido actualmente sin tener en cuenta los daños futuros. Un abogado también sabrá cómo valorar con precisión su reclamación para que usted maximice su indemnización. Nuestros Abogados de Lesiones Personales en Baton Rouge Pueden Ayudar en Su Caso Si usted o un ser querido ha sido lesionado por maquinaria o equipos defectuosos, nuestros abogados de lesiones personales en Baton Rouge pueden ayudar. En Big River Trial Attorneys, hemos ayudado a muchas víctimas a reclamar los daños completos y justos que merecen, y pondremos esa experiencia a trabajar para usted. Llame o póngase en contacto con nosotros en línea ahora haciendo clic aquí para programar una consulta y obtener más información sobre cómo podemos ayudarle.

Personal Injury

Should You File Workers’ Comp or a Personal Injury Claim After an Industrial Accident?

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Industrial accidents are those that involve hazardous materials and can have serious consequences for not only those directly involved but also others who were just in the surrounding area. Oil rig accidents, crushing between equipment accidents, and exposure to toxic materials are just some of the most common types of industrial accidents. By their very nature, industrial accidents most commonly happen in the workplace. Due to the fact that industrial accidents happen to employees, it can be difficult to determine whether to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim for compensation afterward. Below, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer explains further. What is a Workers’ Compensation Claim? In the majority of workplace accidents, the only remedy employees have is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Through a successful workers’ compensation claim, employees can recover all of their reasonable medical expenses and a portion of their lost income. In order to claim workers’ compensation, you must have been on the job at the time and performing duties within the scope of your employment. For example, if you became injured because you were involved in a physical altercation with another worker, you would not be eligible for benefits. A physical altercation is not within the duties of your employment. Workers’ compensation can step in if you were performing duties within the scope of your employment and provide for some of an employee’s losses. Still, there are certain limitations associated with the system. As of September 1, 2023, the maximum compensation a person can claim for lost wages is $816.00. When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it does not matter who was at fault for the injury or how badly one was injured. These are both beneficial and harmful to employees. Due to the no-fault system, workers can still file a claim even if they caused or contributed to the accident. Workers’ compensation also removes the need for a trial, meaning that employees can obtain the relief they need fairly quickly. However, employees who suffer a serious, life-changing injury will find these limitations negatively impact their case. The cost of a catastrophic injury such as paralysis, amputation, or a third-degree burn can remain with accident victims for the rest of their lives. These injuries are sadly quite common in industrial accident cases. One or two years of replacement wages will not make up for the loss of your career. Even months of medical treatment may not fully heal brain function, nerve endings, and entire limbs. For these reasons, workers’ compensation is often not enough for employees. What is a Personal Injury Claim? A personal injury claim is a civil remedy that allows injured individuals to file a claim against negligent, or careless, parties when they cause an accident that results in injury. When filing a personal injury claim, you must prove that another person acted negligently and that they are liable for paying compensation. Personal injury claims offer many benefits over the workers’ compensation system. One of the biggest of these is that a personal injury claim can help accident victims claim much more in compensation. You can file a claim for your current and future medical expenses, all of your lost income, and even a loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to the same line of work in the future. Additionally, you can also file a claim for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent disability. Non-economic damages are not available in workers’ compensation claims. In most cases, you can only file a personal injury claim after an industrial accident if a third party caused your injuries. Third parties are individuals who do not have a relationship with your employer. For example, if you were using a piece of defective equipment and became injured on the job, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer of the equipment. However, in very limited cases, you may be able to sue your employer. When Can You Sue Your Employer in Baton Rouge? In Baton Rouge, as throughout the rest of Louisiana, the vast majority of employers are required to purchase and carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means that, in most instances, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. After an industrial accident, the only option most injured employees have is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Still, there are times when you may be able to sue your employer. To do this, you must prove that your employer was negligent and caused your accident. Ordinary negligence is not enough in these cases, though. You must show that your employer was erroneously negligent or that they intentionally caused your accident. For example, if your employer violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, you may have a right to sue your employer. Or, if your employer did not provide proper training and you were injured as a result, this may also give you grounds to file a lawsuit. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against anyone can quickly become complex, and winning these cases is not easy. When you want to file a lawsuit against your employer, the matter becomes even more complicated. It is always recommended that you speak to a personal injury lawyer any time you believe you have grounds for a lawsuit. Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Baton Rouge for a Free Consultation Industrial accidents are some of the most serious, and those involved in them will likely suffer catastrophic injuries. It is also never easy to determine which type of claim to file or to receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can help you determine which remedy is most appropriate for your situation and obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free review of your case and to get more information.

