Los Angeles Factory Accident Lawyer Can Help You

The City of Los Angeles is the most populous in the U.S. state of California. With roughly 3.9 million residents within the city limits as of 2020, Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, behind only New York City; it is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of the Southern California region. If you’ve been injured in a factory accident in Los Angeles, our experienced Los Angeles factory accident lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Factories and industrial buildings pose numerous hazards to workers and visitors alike. Accidents involving machinery and inadequate machine guarding, electrical components, and equipment, as well as incidents related to powered industrial trucks and forklifts, can result in severe accidents, including fatalities.

If anyone has suffered injuries or death as a result of a factory accident in Los Angeles, you may be eligible for compensation through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. However, navigating Los Angeles’ injury laws can be complex, and insurance companies often attempt to deny or minimize claims. Therefore, it is essential to have an attorney who can advocate for your rights.

California Laws Regarding Factory Injuries

The California Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (CAL/OSHA) contain specific provisions related to reporting work-connected fatalities and serious injuries. According to §342 of the regulations:

• Every employer is required to report immediately to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health any serious injury illness, or death, of an employee occurring in a place of employment or connection with any employment. This report should be made by telephone or through a specified online mechanism established by the Division. If the Division has not made such a mechanism available, the report may be made by telephone or email.
• The report should include specific information such as the time and date of the accident, the employer’s details, the injured employee’s information, the nature of the injury, and more.
• When a state, county, or local fire or police agency is called to an accident involving an employee covered by the regulations, the nearest office of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health should be notified by telephone immediately by the responding agency.

These regulations are aimed at ensuring prompt reporting and appropriate handling of work-connected fatalities and serious injuries to protect the safety and well-being of employees.

Additionally, in California’s Workers’ Compensation system, there are specific laws covering injuries that are legally presumed to be caused by certain types of employment. These presumptions, such as those for peace officers and firefighters, shift the burden of proof in an injury claim from the employee to the employer, making it easier for the injured worker to prove that the injury was work-related. The presumptions cover various types of injuries, including heart trouble, cancer, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 viral exposures, among others.

Furthermore, when a piece of faulty or poorly maintained equipment leads to workplace injuries in California, there are legal protections and options for pursuing compensation. Employers have a legal duty to provide appropriate safety equipment and properly maintained tools and machines to their workforce. Failure to fulfill these obligations that directly result in employee injury can lead to employer liability. It is important for employees to document the equipment defect thoroughly, report the hazard to their supervisor, maintain meticulous medical records, and seek legal advice if they were unnecessarily harmed due to subpar safety equipment under California law.

These regulations and legal provisions underscore the significance of workplace safety and the legal framework in place to address factory injuries in California.

Common Types of Factory Accident Injuries 

Factory accidents can result in various types of injuries, depending on the nature of the work and the hazards present. Here are some common types of factory accident injuries:

• Fractures and Bone Injuries: Factory workers may experience fractures or broken bones due to falls, machinery accidents, or being struck by objects. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more severe breaks requiring surgical intervention.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Amputations: Factory workers often handle sharp tools, machinery, and materials, increasing the risk of cuts and lacerations. In some cases, these injuries can be severe and may result in the partial or complete amputation of a limb or digit.
• Burns: Factory workers may be exposed to heat, chemicals, or hot surfaces that can cause burns. Thermal burns from fires, scalding liquids, or hot equipment, as well as chemical burns from hazardous substances, are common in factory settings.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or accidents involving machinery can lead to back injuries, such as sprains, strains, or herniated discs. Severe accidents may result in spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis or loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site.
• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Falls, falling objects, or impacts with machinery can cause head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.
• Respiratory Injuries: Workers in factories where there is exposure to harmful substances or poor air quality may develop respiratory conditions. This includes lung damage, respiratory infections, or occupational lung diseases caused by inhaling dust, fumes, chemicals, or airborne particles.
• Vision and Hearing Loss: Factory workers may suffer vision or hearing loss due to exposure to loud machinery or hazardous substances. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels without proper hearing protection can result in permanent hearing loss. Similarly, exposure to chemicals or flying debris can lead to vision impairments or eye injuries.
• Occupational Diseases: Some factory workers may develop occupational diseases due to long-term exposure to hazardous substances or poor working conditions. Examples include mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, occupational asthma, or dermatitis from contact with irritants.

Injuries In The Manufacturing Sector

In the manufacturing sector, employees are susceptible to various types of injuries due to the nature of the work environment. Some common injuries include:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and poor ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back injuries.
• Machine-related Injuries: Workers are at risk of getting caught in machinery, crushed by heavy equipment, or suffering from lacerations, amputations, or fractures due to equipment malfunctions or improper usage.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Contact with chemicals, fumes, and other hazardous substances can result in respiratory problems, skin conditions, and long-term health issues.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet or uneven floors, cluttered walkways, and inadequate lighting can contribute to slips, trips, and falls, leading to injuries such as sprains, fractures, and head trauma.
• Work-related Stress and Fatigue: High-pressure production targets, long hours, and demanding work environments can lead to stress-related illnesses, fatigue, and mental health issues.

