Factory Worker Accidents – Your Right To Workers’ Compensation
As a factory worker, you have a challenging job. You face long working hours and strenuous conditions every day. The hard work you do is vital to our economy, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. When accidents happen, you deserve a legal team that fights as hard as you work.
Notifying your supervisor about a workplace injury is a critical first step in protecting your rights. Learn the best approach to discussing your workplace injury with your supervisor to make sure your claim stays on track.
At Dowd & Corrigan, LLC, we advocate for injured factory workers in Omaha as well as throughout Nebraska and Iowa. We are award-winning attorneys in the workers’ comp arena who have helped thousands of injured employees, including factory workers, get the compensation and benefits they deserve.
Common Workplace Accidents And Injuries In Factories
In the industrial environment, you may face risks like:
- Electrocution
- Exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins
- Being struck by falling objects
- Lifting injuries
- Falls from ladders or scaffolding
- Getting caught in machinery
- Fires and explosions
- Amputation incidents
- Crush injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
We know these accidents can change your life in an instant, resulting in serious physical harm such as back and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and burns. You deserve benefits when these injuries leave you unable to earn a living. We’re here to guide you through the recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Factory Worker Injuries In Nebraska
Injured factory workers in Omaha and throughout Nebraska and Iowa often come to us with the same questions. Here are straightforward answers to five of the most common ones.
What should I do if a defective manufacturing machine or tool caused my factory injury?
Report the injury to your supervisor and seek medical attention right away. A defective machine or tool may give you grounds for a separate product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor or maintenance contractor responsible for the equipment. Workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering, but a third-party claim can. Preserve the equipment, photograph the scene and keep records of every treatment and expense.
Can I receive workers’ compensation for a repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel, caused by factory assembly line work?
Yes. Nebraska workers’ compensation covers repetitive strain injuries when the condition developed from your job duties. These are evaluated as cumulative trauma injuries. Gradual onset does not disqualify your claim, but notice requirements apply, so report as soon as you connect your symptoms to your work.
Am I covered by workers’ compensation if I suffered hearing loss or toxic chemical exposure over time in a plant?
Generally, yes. Noise-induced hearing loss is treated as a cumulative trauma injury in Nebraska. Chemical exposure claims are reviewed individually under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-151(3). Notice must be given as soon as practicable and claims generally must be filed within two years.
Who pays my medical bills if my factory injury was caused by a third-party contractor or machinery technician?
Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance covers your medical bills regardless of who caused the injury. If a third party contributed, you may also have a separate civil claim for damages workers’ comp does not cover, including pain and suffering. Both claims can proceed at the same time.
Can my employer force me to return to light-duty factory work before my doctor clears me?
Your employer can offer light duty within your doctor’s written restrictions, but those restrictions come from your physician, not your employer. If your doctor has not released you, your benefits should continue. Refusing light duty that fits your restrictions without medical justification can put your benefits at risk. If your employer is pushing you back before your doctor approves it, contact an attorney.
With You Every Step Of The Way
The workers’ comp process can be complex, especially if you run into roadblocks. We can level the playing field to ensure that your employer and the insurance company don’t take advantage of you. You can count on us to handle the legal side of things so you can focus on getting better.
To get started, contact us today through our website or by phone at 402-913-9713. We are experienced lawyers ready to provide the support you need to get back on your feet.