Lesiones Personales

¿Cómo Provoca Accidentes de Camión una Carga Inadecuada?

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Cuando muchas personas se imaginan los accidentes de camiones, piensan en los daños causados por los grandes vehículos comerciales. Sin embargo, la carga que transporta un camión también puede provocar un accidente, sobre todo si no está bien cargada. La Asociación Federal de Seguridad de Autotransportes (FMCSA) establece normas muy específicas para la inspección, sujeción y carga de la carga. Los conductores de camiones que hacen caso omiso de estas normas y no las cumplen pueden ser considerados responsables de un accidente. Si usted se lesionó debido a la carga inadecuadamente cargada, puede presentar una reclamación de indemnización. Un abogado de accidentes de vehículos comerciales en Baton Rouge puede ayudarle a obtener la máxima indemnización que se merece. Cómo Asegurar Correctamente la Carga en un Vehículo Comercial Es crítico que los conductores de camiones aseguren apropiadamente la carga en sus vehículos para que no causen un accidente. La FMCSA esboza reglas muy específicas para la sujeción de la carga, que incluyen: El conductor debe asegurarse de que la carga está bien sujeta El conductor debe asegurarse de que la carga está correctamente distribuida. El conductor debe asegurar todas las puertas, portones traseros, neumáticos de repuesto y otros equipos. La carga de un camión nunca debe obstaculizar la visión del conductor. La carga de un camión nunca debe impedir que el conductor mueva libremente los brazos o las piernas. Para asegurarse de que cumplen los requisitos anteriores, los conductores deben utilizar correas, cuerdas, ganchos, cadenas, ataduras, abrazaderas y cabrestantes al cargar la mercancía en sus camiones. Cuando no lo hacen, y se produce un accidente como resultado, los conductores de camiones pueden ser considerados responsables de un accidente. Inspecciones de Carga Los camioneros no sólo deben asegurarse de que la carga está bien sujeta, sino que también deben inspeccionarla periódicamente. Inspeccionar la carga una vez antes de salir a la carretera es importante, pero no es suficiente. Los camioneros también deben inspeccionar su carga en los siguientes momentos: Antes de cualquier viaje Al menos una vez durante los primeros 80 km del viaje. Cada vez que cambie la situación de servicio del conductor, por ejemplo, cuando abandone el trabajo o comience un nuevo turno. Cada 150 millas o cada intervalo de tres horas, lo que ocurra primero. Durante estas inspecciones, los conductores deben confirmar que la carga sigue estando segura y que cualquier dispositivo utilizado para asegurar la carga está en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento. Si un dispositivo de sujeción está dañado o roto, el conductor debe sustituirlo y notificarlo al transportista antes de iniciar o finalizar el viaje. También es posible que un conductor necesite utilizar dispositivos de sujeción adicionales antes de iniciar o continuar un viaje. La Carga Mal Sujetada Causa Accidentes Un accidente grave puede ocurrir cada vez que un camionero no asegura correctamente su carga. Esto es especialmente cierto cuando la carga en sí es peligrosa, como cuando un camión transporta productos químicos tóxicos. La carga que no está bien sujeta puede causar muchos tipos de accidentes. Uno de los más obvios es cuando la carga se desplaza y se cae del vehículo. Cuando esto ocurre, otros conductores pueden no tener tiempo suficiente para detenerse antes de chocar contra la carga. O bien, la carga puede caer directamente sobre los vehículos, hiriendo gravemente a los ocupantes. La maquinaria pesada y otros objetos pueden causar lesiones mortales a otras personas en la carretera. Si el camión transportaba objetos que pueden rodar con facilidad, como tuberías o troncos, la carga puede desplazarse fácilmente por la calzada y provocar un accidente en el que se vean implicados varios vehículos. Cuando la carga está suelta, ni siquiera tiene que caerse del camión para provocar un accidente grave. Por ejemplo, cuando los productos químicos no están bien sujetos, los recipientes pueden derramarse o gotear y acabar saliendo del camión. Esto puede crear condiciones resbaladizas que pueden causar un accidente, o los líquidos pueden ser tóxicos y dañinos, causando lesiones. El desplazamiento de la carga también puede dificultar enormemente el control del camión por parte del conductor. Esto puede dar lugar a accidentes por vuelco lateral, vuelcos y empotramiento. Llame a Nuestros Abogados de Accidentes de Vehículos Comerciales en Baton Rouge para Obtener Ayuda con la Carga Inapropiadamente Asegurada Los conductores de camiones tienen muchas obligaciones para mantener la seguridad de los demás conductores en las carreteras. Cuando no las cumplen, pueden ser considerados responsables de un accidente. En Big River Trial Attorneys, nuestros abogados de accidentes de vehículos comerciales, en Baton Rouge, pueden ayudarle a probar su caso, lo cual es muy difícil después de un accidente debido a la carga sin asegurar. Vamos a reunir y preservar las pruebas necesarias, manejar los aspectos legales de su reclamo, y negociar con la compañía de camiones y las compañías de seguros que los representan. Llámenos ahora al (225) 407-0777 o rellene nuestro formulario en línea para programar una consulta gratuita y obtener más información haciendo clic aquí.

