How Does Defective Machinery and Equipment Cause Industrial Accidents?

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.