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Who is Liable for Equipment and Machinery Accidents?

High-powered equipment and machinery help workers fulfill their duties quickly and efficiently and even accomplish tasks that may be impossible otherwise. However, due to their size, various parts, and functionality, they can also cause devastating workplace accidents. If you have been seriously injured in a workplace accident due to equipment or machinery failures, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Manatee County Work Injury Lawyers, who can help you navigate your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

How Do Equipment and Machinery Accidents Happen?

Equipment and machinery accidents in Florida often stem from negligence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces strict safety standards to prevent workplace injuries. Failure to comply with OSHA’s safety regulations can result in catastrophic accidents. While there can be various causes of workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or industrial equipment, the most common causes include:

  • Inadequate training
  • Lack of inspections and maintenance
  • Machine defects
  • Failure to provide proper protective equipment

Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is generally available for on-the-job injuries. These benefits are intended to provide injured workers with prompt medical care and income replacement while focusing on their recovery. This is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove that another party caused your injuries but that you suffered harm while performing duties within the scope of your employment. Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits can prove challenging under certain circumstances. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate this complex legal process.

Although injured workers can file a workers’ compensation claim following a workplace injury, they may also be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit or product liability claim against a third party. This may be the case if another party other than your employer is liable for your damages. You don’t have to prove negligence if you were injured due to a defective product. Instead, you must prove that the manufacturer released a defective product that did not work as intended. You can only take legal action against your employer under certain circumstances. For instance, you can pursue a personal injury claim against your employer if they intentionally caused you harm.

Who Can Face Liability?

When machines and equipment malfunction at the workplace, workers can be faced with life-altering injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, multiple parties may be liable for your losses. The following include, but are not limited to, some potentially liable parties for workplace equipment and machinery accidents:

  • The employer: If you were injured due to improper maintenance, your employer may be liable for your damages. This is because they are responsible for providing protective equipment, performing regular inspections, and maintaining their machinery.
  • The manufacturer: If you were injured by defective equipment, the product manufacturer may be liable for your injuries. They are responsible for ensuring the equipment they produce and put on the market is safe for its intended use.

At Becker & Lindauer, LLC, we are prepared to help you understand your rights. If you have suffered an on-the-job injury, contact our legal team today to learn how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.