Personal Injury

Steps to Take After an Industrial Accident

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Industrial workplaces are very dangerous environments. Equipment rollovers, exposure to toxic chemicals, and being caught in heavy machinery and equipment are just a few of the most common types of accidents that occur in industrial settings. If you risk your safety and well-being every day for your employer, it is important that you know what to do in case of an accident. Below, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyer explains the most important steps to take after any accident. Report the Accident to Your Employer or Supervisor It is important to tell your employer or supervisor about any industrial accident, even if you do not think you were injured. If you fail to do this, your employer may argue that the injury did not occur at work. This can seriously hurt any claim you may be able to file in the future, including workers’ compensation. To file a workers’ compensation claim, you must show that your injury occurred while you were performing your employment duties. Report the Accident to the Authorities Not all industrial accidents must be reported to the authorities, but there are times when you must report them. For example, chemical spills must be reported to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) or the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You may not have to actually report the accident to the authorities yourself. If that is the case, make sure your employer reports it so you and your co-workers are protected in the future. Seek Immediate Medical Attention If your injuries are very serious you, your co-workers, or your supervisor should call 911 so you can receive immediate medical attention. If your injuries are not that serious, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Under the workers’ compensation law in Louisiana, you have the right to choose one doctor in each field or specialty. However, you are also required to submit to an examination by a doctor provided and paid for by your employer. The doctor you choose is known as the ‘treating physician’ while your employer’s doctor is known as the ‘second opinion’ doctor. Seeking medical attention after an industrial accident is important for many reasons. First and foremost, seeing a doctor will protect your safety and well-being and make sure your injuries do not become worse. Additionally, you may have to prove your injuries in the future. Seeking medical attention will document your injuries so you can prove them to the insurance company in the future. Know the Deadlines in Your Case Regardless of the type of claim you are filing, there are likely many deadlines you must meet. For example, if you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident or you might lose your right to file for benefits at all. You then have one year to file for medical benefits. If you have already received a payment from the insurance company, you have three years from the date of the last workers’ compensation payment to file for more benefits. Industrial accidents can also result in a personal injury claim. For example, if you were injured due to defective equipment, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer. The statute of limitations on personal injury claims is one year from the date of the injury. If you do not meet the above deadlines, you will likely lose your right to claim any compensation at all. Do Not Admit Fault It is important that you never admit fault after an accident. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means even if you contributed to or caused the accident, you can still receive benefits. However, admitting fault can impact your ability to claim compensation in a personal injury claim. Louisiana follows comparative fault laws, which means if you contributed to the accident, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your same percentage of fault. Call Our Industrial Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge After an industrial accident, you need legal representation to make sure your rights are protected. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyers can advise you on the steps to take, prepare any claim you are eligible to file, and make sure you receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about how we can help.

