Houston Defective Equipment Attorneys

When Industrial Accidents Are Caused by Defective Equipment

Many industrial accidents occur due to defective equipment and tools in the workplace. If you have sustained injuries in an industrial accident because of defective equipment, the attorneys at Arnold & Itkin can help. We know life becomes more difficult after a serious injury; that is why we are dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve. Our team works tirelessly to hold liable parties accountable, whether that’s the defective product’s manufacturer, your employer, or another entity. 

Learn how our Houston defective equipment lawyers can help you take legal action after a life-changing injury; call (888) 493-1629 for a free initial consultation.

Examples of Defective Industrial Equipment

Industrial workers are required to operate heavy machinery, work with hazardous materials, and use potentially dangerous tools nearly every day on the job. When these items do not function as they should, workers are at risk of suffering catastrophic or even fatal injuries. 

Any industrial item can be faulty, therefore posing a risk to workers. Some of the most common examples include: 

  • Hand tools used for welding, hammering, and other activities
  • Industrial equipment including rotators, conveyors, feeder belts
  • Transportation equipment such as forklifts, cranes, hoists, and derricks
  • Office equipment such as chairs, desks, electronics, and more
  • Construction equipment like scaffolding, forklifts, and power tools
  • Oil rig equipment like rotary tables, hoses, and suction lines

How Defective Equipment Leads to Industrial Accidents 

Because workers in industrial settings are required to use an array of equipment on the job, defects or malfunctions can lead to a wide variety of accidents. 

This includes but is not limited to: 

  • Falls from faulty stairways, ladders, scaffolding, and other structures  
  • Lifting/lowering accidents caused by malfunctioning loading and unloading equipment 
  • Crane accidents, including tip-overs or collapses
  • Electrical accidents, including electrocution and electric shock
  • Oil rig and drilling accidents, including fires and explosions 
  • Industrial vehicle accidents, including collisions and forklift accidents 
  • Accidents resulting from improper machine guarding and power tool guarding 
  • Circular saw kickbacks due to faulty anti-kickback devices 
  • Welding accidents involving defective welding rods and other tools 
  • Incidents arising from defective personal protective equipment (PPE) 

These and other incidents can result from poorly maintained equipment or defects that affect the equipment’s operation and functionality. Whether it was a flawed design, manufacturing defect, or mislabeled or poorly marketed product, our Houston defective industrial equipment lawyers can investigate your accident to determine the root cause. 

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Types of Injuries Associated with Defective Industrial Equipment 

The use of defective equipment can lead to a range of serious injuries, including but not limited to: 

  • Amputation
  • Broken bones/fractures
  • Burn injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Electrocution
  • Eye and face injuries
  • Fall injuries
  • Head injuries 
  • Machine entanglement
  • Paralysis
  • Puncture wounds
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Toxic exposure
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Though the injuries resulting from defective industrial equipment range widely, they have one thing in common: their severity. Workers and others harmed by defective tools, materials, and products are often left with significant, life-changing injuries, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Some are permanently disabled, and others suffer debilitating mental and emotional suffering in the wake of the accident. 

Here at Arnold & Itkin, we fight for the rights of those injured in industrial accidents due to defective or malfunctioning equipment. Our Houston defective industrial equipment attorneys have extensive experience and are prepared to aggressively pursue maximum compensation. 

Understanding Liability for Defective Equipment

OSHA provides guidelines for equipment specifications. These are not restricted to powered tools and machinery but also include regular equipment found around the workplace. For instance, temporary stairways on a construction site are required to have landings that are at least 22 inches wide and 30 inches deep, at every 12 feet of rising, and stairways must be clear of projections. Fixed ladders also have minimum weight support capabilities they must meet before they are used. Employers are required to provide equipment that meets these specifications.

When a worker is injured by defective equipment, the manufacturer of the equipment may be named in a lawsuit to claim damages for the injury. If the equipment was rented, then the company that rented out the equipment may also be liable. Companies that handle oversight are required to make sure that any equipment being used by the workers meets all recommended standards and specifications.

What to Do If You Were Injured by Defective Industrial Equipment 

If your employer carries workers' compensation insurance, you can file a workers' compensation claim for medical and wage benefits. If eligible, you can recover these benefits regardless of who was at fault for your injury. 

If your employer does not carry workers' compensation insurance, then you may have a "non-subscriber claim." This would allow you to bring a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if the machine-related injury was attributable to your employer's negligence, such as failing to inspect and maintain the machine or to provide you with proper training. If you succeed in your claim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, pain and suffering and, possibly, punitive damages. Additionally, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the manufacturer of the machine if a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect caused your injury.

In any case, we strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of a skilled attorney. At Arnold & Itkin, we have helped many injured workers, as well as the families of workers who tragically passed away due to industrial accidents resulting from defective equipment. We have the resources to fully investigate what happened, as well as the drive to aggressively pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. 

How Our Firm Can Help 

Our Houston industrial equipment defect lawyers have a reputation for holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause. We can help you take legal action against a manufacturer, employer, or another liable entity. Whether you were injured by a defective power tool or fell from a faulty office chair, our team is here to provide the personalized guidance and compassionate support you need. 

At Arnold & Itkin, we want workers to have answers. More importantly, we want workers and their families to be able to rebuild their lives after these devastating accidents. Our priority is ensuring that you have the resources to get medical care, provide for your family, and pay your bills. Our secondary goal is to hold the employer or manufacturer accountable for their negligence—preventing this type of accident from happening again. 

Contact Arnold & Itkin today at (888) 493-1629 for a free case evaluation. We're here to help.

Common Questions

  • Who Is Responsible for My Injuries?

    The law requires employers to follow specific requirements for maintaining a safe workplace. This means that all employers are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and operating safe machinery in their workplaces. However, other parties–such as the manufacturer of the defective equipment–might be liable for your accident as well.

  • Should I Accept A Settlement from My Company?

    Not without speaking to an experienced lawyer. Settlements are often designed by companies or their insurers to get a person to accept less than they deserve and prevent them from pursuing further damages. Speaking with an attorney will help you decide if your settlement offer is fair. It’ll also help you find out if you are entitled to more damages than what you initially may have thought.

  • What Can I Recover from a Defective Equipment Lawsuit?

    Our defected equipment lawsuit lawyers are focused on two things: obtaining the compensation that clients deserve and holding negligent parties accountable. Our team will fight to recover losses associated with your accident such as lost wages, medical bills, and the cost of any future treatment you’ll require. Every case is different and speaking with us as soon as possible will help you understand your options.
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