Industrial Accident Lawyer in Greensboro

In industrial environments like warehouses, manufacturing and assembly plants, and others, workers are often exposed to extreme conditions and must work with or near heavy equipment and power tools.

Because of these conditions, industrial workers are at a higher risk of suffering on-the-job accidents and injuries than people in less dangerous workplaces. If you have been injured as an industrial worker in Greensboro, you likely have options for seeking compensation, whether through a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party injury claim, or both.

Contact the Greensboro industrial accident attorneys at Ward Black Law today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.

What Is an Industrial Accident?

An industrial job is typically defined as requiring intensive and often repetitive labor in a setting where goods are manufactured. Common examples of industrial workers include:

Due to the physical nature of most industrial jobs, industrial workers are especially prone to workplace injuries. In addition to injuries caused by repetitive stress or overexertion, many industrial workers are also at risk for injuries caused by dangerous environments and heavy equipment.

Statistics About Industrial Accidents in Greensboro

According to a National Safety Council analysis of workplace accident data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial workers in the following sectors were the most likely to suffer occupational injuries and fatalities in one recent year:

• Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting workers – 511 agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting workers suffered occupational fatalities, and 18,750 suffered nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses. The fatality rate for this industry was 21.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers, and the nonfatal injury and illness rate was 188.7 per 100,000 workers.
• Mining workers – 78 mining workers suffered occupational fatalities, and 3,980 suffered nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses, for a fatality rate of 10.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers and a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 62.1 per 100,000 workers.
• Transportation and warehousing workers – 805 transportation and warehousing workers suffered occupational fatalities, and 99,750 suffered nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses, for a fatality rate of 13.4 per 100,000 workers and a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 192.5 per 100,000 workers.
• Construction workers – 1,008 construction workers suffered occupational fatalities, and 74,520 suffered nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses, for a fatality rate of 10.2 per 100,000 workers and a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 108.6 per 100,000 workers.
• Wholesale trade workers – 155 wholesale trade workers suffered occupational fatalities, and 56,490 suffered nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses, for a fatality rate of 4.6 per 100,000 workers and a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 114.9 per 100,000 workers.
• Manufacturing workers – 340 manufacturing workers suffered occupational fatalities, and 135,900 suffered nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses, for a fatality rate of 2.3 per 100,000 workers and a nonfatal injury and illness rate of 113.3 per 100,000 workers.

Common Causes of Industrial Accidents in Greensboro

Occupational accidents are possible in any line of work, but industrial workers are at heightened risk for on-the-job injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Common causes of industrial accidents in Greensboro include:

• Defective machinery and equipment
• Improperly guarded and secured equipment
• Lack of proper maintenance
• Inadequate supervision and training
• Insufficient safety and emergency procedures
• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Poor lighting and ventilation
• Disorganized and cluttered workspaces
• Improper lifting techniques
• Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries
• Exposure to respiratory and noise hazards
• Extreme temperatures and dehydration
• Worker fatigue, exhaustion, and stress
• Fire hazards and electrical hazards
• Workplace violence

Common Injuries Caused by Industrial Accidents

Industrial workers often face serious occupational hazards that can result in painful and potentially life-changing injuries. Common injuries in industrial accident cases include:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Scarring and permanent disfigurement
• Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
• Partial or total paralysis
• Shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
• Dislocated and broken bones
• Traumatic amputation and loss of limb
• Bruises, burns, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
• Hip, leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Wrongful death

Compensation for Losses in an Industrial Accident

If you were injured in an occupational accident as an industrial worker in Greensboro, you might be entitled to compensation from one or more of the following sources:

• Workers’ compensation – Virtually all North Carolina employers with three or more regular employees must provide their employees with workers’ compensation coverage under state law. If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, the workers’ comp system provides no-fault benefits that cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages if you are too hurt to work.
• Third-party claims – If you were injured due to the negligence of someone other than your employer or co-workers, you could file a third-party claim to seek money from them or their insurance provider. For instance, you could file an insurance claim against a driver who was at fault for a workplace auto accident or sue the negligent owner of a property where you slipped and fell. Compared with a workers’ comp claim, you can obtain money for a broader range of losses in a third-party claim, such as the total value of your lost wages and the intangible costs of your pain and suffering.

How Our Greensboro Industrial Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Ward Black Law, our workplace injury lawyers are committed to standing up for the rights of industrial accident victims in Greensboro. When you come to us for help, we can conduct a thorough investigation of your case to identify all possible options and then build a strategic legal solution with your unique goals in mind. We will work to secure fair compensation on your behalf, so you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve.