At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys know that industrial sites must adhere to strict safety regulations and protocols to mitigate injury and fatality risks in Georgia. However, industrial work is inherently dangerous, and incidents can still occur despite safety measures. Ensuring proper training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety standards is crucial in reducing the incidence of these common industrial site hazards.
Here, we discuss the types of harmful and fatal incidents at manufacturing facilities throughout Georgia and when parties other than the industrial site employer may be liable for your damages.
Why Factories, Plants, and Industrial Complexes are Prone to Injuries and Fatalities
Industrial sites are particularly prone to injuries and fatalities due to the inherently hazardous nature of the work conducted within these environments. Heavy machinery, high-powered equipment, and complex industrial processes significantly increase the risk of incidents.
The most common types include:
- Equipment Malfunctions: Mechanical failures or malfunctions of heavy machinery can lead to accidents.
- Falls: Workers often risk falling from heights, including ladders, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms.
- Fires and Explosions: Industrial sites with flammable materials and chemicals are susceptible to fires and explosions.
- Chemical Exposure: Accidents involving hazardous substances can result in chemical burns, respiratory issues, or poisoning.
- Electrical Accidents: Contact with live wires or electrical equipment can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
What are the Most Common Types of Injuries and Fatalities that Occur on Industrial Sites
Industrial injuries can impact workers, contractors, and the public and can extend to large geographic areas. Like other negligent causes of personal injuries throughout Georgia, many industrial incidents, injuries, and fatalities may have been prevented.
Some of the most common injuries and fatalities include, but are not limited to:
- Lacerations and Cuts: Often caused by handling sharp tools or machinery.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Resulting from falls or being struck by objects.
- Burns: From fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces and chemicals.
- Respiratory Issues: Caused by inhalation of harmful dust, fumes, or chemicals.
- Crush Injuries: Caught in or between heavy machinery or falling objects.
- Electrocution: Fatal contact with electrical currents or equipment.
- Falls from Height: Falls from significant heights often result in fatal injuries.
- Chemical Exposure: Severe exposure to toxic substances can be fatal.
- Vehicle Collisions: Collisions or rollovers involving industrial vehicles or forklifts.
When industrial site injuries and fatalities fall outside the scope of workers’ compensation and under the legal threshold of personal injury claims, we can help build your claim for success, starting with a free consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Industrial Site Injuries and Fatalities Outside of the Employer?
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, liability for industrial site injuries and fatalities can extend beyond the employer to several other parties.
Potentially liable parties include, but are not limited to:
- Equipment Manufacturers: If the injury or fatality was caused by defective machinery or equipment, the manufacturer of the faulty product can be held liable under product liability laws.
- Contractors and Subcontractors: Independent contractors or subcontractors working on the site who fail to adhere to safety standards or contribute to hazardous conditions can be held responsible for resulting injuries or fatalities.
- Property Owners: If the industrial site is rented or leased, the owner may be liable for unsafe conditions contributing to an accident.
- Suppliers: Companies that supply materials or equipment to the industrial site can be held liable if their products are defective or hazardous and lead to injuries or fatalities.
- Maintenance Companies: Firms responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of equipment and facilities can be liable if their negligence in maintaining safety standards results in accidents.
- Architects and Engineers: Professionals involved in the design and construction of the industrial site can be held liable if design flaws or construction errors contribute to unsafe conditions.
- Safety Inspectors: Third-party safety inspectors who fail to identify and report hazardous conditions during inspections can also be liable.
In any case of industrial site injuries and fatalities, thorough investigations are essential to determine all parties contributing to the unsafe conditions and ensure that all responsible entities are held accountable. We can help.
Contact our skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.