Industrial Accidents Lawyer
Industrial accidents can happen unexpectedly, at any time, causing serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. They can be caused by unsafe conditions in the workplace, even when workers are following safety procedures. If you have been hurt in an industrial accident, contact an industrial accidents lawyer at Malloy Law Offices, LLC today. We know what it takes to win maximum compensation for our clients.
Why Choose Malloy Law Offices, LLC for an Industrial Accident Case?
- We believe that every accident victim has the right to claim what he or she deserves. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients recover full and fair compensation for their losses.
- We speak Spanish and Russian, in addition to English.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, allowing injured people access to the legal system and justice. This means there is never a fee until our industrial accident attorneys in Bethesda win a recovery for you.
What Are Industrial Accidents?
An industrial accident is an incident that occurs in a factory or an industrial or production facility. According to the National Safety Council, manufacturing and production rank among the top five occupations with the highest numbers of workplace injuries resulting in days away from work. Injuries suffered in industrial accidents can range from minor to catastrophic to fatal.
Causes of Industrial Accidents
Industrial accidents may be caused by negligent or reckless actions or by unsafe workplace conditions. Factors in violation of OSHA standards that commonly contribute to industrial accidents include:
- Improperly placed ladders
- Lack of fall protection
- Lack of guarding on equipment and machinery
- Failure to meet scaffolding requirements
- Lack of hazardous energy controls
- Lack of respiratory protection
- Flawed electrical system design
- Hazardous electrical wiring methods
- Unsafe operation of powered industrial trucks
- Failure to meet hazard communication standards
Common Injuries in Industrial Accidents
When equipment malfunctions or proper safety measure are not in place, serious industrial accidents can occur. Common injuries in industrial accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe burn injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic eye injuries
- Degloving injuries (in which skin is completely torn away from the underlying tissue)
- Orthopedic trauma
What Are Your Options after an Industrial Accident?
Workers’ Compensation
Most workers injured in on-the-job industrial accidents are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Worker’s comp will pay your medical expenses connected with the injury and partially cover your lost wages if the injury leaves you disabled. However, it will not compensate you for pain and suffering, mental anguish, or other noneconomic losses. After a serious industrial accident, workers’ compensation benefits may not be enough to cover your losses.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident and injuries, you may have a good basis to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This type of claim is based on product liability or employer negligence and failure to provide adequate care and protection. In some cases, a personal injury lawsuit may be a better option than a workers’ compensation claim if, for example:
- You were injured on the job by a defective product.
- Your employer or co-workers were negligent in their duty.
- You were injured by a toxic substance or hazardous material at work.
- You were injured by a third party related to your work.
- Your employer is not part of the state workers’ compensation system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do immediately after an industrial accident at work?
Seek medical attention first, even if your injuries seem minor; some serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage may not be immediately apparent.
Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible and document everything: photographs of the scene, the equipment involved, and any unsafe conditions.
Do not sign anything from your employer or their insurance company before consulting with an industrial accidents lawyer.
2. What is the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit after an industrial accident?
Workers’ compensation covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, but it does not compensate you for pain and suffering or emotional distress.
A personal injury lawsuit, on the other hand, can recover the full scope of your losses, including non-economic damages.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and determine which path, or combination of paths, gives you the best chance at maximum compensation.
3. Can I sue my employer after an industrial accident in Maryland?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer.
However, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer, a contractor, or another company on the job site, contributed to your injuries.
If your accident was caused by a defective product, a toxic substance, or a negligent third party, you may have significant additional claims beyond workers’ comp.
4. What if my industrial accident was caused by faulty or defective equipment?
This is one of the most important questions injured workers ask, and the answer can significantly increase your recovery.
If defective machinery or equipment caused or contributed to your accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of that equipment.
This is entirely separate from your workers’ compensation claim and can allow you to recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the full extent of your losses.
5. Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering after an industrial accident?
Not through workers’ compensation, workers’ comp only covers medical bills and partial lost wages.
However, if you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit based on employer negligence, a defective product, or third-party liability, you may be able to recover full compensation, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
6. What types of injuries qualify for an industrial accident claim?
Industrial accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries imaginable, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burn injuries, amputations, crush injuries, and degloving injuries.
Both minor and catastrophic injuries may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, while more serious cases involving third-party negligence or defective equipment may also support a personal injury lawsuit.
7. How can Malloy Law Offices help with my industrial accident case?
Malloy Law Offices represents injured workers across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC in both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits arising from industrial accidents.
Their attorneys evaluate every case to identify all available legal options and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
They work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations in English, Spanish, and Russian. Contact Malloy Law today at (888) 607-8690 to get started.
Contact Our Expert Industrial Accident Attorneys
When discussing industrial accidents, it is important to emphasize that you have legal options. On most occasions, these events are catastrophic. You should prioritize medical care and then consult with an expert attorney. The attorney will take care of doing everything possible to secure the best possible outcome for your case. At Malloy Law Offices, our attorneys will help you navigate through the complex legal process so you can file your claim or lawsuit. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.