Defective Workplace Equipment May Allow For Third-Party Lawsuits 

 Posted on January 13, 2023 in Car Accidents

As safety measures improve and worker safety awareness continues to increase, workplace injuries are on the decline across the nation. However, people are still commonly injured and even killed while on the job, making it difficult or impossible to work and depriving families of their loved ones and a desperately needed income. 

When someone is injured on the job in Illinois, they are usually covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Employers are required to have this essential coverage in Illinois and it can be a lifeline for those who need it. Sometimes, however, more action is warranted - and this is especially true in injury cases that are caused by defective equipment manufactured or managed by a third party. If you were injured at work, make sure you speak with an Illinois personal injury attorney who can help you recover any damages to which you are entitled. 

Faulty Equipment in the Workplace

It would be impossible to list the unlimited number of products that can potentially cause workers injury; nevertheless, there are a few common sources of injuries that appear time and again as the most serious offenders. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Heavy equipment, like trucks, forklifts, and cranes

• Power tools

• Scaffolding and ladders 

• Industrial equipment, like conveyor belts, power presses, and transporters 

• Bladed tools 

• Electrical equipment

Common Injuries Caused by Defective Equipment

While many workplace injuries caused by defective equipment are mild and require only short-term medical care, other injuries can have disastrous consequences. Some of the most serious injuries occur around heavy equipment, electrical equipment, or chemicals, and include: 

• Burns

• Eye injuries or loss

• Amputations

• Spinal cord injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Degloving injuries 

• Death

These injuries require urgent hospitalization and can often involve long-term surgery, rehabilitation services, and extended or permanent time away from work. When a defective product can be shown to be the cause of the injury, the manufacturer, owner, or maintainer of the product may be sued for both economic and non-economic damages. Recoverable damages may include medical care, lost wages, emotional distress, and funeral expenses. 

Contact a Winnebago County Workplace Injury Lawyer

Most people never suspect a serious workplace injury will happen to them or someone they love. If you have been injured at work, do not let the shock overwhelm you - take action right away and let the Rockford, IL workplace injury attorneys help. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law for a free, confidential consultation to examine your legal options. Call us today at 815-215-7561. 

Source: 

https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats