Dothan Dangerous and Heavy Machinery Work Injury Attorney

Dangerous and heavy machinery accidents are common at construction and industrial sites throughout Alabama. Victims of heavy machinery accidents can suffer severe, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. The repercussions can last a lifetime. So it is vital that everyone on the job site ─ employers, employees, and contractors ─ exercise extreme caution when operating such equipment.

If you have been injured in a heavy machinery accident in Alabama, it is critical that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The Dothan work injury lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law have extensive experience helping injured workers in our community. We are ready to stand up and fight for you.

A consultation with our lawyers is 100% free, and we represent injured workers on a contingency-fee basis. This means you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Call us to schedule your free case evaluation today.

What Is Considered Dangerous or Heavy Machinery?

Heavy machinery is a broad category that encompasses most heavy-duty vehicles and machines used in industrial and construction worksites. Some of the most dangerous types of heavy equipment include:

• Cranes
• Bulldozers
• Forklifts
• Dump trucks (or articulated trucks)
• Tractors
• Compactors
• Backhoes
• Graders
• Excavators
• Pavers
• Jackhammers
• Loaders

What Are the Common Injuries Caused by Heavy Machinery?

When working with heavy machinery, one small mishap can lead to a devastating accident. The results of an injury caused by heavy machinery could be serious and life-changing. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Crushed appendages
• Electrocution
• Burns
• Loss of limbs, hands, or feet
• Degloving (the removal of skin from underlying tissues)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Internal injuries/organ rupture
• Hearing loss
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Bruising, abrasions, and cuts

You should seek medical treatment immediately after a heavy machinery accident. Getting treatment right away ensures you have the best chance at recovery and provides documentation for any potential legal claim.

What Are the Main Causes of Heavy Machinery Injuries?

Heavy machinery poses a hazard to the operator and those working nearby if not operated safely. Proper training, supervision, and experience are all essential to ensuring everyone is safe around heavy machinery. Unfortunately, this is not always the case on many job sites in Alabama.

The fact is the majority of heavy machinery accidents could have been prevented. Common causes of heavy machinery injuries include:

• Inadequately trained heavy machinery operators
• Failure to implement safety measures
• Improper supervision during the operation of the machinery
• Unsafe or hazardous environmental and working conditions
• Failure to adhere to OSHA and state regulations
• Improper maintenance or repairs of the machine
• Faulty or defective equipment
• Inadequate warnings to ensure safe use of the machinery
• Unsecured cargo
• Company transportation vehicles accidents

No matter the cause of your workplace accident, you should have an attorney on your side to investigate and determine exactly what happened. There can be multiple sources of compensation after a workplace accident. A skilled work injury attorney from our firm will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Is an Injury from Heavy Machine Equipment Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Any employer in Alabama with five or more employees is required to have workers’ compensation insurance. In return for providing workers’ compensation benefits to employees, employers are safe from personal injury lawsuits from injured workers. If you are injured from heavy machine equipment while on the job in Alabama, you are entitled to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits. Workers’ comp benefits cover your reasonable medical expenses. Workers’ compensation also pays up to two-thirds of your normal wages.

If you have been hurt on the job, it is crucial that you consult with a work injury lawyer as soon as possible. Although you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, you will need experienced legal representation to fight for the full amount you deserve.

What Options Do Workers Have for Receiving Compensation for Their Heavy Machinery Injury?

In Alabama, workers’ compensation is typically available to people who are injured while on the job. With workers’ compensation, an injured worker cannot sue his or her employer. The injured worker is instead entitled to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits regardless of who was at fault for the heavy machinery accident.

However, under certain circumstances, an injured worker may be able to file a third-party claim against someone other than his or her employer. This would be in addition to the workers’ compensation claim. This could be appropriate if your workplace accident was the result of defective or faulty heavy machinery, improper maintenance, or negligence by a person other than your employer or a coworker.

For example, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against a subcontractor if that party’s negligence caused your heavy machinery accident.

What Is The Alabama Statute of Limitations for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

You have two years in which to file your claim. After those two years have passed, if you have not filed your claim, you will have lost your chance to have your lawsuit heard in court.

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Talk to a Dangerous and Heavy Machinery Work Injury Lawyer Now

Dangerous and heavy machinery accidents can have a devastating and far-reaching impact on your life. If you have been severely injured in an accident involving heavy machinery in Dothan, contact a knowledgeable lawyer from Gartlan Injury Law right away. We know how important your injury claim is to you and your family. That is why we are committed to doing everything in our power to demand the full and fair compensation you are owed.

At Gartlan Injury Law, our legal team has the experience, resources, and compassion to fight for the best possible resolution for your injury claim. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront fees for us to begin working on your case, and you do not pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.