As a mechanic, you work with heavy machinery, dangerous tools, and hazardous chemicals, all of which are essential to getting the job done. However, they also present potential peril. Below is a list of some of the most common ways mechanics get injured on the job:
Lifting Injuries
Lifting heavy car parts, engines, or equipment is part of the daily routine. Improper lifting or repetitive lifting without breaks can cause muscle strains, herniated discs, or other serious neck and back injuries.
Tool and Machinery Accidents
Working with sharp tools, such as wrenches, saws, or pneumatic drills, increases the risk of hand and arm injuries. Larger equipment, like lifts and hoists, may malfunction, causing accidents leading to serious injuries.
Chemical Exposure
Mechanics often work with oil, grease, cleaning solvents, and other chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances without proper protection can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, or long-term health conditions like cancer.
Slip and Falls
Auto shops can be cluttered with tools, equipment, and spilled liquids, making it easy to trip or slip. Falls from ladders or platforms while working on elevated vehicles can also lead to severe injuries.
Burns and Cuts
Working with heated parts, welding equipment, or cutting tools poses a significant risk of burns or cuts. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe burns that require hospitalization.
Types of Mechanic InjuriesMechanics are no strangers to workplace injuries, many of which can take weeks or months to heal. Some of the most common injuries mechanics experience include the following:
Muscle Strains and Sprains – Heavy lifting and repetitive motions often result in strained muscles or sprained ligaments, particularly in the neck, back, shoulders, and arms.
Fractures and Broken Bones – Falls or accidents with heavy machinery can lead to broken bones, which might keep you out of work for an extended period.
Burns – Coming into contact with hot parts, chemicals, or fire can cause first- or second-degree burns, requiring immediate medical treatment.
Hearing Loss – The constant noise in auto shops can lead to long-term hearing damage, especially if proper ear protection isn’t used.
Repetitive Stress Injuries – Mechanics often perform the same tasks repeatedly, such as using a wrench or lifting parts, which can cause conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
Regardless of the type of workplace injury you’ve experienced, a dedicated Miami workers’ compensation attorney with Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help you understand your rights and options and effectively pursue a claim for compensation and medical benefits on your behalf.
Workers' Compensation RightsIf you're injured on the job as a mechanic, Florida law provides protection through workers' compensation. This system is designed to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover from a workplace injury. However, workers' compensation claims can sometimes be more complicated than they seem, oftentimes when it comes to proving that the injury happened while performing your job duties.
One significant legal issue that mechanics often face is proving cumulative trauma injuries. Many mechanic injuries don’t occur from a single event but from the long-term strain of repetitive motions or prolonged exposure to chemicals. For instance, developing carpal tunnel syndrome or experiencing chronic back pain from years of lifting may not seem like a specific accident, but it’s still a legitimate injury under workers' compensation law. Unfortunately, employers or insurance companies may try to argue that these injuries are pre-existing or not job-related.
Another challenge mechanics face is obtaining compensation for injuries caused by faulty equipment. If a piece of machinery, like a car lift, malfunctions and causes an injury, you might be entitled to more than just workers' compensation. In some cases, our firm may also be able to file a third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer or maintenance company responsible for the defective equipment. This process can be tricky to navigate without a knowledgeable Miami workplace injury attorney.
Speak With a Miami Mechanic Injuries Lawyer TodayIf you were recently hurt on the job while working as a mechanic, reach out to Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada for immediate assistance. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we take great pride in helping to connect injured workers in and around Miami with the compensation and medical benefits they need and deserve. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and will not accept payment for our services unless and until we are able to obtain a financial recovery for you. To learn more and schedule your free consultation, call us at 305-448-8585 or reach out through our secure online contact form.