Factory Workplace Injuries Attorneys in Atlanta

Georgia may not be the industrial heart of America, but it is home to some of this country’s largest employers. Companies like Georgia-Pacific, Coca-Cola, WestRock, and Genuine Parts all have major operations in this state, and we can’t forget about the small and mid-sized businesses that employ thousands of people.

When a person works in a factory, they have the opportunity for steady employment, but there is also a significant risk of injury and even death. Typically, a person injured on the job can pursue workers’ compensation benefits, but there may be the potential for more if the cause of the injury or death was the result of defective equipment or machinery.

At Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C., we have made it our business to protect the rights of injured workers and their families for over 40 years. We care deeply about the impact that these events have on you and your loved ones and welcome the opportunity to discuss how our services can help ensure that you get the compensation you need and deserve.

How Common Are Factory Injuries?

Even though factory jobs account for more than ten percent of all employment in the U.S., these positions account for a much higher percentage of injuries in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 30% of all workplace injuries occur in the manufacturing or factory sector.

The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) released a study in 2008, indicating that the manufacturing industry was responsible for nearly 690,000 injuries and 411 deaths annually.

Causes of Factory Workplace Injuries and Death

When you work in a factory, the opportunity for injury skyrockets. The work is often physically demanding, the conditions are cramped and uncomfortable, and there is heavy machinery and chemicals everywhere. Some of the most common causes of injuries in these environments include:

• Contact with objects or equipment. A person can become severely injured or killed in a factory due to falling objects or coming into contact with a dangerous piece of equipment.
• Transportation accidents. The second leading cause of fatalities in manufacturing is transportation accidents, such as forklifts and incidents at loading docks.
• Slip and falls. Spills, objects in pathways, and poor lighting can cause workers to fall and get hurt.
• Mechanical malfunction. A piece of heavy machinery can malfunction and cause serious harm in a factory.
• Chemical exposure. Chemical spills can cause serious burns, and inhaling chemicals can lead to severe health consequences.
• Becoming overheated or dehydrated at work can be dangerous. Overexertion can also lead to sprain and strain injuries.
• Repetitive motion. Repetitive motion is one of the leading causes of non-fatal factory injuries.

Factory Injuries Can Be Life-Changing

Georgia requires that most employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, and this is certainly the case in a factory or manufacturing environment. If you’ve been injured at work, you have the right to medical care and other benefits, such as replacement of lost wages. These benefits are available regardless of fault, so if you weren’t paying attention and were injured, your claim shouldn’t be denied.

These injuries can be severe and life-altering. Some of the most common types of factory injuries include:

• Head and traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Lacerations and contusions
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Broken and fractured bones
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Sight and hearing loss
• Poisoning
• Death

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a factory workplace injury, the workers’ compensation system also pays a death benefit. As with any other workers’ compensation benefits, these aren’t always automatic, and you may need to fight to get the compensation your family deserves. We urge you to contact us to discuss your situation.

Different Types of Product Liability Lawsuits

The law requires that factories have safety programs in place to keep conditions and workers safe. Unfortunately, an employer may fall short of these standards. Some employers attempt to cut corners by ignoring safety standards and disregarding the requirement for personal protective equipment. Not only will their accidents rates soar, but they are also likely to get in trouble with OSHA. But even when employers go the extra mile, it may not be enough. Accidents still happen.

While you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia, there may be the potential for more if your injuries were caused by defective equipment or machinery. This would involve filing a product liability lawsuit. There are three different types of product liability lawsuits that might apply to a factory workplace injury or death:

• Defect in the product/equipment design. The defect occurs at the design level, meaning the product wasn’t designed to operate safely and prevent injury. An example is a factory cutting machine allowing it to be switched on without the safeguards in place.
• Defect in the product/equipment manufacturing. The defect occurs at the manufacturing level, meaning it was built outside the scope of the design, which creates a hazard. An example is a cutting wheel with a hairline crack that causes it to break while in operation and severely injure a worker.
• Defect in the product/equipment marketing. The defect occurs at the sales or marketing level, meaning the manufacturer didn’t include instructions or warnings about any dangers that could prevent injury. An example is omitting instructions about safely storing a chemical that later leads to inhalation injuries of employees.

Speak With a Qualified Atlanta Factory Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love has been injured while working in a factory injury in the Atlanta area or elsewhere in Georgia, it is important to seek legal counsel from an personal injury attorney. Our team of legal professionals has been helping people just like yourself for more than 40 years.

At Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C., we make serving your interests our top priority. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you are not required to pay anything until we obtain a positive result on your case. Contact us now at 678-981-5370 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation.