Machinery Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Representing Those Injured by Workplace Machines

Machines can help Chicago businesses operate simpler, faster, and even safer in many situations. When used properly and maintained as needed, even large machines can be operated in a safe environment that is free from accidents and injuries. Sometimes, however, injuries can occur either as a result of negligence or simply by accident. When this happens, the cost to the family and loved ones of someone who is injured can be very serious, not only financially but in terms of emotional turmoil, stress, and anxiety.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a machine accident, do not just hope that everything will turn out for the best. Contact a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney from Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC to help you understand your options and work to protect your rights. Call us today at (312) 243-9922 to discuss your case.

Machine Malfunction

When a large piece of machinery malfunctions it can cause anything from a minor inconvenience to a serious injury or even fatality. Heavy pieces of machinery used in manufacturing and construction can cause serious crushing injuries, amputations, and lacerations, which may lead to life-long complications, disabilities, and other consequences. Sometimes these types of malfunctions are purely accidental, with no way of anyone knowing that it would happen. Workers compensation should cover such accidents, since fault and liability do not matter when filing such a claim.

In some cases, however, it is possible that a serious injury or death could be avoided if someone was aware of the potential for a malfunction and did not act in a reasonable way to prevent it or warn others about it. This can include an employer or coworker who becomes aware of a possible future malfunction, or who fails to properly follow upkeep and maintenance procedures that result in the malfunction occurring. When this happens, they may be liable for damages in a civil suit, which can add to financial assistance from workers compensation.

It is also possible that the manufacturer of a piece of equipment or machinery can be liable for damages caused by a malfunction. This can be very hard to prove and requires that the company knew that a malfunction might occur and did not reasonably act to prevent it or warn others about it. If you suspect that an injury you or a loved one suffered was caused by the negligence of someone else, then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

Machine Accidents Caused by Unsafe Work Environments

OSHA and other organizations establish rules and best practices for a wide variety of workplaces to ensure they are as safe as possible for workers. When these policies are ignored or violated, however, then an unsafe work environment can be created, which may contribute to an injury or damage caused by a piece of machinery or large equipment. Such negligence is not necessary for a workers compensation claim, but may be grounds for a civil lawsuit.

Unsafe work environment factors that may cause a machine accident include:

• Improper Maintenance – Large machines typically need regular upkeep; failure to perform such maintenance can create the potential for accident and injury.
• Small or Obstructed Areas – Machines usually need a certain amount of space to function properly and allow users to keep a safe distance from them while in use.
• Cluttered or Unclean Conditions – Lack of cleaning can result in fires or other accidents, and cluttered areas may result in trip and falls that can damage a machine or cause further injury.
• Improper Training – Everyone at a workplace who uses a large machine should be properly trained on its safe use, and new equipment requires ongoing and additional training.

Manufacturing and construction in the Chicago area often involves the use of large and potentially dangerous machines. When used properly, these pieces of equipment can make a workplace more efficient and productive. If an accident occurs, however, the injured party may be able to claim workers’ compensation and possibly even file a civil law suit.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to dangerous machinery, contact the Chicago machine accident attorneys of Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC today. Call us at (312) 243-9922 to talk about your case and discuss your options.