When working with heavy machinery and equipment on the job, it’s important to understand accidents involving these tools can be devastating. As such, taking precautions to ensure safety and adherence to using the machinery correctly is critical. Though you may take the necessary measures to prevent an accident from occurring, others may not. If you are injured in an accident involving equipment and machinery, understanding who can face liability for the injuries you’ve suffered is critical. The following blog explores why connecting with Baltimore County workplace accident attorneys is critical to fighting for the justice you deserve in these complex times.
How Do Equipment and Machinery Accidents Happen?
Accidents involving heavy machinery and industrial equipment can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, many are unaware of how to proceed through these matters, leaving them vulnerable to bear the burden of the cost associated with the damages lost from these injuries.
Generally, you may find that an accident can occur if the machinery is not properly maintained. For example, if parts break due to typical wear and tear, but your employer does not replace them, the machine may not work as intended. As a result, you can sustain an injury.
Additionally, if untrained employees are using the machinery, whether authorized by an employer or not, it can lead to injuries as they likely do not have the necessary experience or knowdlefe on how to safely use this equipment.
Finally, you may sustain an injury if the machinery is defective or malfunctions due to a manufacturing error.
Who Can Face Liability for These Injuries?
Liability in accidents involving heavy machinery will depend on several factors, including the cause of the accident and where it occurred.
Generally, if you are using the machinery as part of your job and poor maintenance is the cause of the accident that led to your injury, your employer will likely face responsibility. This is because your employer is responsible for performing the necessary maintenance and upkeep on equipment, such as regularly inspecting it to ensure it works and scheduling repairs when machinery is broken. Failure to do so can result in injuries, leading your employer to face liability.
Additionally, if you are injured at work because of a coworker, you may be able to hold your employer ultimately responsible. This is due to the fact that your employer is responsible for ensuring employees know how to safely and correctly operate machinery. If they did not adequately train an employee before tasking them with using the machine, they may face liability for any injuries sustained.
If the accident was caused by a piece of defective equipment, the product manufacturer can face liability. This is because it’s their responsibility to ensure the products they manufacture and sell are safe for their intended use. However, if the machine breaks or malfunctions, leading to injury, the company can face liability.
As you can see, many considerations must be made if you are injured by heavy machinery while at work. Luckily, the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi are ready to help. We understand how complex it can be to fight for justice in these matters, which is why our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you. Contact us today to learn more.