Personal Injury

Common Injuries After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

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When many people think of commercial vehicle accidents, they often first think of transport trucks. While 18-wheelers are certainly some of the largest vehicles on the road, there are other types of commercial vehicles that can also become involved in a crash. Garbage trucks, tow trucks, dump trucks, buses, and courier trucks are just a few other types of commercial vehicles that are involved in crashes on the road. These accidents result in very serious injuries. Below, one of our Baton Rouge commercial vehicle accident lawyers outlines those that are most common. Amputations Amputations are some of the most serious injuries after an accident involving a commercial vehicle. An amputation is defined as the loss of any extremity, such as a limb, foot, or finger. In some cases, an amputation can happen at the scene of a crash while in others, a limb or appendage is so severely damaged that it cannot be repaired and must be surgically amputated. In other instances, an injury may become so severely infected that an amputation is necessary. Due to the extremely severe nature of an amputation, the recovery process is often very long. Not only will the end of a limb need to heal, but you will also need to relearn how to complete the tasks you do every day, such as cooking, grooming, and cleaning. Amputations are also very costly to treat, and you will not be able to return to your job right away. You may also never be able to return to the same line of work you once did and have to obtain lower-paying employment. Head and Brain Injuries Every year, approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury. A head injury or traumatic brain injury can also affect you for the rest of your life and they are very commonly sustained in commercial vehicle accidents. Some of the most common types of head and brain injuries are as follows: Concussions: Concussions are often seen as minor injuries but truthfully, there is no such thing as a minor brain injury. Concussions are caused by the brain being shaken inside the skull. When left untreated, a concussion can become even more serious. Hematomas: A hematoma occurs when blood vessels break and blood collects in the head, pooling in the skin tissue. A hematoma is similar to a bruise, but because they are in the dura or the skull, they are even more dangerous. Hemorrhages: A hemorrhage can occur within the skull or brain tissue and cause bleeding. If left untreated, a hemorrhage in the brain can cause coma or even death. Contusions: When multiple small hemorrhages leak small amounts of blood into the brain tissue, it can result in a contusion, which is bruised brain tissue. Damage to the brain happens very slowly when a person suffers from a contusion, so this type of injury needs close monitoring. Head and brain injuries do not always present symptoms right away. The most common symptoms include changes in mood or behavior, confusion, angry outbursts, depression, and memory loss. It is critical that you see a doctor after any commercial vehicle accident, to ensure you receive the treatment you need. Broken Bones The adult human body has 206 bones in total, and any one of them can break during an accident. This is particularly true when a crash involves a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles are much larger and much heavier than passenger vehicles, and any accident involving one will also involve a great amount of force. There are also many different types of broken bones from clean, complete breaks to breaks that cause the bone to completely shatter. Treatment for a broken bone varies from minor splints and casts, to surgery. Broken bones also often require extensive rehabilitation, so recovery can be a long process. Without proper care, the bones may not heal properly, which can result in even more issues in the future. Burn Injuries Commercial vehicles often carry dangerous chemicals and fuel. When they are involved in a crash, these can spill off the vehicle and cause serious burn injuries. Burn injuries are some of the most painful sustained in commercial vehicle accidents. Not only do they result in large medical bills and a loss of income, but they can also cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. These latter injuries can cause accident victims a lifetime of embarrassment and shame. Burn injuries are also some of the most common to suffer from complications. These can include fluid loss and serious infections. In some cases, these complications can require an entire limb to be amputated. Accident victims deserve proper compensation for all of the physical and mental injuries caused by burns. Spinal Cord Injuries Spinal cord injuries can be caused by damage to the discs and bones in the back. If a commercial vehicle accident is severe enough, pieces of a broken bone may become lodged in the spine. During a crash, the neck and head can also be forced sideways, which can also cause a spinal cord injury. The higher up on the spine the injury is, the more severe any resulting injury will be. In some cases, partial or complete paralysis can also result from an injury to the spinal column. These catastrophic injuries cost millions of dollars to treat. Whiplash A commercial vehicle accident will likely result in some degree of whiplash. This injury occurs when the neck moves back and forth in rapid succession and the force of a commercial vehicle hitting a passenger car will cause this to happen. Like concussions, many people think whiplash is a minor injury but it is not. Whiplash often has long recovery times and leaves accident victims in a great deal of pain. Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help After an Injury If you have suffered one of the above injuries, or any other, in a crash, our Baton Rouge commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Big River Trial Attorneys can help. Our seasoned attorneys have the