Understanding these potential risks can help employers and employees in the manufacturing sector take proactive measures to mitigate workplace hazards and prioritize employee safety and well-being.

How Do Factory Accidents Happen?

Factory accidents can occur due to various factors, including:

• Unsafe Working Conditions: Lack of proper safety protocols, inadequate training, or failure to enforce safety regulations can lead to accidents in factories.
• Equipment Malfunction: Defective or improperly maintained machinery and equipment can cause serious accidents if they malfunction during operation.
• Human Error: Mistakes or negligence by workers, such as improper operation of machinery or failure to follow safety procedures, can result in accidents.
• Hazardous Materials: Factories dealing with hazardous materials are at risk of accidents involving chemical spills, toxic exposure, or fires and explosions.
• Overexertion and Repetitive Motion: Injuries can also occur due to overexertion, repetitive motion, or ergonomic issues in factory settings.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Unsafe walking surfaces, cluttered work areas, or inadequate signage can lead to slips, trips, and falls within the factory premises.

Understanding these factors can help in implementing preventive measures to minimize the risk of factory accidents and ensure a safer working environment for factory workers.

Claims and Benefits for Factory Accidents

Factory accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for workers. When pursuing claims and benefits for factory accidents, several options may be available, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws. Here are some potential avenues for seeking compensation:

• Workers’ Compensation: Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees injured on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, disability benefits (temporary or permanent), and a portion of lost wages. Workers’ compensation claims can be filed regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: In certain situations, injured workers may have grounds to file personal injury lawsuits against parties other than their employers. This may include contractors, equipment manufacturers, or third parties whose negligence or wrongful actions contributed to the accident. Personal injury lawsuits can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Product Liability Claims: If the accident was caused by a defective product or equipment, the injured worker may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor. This type of claim focuses on the design, manufacturing, or marketing defects that made the product unreasonably dangerous.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Violations: If the factory accident resulted from safety violations or hazardous working conditions, a complaint can be filed with OSHA. OSHA may conduct an investigation and, if violations are found, issue citations and penalties against the employer. While OSHA penalties do not directly compensate the injured worker, they can help ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent future accidents.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): In cases where the factory accident leads to long-term or permanent disability, workers may be eligible for SSDI benefits. SSDI provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities that prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. The eligibility criteria and application process for SSDI are managed by the Social Security Administration.

How to Prove Fault in a Factory Accident Case

Workers’ Compensation or a Factory Injury Lawsuit?

Determining whether to pursue a workers’ compensation claim or a factory injury lawsuit depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between workers’ compensation and a lawsuit:

Workers’ Compensation:

• Coverage: Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job, regardless of fault. It typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, disability benefits, and lost wages.
• No-Fault System: Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. However, you generally cannot sue your employer for additional damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
• Timely Benefits: Workers’ compensation benefits are typically available promptly after the injury, helping cover immediate medical expenses and providing wage replacement during recovery.

Factory Injury Lawsuit:

• Fault and Liability: In a personal injury lawsuit, you must establish that another party, such as the factory owner or a third party, was at fault or negligent in causing your injury. This can potentially result in greater compensation if successful.
• Damages: A lawsuit allows you to seek additional damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
• Challenging Liability: Lawsuits require proving fault, which can be more complex than a workers’ compensation claim. It may involve gathering evidence, expert testimony, and navigating legal procedures.
• Potential Recovery: If successful in a lawsuit, you may receive a larger compensation amount that more adequately reflects the full extent of your damages. However, there is no guarantee of success, and outcomes vary depending on the specifics of each case.

Ultimately, the best course of action depends on the nature of your injury, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the available legal options. Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in factory injury cases can help you assess the viability of each option and make an informed decision. They can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation.

How Can Los Angeles Factory Accident Lawyer Help With Factory Accident Claim?

Our team of attorneys is here to assist you with navigating different scenarios related to industrial accidents. Here are some common situations where we can provide guidance:

• Third-Party Claims: If an industrial accident is caused by a contractor other than your employer, you may have a third-party claim. Examples include accidents resulting from subcontractors’ failure to install protective barriers or scaffold failures. Falling accidents caused by these factors can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. 
• Defective and Malfunctioning Products: If your industrial accident was caused by a defective product, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. Accidents resulting from defective forklifts, saws without safety guards, or faulty scaffolds can cause significant injuries. Our attorneys can help you pursue a claim against the responsible product manufacturer.
• Workers’ Compensation: It is essential to understand your rights regarding workers’ compensation if you have been injured in a workplace or factory accident. Our experienced attorneys have handled numerous workers’ compensation cases and can provide guidance. Whether you have questions or need assistance with filing a claim, we are here to help.
• Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims: If you are wondering whether you can file both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party claim, our team can handle both types of claims. Filing a third-party claim will not affect your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. We can navigate the complexities of both claims on your behalf. At Pacific Attorney Group, we have the expertise to handle various aspects of industrial accidents and provide the support you need. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance with your specific situation and to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Book a consultation today to discuss the details of your case.