Every job has risks of a workplace accident. Some more than others, particularly factory and manufacturing jobs. Employees should do what they can to protect themselves from the possibility of an accident, and employers should protect their employees from hazards, but, sometimes, accidents happen anyway. Still, it is better to be as prepared as possible. Recognizing the types of manufacturing accidents in California can help you prepare.
At English Lloyd & Armenta, we can help you deal with the physical and financial fallout of a manufacturing accident. Depending on your situation, you may be in a significant amount of pain from a life-altering injury, and recovery might take a long time if a full recovery is possible. In the meantime, you may want to consider using every avenue available to you to secure compensation, whether it’s through workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim.
Different Types of Manufacturing Accidents
A manufacturing job opens employees up to many different kinds of workplace accidents. Depending on the exact nature of your accident, you may find yourself dealing with severe injuries that put you out of work for the foreseeable future and force you to adjust to a new normal you never prepared for.
By recognizing the different types of accidents that can happen in a manufacturing workplace, you may be able to prevent yourself from being in one of them:
- Slip-and-Falls: While slip-and-fall accidents are fairly common in virtually every workplace, they can be particularly dangerous in a factory or manufacturing setting. A slip-and-fall can be caused by a wet floor, an uneven staircase, a hazard in the way, or just a bad step. You could fall into heavy machinery or onto a conveyor belt, and the resulting injuries could be catastrophic.
- Machinery Accidents: Manufacturing jobs require a great deal of specialized machinery and complex manufacturing processes. If you are not careful, that machinery could seriously hurt or kill you. Employees can get caught in machinery, crushed between machinery and a wall, or struck by moving parts if they aren’t careful. Always be aware of your surroundings so this never happens to you.
- Chemical Exposure: Depending on the type of manufacturing job you have, you could be exposed to toxic chemicals in a number of different ways. Some manufacturing jobs involve the constant use of dangerous chemicals. Employees could inhale toxic fumes, get hurt in a chemical spill, or somehow come into contact with hazardous material that could cause severe physical damage.
- Burn Accidents: There is often a great deal of heat in a factory or manufacturing plant. If you are not careful around that heat, you could suffer a serious burn. Take extra precautions around fire, hot surfaces, and corrosive substances to avoid suffering terrible second-, third-, or even fourth-degree burns. You could end up dealing with nerve damage or chronic pain for the rest of your life.
Statute of Limitations
If you are injured in a manufacturing accident and are unable to pursue workers’ comp, your alternative to try and recoup damages is through a personal injury claim. If you decide to go that route, you need to make sure your case falls within California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which include manufacturing accident claims.
For most cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to develop a strong case, gather all supporting evidence, consult with an injury lawyer, and file a claim for damages. If you can’t file your case before the two years are up, there’s a strong chance your case will end there. Your claim will be dismissed, and you won’t be able to pursue damages for it. Building a strong case can take time, so you should start building yours soon.
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Injury in the Manufacturing Industry?
One of the most common injuries in the manufacturing industry is a bad fall. A bad fall can happen to anyone at any time. It could be the result of a slip, overexertion, falling asleep on the job, or simply not watching where you are going. The end result is the same. A fall has the potential to cause serious injury or even death in extreme cases.
What Are the Main Types of Manufacturing in California?
California has a very diverse manufacturing sector. As a result, many different products are manufactured in the state. One of the leading products is computer parts and electronics, such as microchips, circuits, and other hardware. California is also one of the leading manufacturers of various chemicals, food and tobacco products, machinery, and fabricated metals, among many other products.
What Are the Common Types of Manufacturing Accidents?
There are many different kinds of manufacturing accidents that can happen. Some of the more common types of manufacturing accidents include slip-and-falls, chemical exposure, overexertion, falling objects, burn accidents, and even workplace violence. The manufacturing sector is often full of potential accident zones due to the complex nature of the work and the frequent need for constant machinery.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Manufacturing Accident Case?
While you are not required to hire a lawyer for a manufacturing accident case, it’s highly recommended that you do so any time you are dealing with a legal problem. Lawyers have legal knowledge and experience that you may need to pursue a case or file for workers’ compensation. Having someone on your side who understands how difficult things can get in a personal injury case can only benefit you in the long run.
Contact a Manufacturing Accident Lawyer Today
Suffering a manufacturing accident can be bad enough without also having to deal with the legal fallout alone. An experienced lawyer can help you secure your workers’ comp or move forward with a personal injury case if that’s better suited to your situation. At English Lloyd & Armenta, we know what you need in these situations. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about how we can help you with your case.