Personal Injury

Mistakes to Avoid After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

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If you were hurt or have lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident, you likely feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. Your actions in the hours, days, and weeks following a crash will greatly determine whether the trucking company is liable, and the amount of damages you may be able to claim. Just as there are certain steps you should take, there are also things you should avoid doing after an accident. Below, one of our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers explains what those are. Failing to Call the Police Whether you were struck by an 18-wheeler or a local garbage truck, the injuries and other losses you sustain will be significant. Still, you may not realize the severity of the losses right away and another party at the accident scene may convince you not to call the police. This is a mistake. When police arrive on the scene, they will collect evidence to include in their written report. If you choose to pursue a case against the truck driver or the company they work for, the police report can help find witnesses, determine how the crash occurred, and who was at fault for it. Failing to Collect Important Evidence and Information After a crash, you will feel an adrenaline rush and be in a great deal of shock. Many accident victims fail to record information and gather evidence that could be critical to their case. If you are able, take photographs and video footage of the accident scene. Make sure to take pictures of all vehicles, lighting and traffic signals, skid marks, and any other factor relevant to the accident. You should also take note of certain information, including: The name and contact information of anyone involved in the crash and any eyewitnesses, Name of the company the driver works for, The license and insurance information for the driver, and The license plate and Department of Transportation (DOT) number of the commercial vehicle Remember that while you are at the scene is likely the only opportunity you will have to gather evidence and take photographs. Even if something seems insignificant, take a photo as your lawyer may be able to use it in the future. Not Seeking Medical Treatment Commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road. Due to this, there is little chance that you will escape an accident unscathed. Even severe injuries may not be apparent for several hours or even days after a crash. Additionally, an injury that seems minor at first may be the first sign that something is seriously wrong. Even if you do not think you were seriously hurt during a commercial vehicle accident, it is important to receive medical treatment. Not only will this ensure that you prioritize your own safety and well-being, but it will also document your injuries at the earliest opportunity. If the insurance company tries to trivialize the nature or severity of your injuries, your medical records can refute those claims. Speculating About Fault There are certain things you should do at the scene of the crash, such as obtaining important information from other drivers involved. However, you should limit the conversations you have with people at the scene. You may have to provide a brief statement to the police but do not say more than you have to. Only talk about what you know to be true about the accident, and do not try to guess or speculate about certain facts. In particular, you should never speculate about who was at fault, or even apologize that the accident happened at all. The insurer will use any apology to show that you were negligent, caused the accident, and felt remorseful about it afterward. Agreeing to a Settlement Too Quickly After a serious accident, you will face high medical bills and may not be able to return to work right away. You may wonder how you will pay your daily expenses. The insurance company is counting on the fact that you are desperate to receive any damages at all. They will offer a settlement that is not enough to fully cover the cost of your injuries and other losses. If you accept it, you cannot go back to the insurer for more in the future. Never sign a settlement agreement until you have spoken to a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can review the facts of your case and accurately value your damages so you receive the full and fair damages you need to make a full recovery. Agreeing to a Recorded Statement The insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement, and agreeing to it is a very serious mistake. The insurance company will use anything you say against you in order to minimize the amount of damages they are liable for paying. For example, you may say, “The truck came out of nowhere,” simply meaning that the driver tore around a corner or cut you off. However, the insurer will twist your words and argue that you were not paying attention to the road because you did not see the truck. Signing a Medical Release The insurance company may also ask you to sign a medical release. They do this so they can access your medical records. Once they have, they will comb through them looking for a pre-existing condition. If you have a pre-existing condition, the insurer will say that it was not the accident that caused your injuries. Even if you do have a pre-existing condition, you still have the right to claim damages if the crash exacerbated it. Still, never sign a medical release, as you do not want to give the insurance company more information to use against you. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help You Avoid Mistakes Even the smallest mistake made in a personal injury claim can seriously hurt your chances of obtaining the full compensation you deserve. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge personal injury

