A manufacturing injury can have severe consequences, and many such injuries have the potential to impact you physically, emotionally and professionally. At the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm, our manufacturing accident lawyers in Greenville, South Carolina, understand what goes into making a successful workers’ compensation claim and have helped many manufacturing workers get back on their feet after accidents.
Manufacturing Hazards in South Carolina
Factories contain numerous hazards, many of which pose a notable threat to worker safety.
Machinery-Related Dangers
Many manufacturing workers experience crush injuries, some of which may prove severe enough to warrant amputation. Proper training and machinery maintenance can help mitigate machinery-related dangers to some degree.
Slippery or Uneven Surfaces
Uneven or slippery manufacturing surfaces raise the risk of workers slipping, tripping and falling. Many such injuries lead to fractures and musculoskeletal injuries, among other injuries.
Chemical Exposure Hazards
Chemical hazards also pose a notable threat to worker safety. Skin disorders, breathing issues and vision problems may arise when workers come in contact with dangerous chemicals.
Repetitive Motion and Ergonomic Strain Risks
Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are also common in manufacturing settings and may have a serious impact on a worker’s quality of life.
Manufacturing industry employers must mitigate these threats as much as possible to protect workers and maintain a productive workforce.
The Importance of Hiring a Manufacturing Plant Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal aftermath of a South Carolina manufacturing injury may prove difficult, but a skilled Greenville manufacturing accident lawyer with experience navigating the state’s workers’ compensation system can offer invaluable guidance in this area. From identifying all negligent parties to helping you assess the extent of your injuries and the impact they may have on your life, a knowledgeable manufacturing accident lawyer may be able to assist you through every step in the claims process.
A Greenville manufacturing accident attorney can also help you determine if the compensation your employer’s insurance company offers is appropriate given the extent of your injuries and how they may impact your ability to work. Ultimately, the role of the manufacturing accident attorney is to help you cover all necessary bases and otherwise advocate on your behalf as you navigate all aspects of your claim.
Common Injuries in South Carolina Factory Jobs
Manufacturing workers face numerous on-the-job injury risks, many of which can take a serious toll on your body and your ability to earn a living. While the following are common among manufacturing workers, this is not an exhaustive summary of all injuries that may arise in this field.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries are often the result of machinery accidents and mishaps involving heavy equipment. Many crush injuries lead to long-term complications and severe injuries, such as bone fractures.
Concussions and Brain Injuries
Concussions and brain injuries may develop after falls or after falling objects strike workers. Depending on their severity, these injuries may impact cognitive functions and the ability to live independently.
Slips and Trips
Slippery or improperly managed workspaces are a common cause of slips and trips among manufacturing employees. Many such injuries are preventable through the implementation of stringent safety standards.
Chemical Exposure
Industrial processes often involve various chemicals, some of which can cause burns, respiratory issues or other problems when workers come in contact with them.
Causes of Manufacturing Plant Injuries in South Carolina
Many manufacturing plant injuries are the result of inadequate or insufficient safety measures. Improper safety protocols, insufficient worker training and poor maintenance of machinery or equipment all raise the risk of manufacturing-related accidents and injuries. Our Greenville manufacturing accident attorneys may be able to help you identify what lapses contributed to your injury so that you may tailor your claim accordingly.
Compensation in Manufacturing Plant Accidents
After a South Carolina manufacturing accident, you may be eligible for certain forms of compensation to help alleviate the financial toll your injury takes on you. Workers’ compensation benefits may be available to cover medical bills, rehabilitation and some of the wages you may lose while you recover.
If a third party’s actions or negligence contributed to your injury, a manufacturing accident lawyer may be able to help you make an additional personal injury claim against the responsible third party. A PI claim may allow you to secure additional forms of compensation, such as compensation for pain and suffering or a loss of your earning capacity.
The Legal Process for Manufacturing Plant Injury Claims
After experiencing a work-related manufacturing injury, you may be able to seek relief through South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system. Doing so involves several important steps. First, you need to report the injury to your employer to create a formal record of it. Once you notify your employer, your employer must then report the injury to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
At this point, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company may offer you compensation to put toward medical bills related to your manufacturing accident. If the injury is severe enough to prevent you from working temporarily, your Greenville manufacturing accident lawyer may decide to make a case for wage replacement benefits. If your injury was severe enough to cause you a permanent disability, you may need to take additional steps to determine the extent of the disability and how much compensation it may warrant.
In some cases, your employer’s insurer may reject your claim or make an offer you or your Greenville manufacturing accident attorney feels is insufficient. In this scenario, you may need to take additional action, such as navigating a review or appeals process.
Your manufacturing injury may also result from the actions or negligence of a subcontractor or other third party or your use of a faulty or defective product. In such instances, you may also need to file a personal injury claim against the responsible third party.
Talk to Our SC Manufacturing Accident Lawyers Today
At the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm in Greenville, SC, our manufacturing accident lawyers understand how the state’s workers’ compensation system works and have helped many people navigate claims after a manufacturing accident.
Call today to discuss your case and develop a better understanding of your options.