Federal law entitles you to a safe working environment free of safety hazards, faulty equipment, and other known health concerns (osha.gov). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy equipment accidents cause approximately 18,000 injuries annually (bls.gov). Injuries could occur due to faulty equipment, employee fault, or negligence in equipment maintenance. Understanding what you should do if you have been injured on the job by heavy equipment may make the difference in receiving the benefits you deserve.
Construction workers, especially heavy equipment operators, face inherent daily risks as part of their regular job duties. These types of work-related injuries can be life-altering. They could include broken bones, severed digits or limbs, concussions, other traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or death. The nature and severity of the injury will determine the course of action you follow. First and foremost, you should call your supervisor for help, get medical assistance, or call 911. If you cannot notify your supervisor at the time of the injury, the accident must be reported by someone to your employer as soon as possible. When seeking medical care, you must inform your medical team that the injury is work-related.
After initiating this process, you will want to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to begin the course of action of submitting a workmen’s compensation claim. Your personal injury attorney will investigate all parties involved and determine liability, holding all negligent parties accountable. The recovery process is often long and arduous and usually leaves patients with expensive medical bills, emotional trauma, lost wages, and sometimes the inability to return to work.
A work-related injury caused by heavy equipment can be severe, causing financial burden, extended recovery time, and inability to return to work. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve will allow you to focus on your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job by heavy equipment, you can contact The Law Offices of Reginald Keith Davis for a confidential consultation @ (913) 299-8789.