Personal Injury

How Does Defective Machinery and Equipment Cause Industrial Accidents?

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Workers in construction, agriculture, oil and gas, or other related industries often operate many different types of machinery and equipment. Heavy industrial equipment poses a great number of inherent risks. Given the sheer size and complexity of these machines, workers must have a high level of skill to operate them. Even the most skilled workers, however, cannot always prevent an accident caused by defective machinery and equipment. Through no fault of their own, workers can become seriously hurt, and sometimes, these accidents are even fatal. If you or someone you love has been injured due to defective industrial machinery or equipment, it is important to know that you have legal options. What Types of Accidents Does Defective Machinery and Equipment Cause? When heavy equipment and machinery are defective, it turns a typical workday into a life-or-death situation for operators and workers nearby. Unfortunately, the consequences of these accidents are often catastrophic. The most common types of accidents caused by defective machinery and equipment include: Falls to a lower level Workers becoming caught in or struck by equipment or parts Electrocutions Toxic chemical exposure Explosions and fires Types of Defective Machinery and Equipment that Cause Accidents Heavy industrial machinery and equipment refers to the machines, components, tools, parts, and other products workers use while performing the duties of their employment. While any type of heavy machinery can contain defects, there are some that more commonly cause accidents than others. These include: Cranes Bulldozers Forklifts Backhoes Wheel loaders Circular saws Trawl winches Graders Die-casting machines Excavators Common Injuries Caused by Defective Machinery and Equipment Again, the injuries caused by defective machinery and equipment are some of the most serious. The most common include: Traumatic brain injuries Electrocutions Burns Smoke inhalation Broken bones Amputations Torn ligaments Injuries to the back, spinal cord, and neck, including paralysis Hearing or vision loss Disfiguring lacerations The Most Common Types of Defects in Heavy Machinery There are a number of different types of defects that can be found in heavy machinery. Some of these occur during the manufacturing process. For example, an electric saw may not have been built with the necessary safety guards. Even the marketing for a certain type of machinery may be defective. This most often occurs when the manufacturer fails to warn consumers, companies, and workers of certain hazards associated with using the equipment. The above are just two types of defects that can be found in heavy machinery. Other common defects include: Heavy equipment is not placed in a proper location, putting workers at risk of suffering an injury from nearby equipment Errors made during the installation or assembly of certain machines Improper or poor-quality materials used during the manufacturing phase Defective wiring Who is Liable for Defective Machinery and Equipment? Companies that manufacture, design, sell, or distribute defective machinery and equipment can be held liable for any injuries caused. These cases are legally known as strict liability claims. This means you do not have to prove the liable party was negligent. You must only show that the machinery or equipment is defective and that you were hurt as a result. Still, proving liability in defective product claims can become complex. It is always advised that you work with a Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyer who can help you obtain the full settlement you deserve. If you are successful with your claim, you can recover compensation for any loss you sustained. This compensation is legally known as damages, and the most common types available are as follows: Medical expenses Lost income Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to the same line of work or earn the same wages after the accident Physical pain Emotional anguish Permanent disfigurement It is not always easy to know the full amount of damages you deserve after an industrial accident. For example, on your own, you may only calculate the losses you have currently experienced without factoring in future damages. A lawyer will also know how to accurately value your claim so you maximize your settlement. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help with Your Case If you or someone you love has been injured by defective machinery or equipment, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers can help. At Big River Trial Attorneys, we have helped many accident victims claim the full and fair damages they deserve, and we will put that expertise to work for you. Call or contact us online now to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

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