South Florida Industrial Accidents
Industrial workers are crucial to the nation’s economic growth and development. Unfortunately, these dedicated workers risk their lives daily because of the inherently dangerous nature of industrial work environments. Industrial accidents, including those in the manufacturing and construction industries, usually result in severe or fatal work injuries. Dangerous equipment, heavy machinery, and toxic chemicals can cause accidents in a snap, and employers and relevant third parties have a duty to ensure the safety of their workers.
Why Do South Florida Industrial Accidents Happen?
Due to the potentially tragic consequences of industrial accidents, employers, contractors, and other people involved in managing or supplying industrial operations may be held liable for accidents if they fail to protect workers from harm. Despite strict regulations on workplace safety, industrial accidents, such as the ones below, still occur:
- Falling Objects – Industrial workplaces contain various sharp and heavy equipment that requires proper handling. When these dangerous objects are not secure, workers can suffer severe or deadly injuries if they get hit by these objects.
- Fires and Explosions – When working with dangerous machinery or chemicals in oil rigs, refineries, and demolition projects, fires and explosions can occur because of various factors.
- Slips and Falls – In fast-paced work environments, workers and supervisors must regularly keep the site clean and free from things that can lead to slips and falls.
- Exposure to Toxic Chemicals – Many toxic chemicals and substances that are used in industrial workplaces can lead to various injuries, illnesses, or death. Most notably, asbestos, benzene, and lead can cause chemical burns, asphyxiation, and poisoning. Other ill effects may not present right away but can lead to lung damage or cancer later.
What Injuries Do South Florida Industrial Accidents Cause?
Industrial accidents refer to those that happen in non-office work environments, usually in construction sites, mines, factories, manufacturing plants, oil rigs, electrical plants, and chemical plants. Since these workplaces commonly feature heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals and sometimes require workers to work long or odd hours, the consequences of industrial accidents can include life-changing to potentially fatal injuries, such as:
- Fractures of broken bones
- Amputation
- Buns from electrocutions, explosions, or fires
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss and other eye injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Back and spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis
- Brain and head injuries
- Various illnesses from toxic chemical exposure, including cancer, mesothelioma, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and silicosis, among many others.
The type of industrial accident and the resulting injury, and its severity can vary widely depending on the task being performed and the specific circumstances of the accident. Tragically, many industrial accidents and injuries could have been prevented if proper safety measures had been followed. General contractors, employers, property owners, subcontractors, and other relevant parties are legally required to ensure worker safety by following safety regulations and laws. Failure to do so can result in workers getting severely injured or even killed.
Seek Legal Advice From Our Experienced South Florida Industrial Accident Attorney Today
An industrial accident can upend not only your life but your loved ones’ lives as well, so it is crucial that you recover the full extent of financial compensation you need and deserve to heal. The South Florida industrial accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa have assisted injured workers in getting access to proper medical care and maximum compensation for their losses.
By holding employers and companies liable through workers’ comp claims or third-party lawsuits, you also prevent industrial accidents from wrecking other people’s lives. Speak to our South Florida accident attorneys and arrange a free case review by contacting us online or calling 561-478-2500 to discuss your legal options and how we can assist you.