Industrial Accidents
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Workplace And Industrial Accidents In Miami
In cities all over the country, industrial workers make up the backbone of the economy. Unfortunately, that work does not come without its potential consequences. The term “industrial accident” can cover a wide range of unfortunate events in the workplace that lead to injury. Generally, industrial accidents are any accident on the job that causes an injury. Workplaces should carry a high risk of catastrophic injury or wrongful death for this very reason. When an accident at work compromises your life, your first step should be to consult with an experienced North Miami industrial accident lawyer. Contact Florida Legal today to learn about your legal options if you have been injured in an industrial accident and the next steps that can be taken.
What Are Workplace And Industrial Injuries?
People often use the terms “workplace injury” and “industrial injury” synonymously, however, there are key differences between the two. A “workplace injury” or “workplace accident” is a broader term that can be related to any incident that happened in any work environment while employed. These incidents can often be unrelated to the actual job task or description. For example, when an accounting employee who does most of their work at a desk, has a slip and fall accident on the way to the restroom, that can be considered a workplace injury.
On the other hand, “industrial injury” or “industrial accident” is often much more specific and refers to incidents or injuries common to a particular line of work. For example, many employees in the construction industry can sustain injuries due to electrocution when working with live wires. Industrial injuries are often correlated to repetitive movements or tasks that are repeated on a daily basis at a place of work.
There’s generally a lot of overlap between these two terms, and they may be used differently depending on the context. An important reminder as to why a North Miami Beach industrial accident lawyer will have the best knowledge and experience with these types of cases to help successfully guide you through the legal process.
Common Causes of Industrial Accidents in Miami
Industrial accidents can happen for a variety of different reasons. In fact, some industries are much more likely to have certain causes of accidents than others. Below are the following examples of some of the more common causes of industrial accidents:
Defective Machinery or Equipment
Any machinery or equipment that is used on the job must be inspected on a routine basis to ensure that it is in working order. If a machine is broken or not working correctly, it is the company’s responsibility to repair any broken machinery or equipment that can stop a potential work hazard from happening. Some equipment may have been defectively designed or manufactured. In such cases, the manufacturer may be at fault for any resulting industrial accidents.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
These monotonous injuries occur in employees who repeat the same task over and over. A good example is factory workers who use the same motions for assembling products day in and day out. If breaks and stretches are not done on a regular basis, it’s likely that injuries will occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common injury that is seen in workers who are asked to do repetitive work.
Dangerous Chemicals
Every company should have a safety manual that outlines potentially toxic chemicals that can be found in the work environment that can lead to injury or disease. Each company should also clearly state the procedures for protection. All workers should be informed about safety precautions when handling or working with dangerous chemicals. Education and training can prevent industrial accidents that occur due to hazardous chemicals.
Lack of Protection
Employees face serious injuries in the workplace by not wearing protective gear such as safety shoes, goggles, hard hats, ear muffs or earplugs, and safety gloves. Protection should not only be an option but it should be required by all employers who have employees working in potentially dangerous situations.
Insufficient Supervision
Industrial accidents can often occur because the employee was not properly supervised while performing the tasks required of them on the job. If supervision is conducted by experienced personnel, many accidents may be stopped before an injury takes place.
Lack of Proper Training
Workers must get acceptable training on various risks and hazards in the workplace environment before beginning a new task. This includes training on keeping up with equipment maintenance, identifying potentially dangerous situations, learning about the proper storage and use of chemicals, understanding protective gear, and many other safety protocols regarding their specific industry. It’s recommended that supervisors take their employees through safety training for their job duties as well as routine training.
Lack of Safety Program in the Workplace
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has developed a safety program that is intended to help workers and companies avoid industrial accidents. A company that does not follow these safety protocols is likely putting their workers at risk and as a result, may be at fault for any injuries that occur.
Compensation For An Industrial Injury
In many cases, workers’ compensation may be able to cover damages for a workplace accident or industrial accident. However, this depends on several key factors, including the individual employee’s contract, insurance policies, and state or county laws.
While workers’ compensation is the most common method of insurance utilized, it often does not cover every expense related to an industrial injury. Another reason why workplace and industrial accidents can vary from one another. If you’ve been affected by an industrial accident, it may be necessary to pursue legal action with the help of a North Miami industrial accident attorney so that you can rest assured that you are seeking full compensation for your losses. Common damages from a lawsuit may cover the following:
- Hospital and medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases where the injury involved intentional acts or extremely negligent behavior)
A skilled Miami industrial accident lawyer can help an employee recover the full amount of costs associated with a serious workplace injury. If you’ve suffered a workplace or industrial injury, contact Florida Legal today for a free case evaluation and to begin planning the next steps in the legal process.
Workplace Accident Statistics
According to a recent 2018 study by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), there were 5,250 workers killed on the job in the U.S. We’ve done the math and that’s more than 100 deaths per week or an alarming 14 workers killed per day. Shockingly, 21.1% of private industry worker deaths in 2018 were in the construction industry. In fact, there are four causes of construction deaths that account for 58.6% of all construction worker deaths in the U.S., also known as the “Fatal Four”:
- Falls (33.5% percent)
- Struck by an object (11.1% percent)
- Electrocutions (8.5% percent)
- Caught in or between objects (5.5% percent)
The truth is, many of these severe industrial injuries and deaths could have been prevented if the employer had made workplace safety a priority. A skilled North Miami industrial accident lawyer will probe and conduct comprehensive research and interviews to find the truth behind a workplace accident and if there is a specific party at fault. Below are ten of the most common areas of safety standard violations OSHA issues citations for:
- Fall protection (in construction)
- Hazard communication
- Scaffolding dangers
- Respiratory problems
- Control of hazardous energy
- Ladders
- Powered industrial trucks
- Fall protection (training requirements)
- Machinery and machine guarding
- Eye and face protection
What To Do If You Have Been Injured At Work
First things first, if your workplace accident requires medical attention, call 911 immediately or ask someone else if you are not able to. Proper medical documentation will not only help your recovery but will also assist your case when a North Miami Beach industrial accident lawyer is attempting to prove the true extent of pain and suffering that was caused.
Next, tell your work supervisor immediately if you are able to. Your employer must be aware of the hazardous working condition within 30 days, this also shows that they knowingly understand why and where you were injured. Injured workers should also keep track of how much work they miss due to the injury. Any missed time at work can be added to the personal injury claim as a form of loss damages.
Contact A Trusted North Miami Industrial Accident Lawyer Today
Once you have received an accurate medical diagnosis, contacted your employer, and recorded the time you’ve missed, it’s time to file a workers’ compensation claim with the help of a proven North Miami industrial accident attorney. Florida Legal has the knowledge and experience you need to make sure your claim is air-tight and seeks the maximum possible compensation available under Florida law. Call us today at (305) 901-2209 for a free case evaluation.