Accidents Involving Defective Equipment in San Antonio Workplaces

Some of San Antonio’s biggest industries, such as construction and manufacturing, use heavy equipment that can pose certain risks to employees. When the equipment is defective, risks are even higher. Heavy machinery can cause catastrophic injuries or death. In 2022, 738 workers died in accidents that were likely machine-related.

Different parties may be to blame when faulty machinery harms a worker. A workplace injury lawyer in San Antonio TX at Carabin Shaw will investigate the accident to determine liability and maximize your compensation. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so there is no cost until you receive your settlement. We have English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7 for a free consultation at 800-862-1260.

The five most dangerous pieces of equipment include:

• Cranes
• Bulldozers
• Dump Trucks
• Backhoes
• Excavators

These massive machines can do significant damage by their mere size and weight. However, smaller equipment can also lead to a San Antonio workplace accident, such as:

• Power tools
• Cutting machines
• Scaffolds
• Welding equipment
• Nail guns
• Punch presses
• Conveyor belts

Even when employees follow the correct procedures and take appropriate safety precautions, defective equipment can be dangerous. For example, a faulty nail gun can propel a nail into a worker or backfire and injure a user. A chainsaw that lacks a safety device can cause an amputation, and tools with defective wiring can lead to electrocution.

Injuries may range from relatively minor to catastrophic depending on the type of equipment and the way it malfunctions. Some injuries can result in permanent disfigurement and disability. Injuries frequently seen in defective equipment workplace accidents include:

• Burns
• Bone fractures
• Severe lacerations
• Amputated fingers or limbs
• Hearing or vision loss
• Internal bleeding
• Nerve damage or paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also common after these frightening incidents and can impact a victim’s ability to work and function. These injuries also require treatment like talk therapy or medication in addition to medical care for physical injuries. Your attorney will calculate the cost of your medical care to ensure your compensation covers all your treatment needs.

In San Antonio, Texas, there are three possible product liability claims:

This type of defect occurs when the product is made. The manufacturing company is typically liable if the victim’s lawyer can prove the original design was safe but the manufacturer failed to follow the safe design.

These defects happen during the design process. Design defects require proof that an alternative design has the same use and function but is safer than the design of the defective product.

If the company marketing the equipment or machinery fails to provide adequate warnings about an inherent danger with the product, it is considered a marketing defect. This claim must prove the victim was injured while using the device according to instructions.

These are not the only parties that may be liable for faulty equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists specific procedures and inspections that ensure equipment is used and maintained correctly. If those procedures aren’t followed, the employer can also be liable for a worker’s injuries after an accident.

If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you can file a claim for compensation for your injuries and some of your lost wages. However, workers’ comp often doesn’t go far enough to cover all your bills, leaving you with financial stress during your recovery. A personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the equipment defect allows you to seek additional damages for lost wages, future medical bills, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

If defective equipment or machinery injures you, contact our San Antonio work injury attorneys. We have helped many victims like you get compensation for their injuries, as our reviews from previous clients attest. Our team is ready to fight for you so you can focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• CDC
• 360 Training
• OSHA