Workplace accidents involving unexpected contact with objects or equipment can result in serious injuries. If you've been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Understanding your rights and the steps to take after an accident is crucial. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our Miami workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through the process. We have more than 45 years of experience connecting injured workers with the benefits they need and deserve and look forward to discussing how we can help you secure a beneficial recovery.
Common Workplace Injuries Involving Contact With Objects or EquipmentThere are many different types of injuries that can stem from dangerous contact with objects or equipment in the workplace. Some of the most common injuries include:
Crushed or Pinched Limbs: These injuries often happen when body parts get caught in moving machinery or between heavy objects. This can occur in manufacturing, construction, or warehousing environments where large machines or vehicles are in use.
Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp tools, machinery parts, or materials can cause deep cuts or lacerations. This type of injury is common in industries such as construction, carpentry, and food processing, where knives or cutting tools are frequently used.
Bruises and Contusions: Heavy objects can fall or be dropped by fellow employees, leading to significant bruising or internal injuries. These incidents can occur in any setting where heavy lifting is involved, including retail, shipping, and construction.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Being struck by or caught between objects can result in broken bones. These injuries are common when moving heavy or using large machinery, such as in factories, warehouses, and construction sites.
Head and Brain Injuries: Falling objects or machinery accidents can lead to severe head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can occur in construction sites, warehouses, or any environment where there is a risk of objects falling from heights.
How Do These Accidents Happen?While the Florida workers’ compensation system doesn’t require you to prove your employer was at fault for your injuries in order to secure benefits, understanding how contact injuries occur can help prevent them. Some of the ways that contact with objects or equipment can lead to serious injuries include:
Caught-in or Between Equipment: This happens when a worker's body part is caught in machinery or between two objects. Examples include getting a hand caught in a conveyor belt or being trapped between a forklift and a pallet.
Struck by Falling Objects: This occurs when an object falls from a height and strikes a worker. Common causes include tools or materials falling from scaffolding or roof or shelves in a warehouse.
Equipment Malfunction: Machinery or tools can malfunction, causing sudden and unanticipated injuries. Examples include a machine unexpectedly starting or a tool breaking during use.
Improper Use of Tools: Using tools or equipment incorrectly can lead to accidents. For instance, using a saw without proper guards can result in severe cuts or even finger amputation.
Overexertion and Handling of Heavy Objects: Lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects can lead to strains, sprains, or even fractures. This is common in jobs requiring frequent manual handling of materials.
Have You Been Hurt by a Falling Object or Heavy Equipment?If you or a loved one was recently injured at work after being struck by an object or equipment, it is important to understand your rights, including the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we understand Florida’s workers’ compensation laws and know what it takes to secure all the benefits you need and deserve. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, contact Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you. There are no attorney’s fee owed unless and until there is a financial recovery obtained for you. To learn more, and to schedule your free consultation today, call (305) 448-8585. You can also reach us through our secure online contact.