Workers in any field that uses heavy machinery — construction, warehousing, manufacturing and many more — are at risk for serious accidents with that machinery. The federal government estimates that three million U.S. workers are at risk for machinery accidents when they clean, maintain, repair or unjam equipment. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that 120 workers are killed annually and 50,000 are injured in machinery accidents that could have been prevented by stricter adherence to safety laws. Very often, the injury a worker sustains in a machinery accident is the loss of a limb, which is not only physically crippling, but also limits the victim’s future employment prospects and may attract discrimination or stares.

If you or someone you care about was hurt or killed in a workplace machinery accident, contact the Louthian Law Firm today using our online form, or call us at Toll free: 888-926-0054 or Locally: 803-454-1200 for a free evaluation of your case.

State and federal laws require employers to maintain safe and hazard-free workplaces. Employers must provide safety equipment, ensure that machinery is working correctly, clear the work site of hazards and make and enforce safety procedures and rules. When machinery is being serviced, workers should follow lockout / tagout procedures that help avoid preventable, horrifying accidents. Certain machinery should only be used by workers over 18, or workers with special credentials. Unfortunately, not all employers are willing to follow those laws when they can save money by ignoring them. If workers are seriously injured as a result, they have the right to hold the employer legally liable for their injuries.

Machinery accidents can be complex. Employers, manufacturers, subcontractors, employees and others may all share part of the blame. An injured worker may be able to collect workers’ compensation payments, limiting — but not removing — the possibility of a lawsuit. For these reasons, it’s important to contact the Louthian Law Firm as soon as you begin to consider a machinery accident lawsuit. We have practiced personal injury law in South Carolina since 1959 and have won millions for seriously injured victims of machinery accidents, on-the-job injuries, construction accidents and other injuries. And because we know injured workers’ wallets are often stretched thin, we always offer free, confidential consultations to potential clients. To speak with an experienced South Carolina machinery accident attorney today, call us at Toll free: 888-926-0054 or Locally: 803-454-1200 or fill out our convenient online case evaluation form.