Charlotte Heavy Equipment Operator Injury Lawyer

Charlotte Heavy Equipment Operator Injury Attorney

Charlotte, North Carolina, is no stranger to large construction sites and heavy construction equipment. The Queen City skyline towers over Uptown and is peppered with construction cranes and other pieces of machinery. Whether you are driving one of these machines when paving roadways near Charlotte Douglas International Airport or doing repairs to The Vue apartments, when injured, a Charlotte heavy equipment operator injury lawyer can help.

Operating heavy machinery is no easy task, and no matter how many years of training you have undergone or how many safety protocols are in place, accidents and resulting injuries can still happen. At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of injured workers for decades. Our main priority is to ensure your rights are protected while working to help you achieve the benefits you are entitled to through workers’ compensation.

Common Incidents Resulting in Heavy Equipment Injuries

Heavy equipment is used across a variety of industries, but mainly in the warehousing, agriculture, transportation, and construction sectors. Cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers are just a few common examples of heavy equipment that can be involved in an injury-causing accident. In fact, cranes cause around 42 deaths per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are many different incidents that can cause a heavy equipment operator in Charlotte to file a claim with their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Common incidents can include the following:

• Faulty machinery: One common cause of heavy machinery operator injuries is malfunctioning equipment. These injuries can be particularly dangerous and life-threatening, as the operator will have no warning in advance that their equipment is about to malfunction. One way to lower the risk of such an incident occurring is to ensure regular inspections of the machinery are performed.
• Poor training: When an operator has not been properly trained on how to use the equipment, they are more likely to misuse that equipment and cause harm to themselves. A good way to ensure this does not happen is to train all employees correctly and have a supervisor nearby when a new individual is operating a piece of machinery.
• Lack of machinery maintenance: When a piece of heavy machinery has not been correctly maintained and kept up, normal wear and tear can build up and eventually lead to a heightened risk of injuries occurring. It is vital to ensure all heavy equipment undergoes routine maintenance and inspections to ensure it is safe and in working order.
• Distractions while operating: In order to safely operate a piece of heavy equipment, it is important to fully focus on the job at hand. If an operator suffers any lapse in their attention due to actions like daydreaming, rubbernecking, or texting, it could lead to them suffering a serious and even fatal injury. In fact, a worker dies every 99 minutes in the United States, and many of these incidents arise from distracted machinery operators.
• Lack of safeguards or safety protocol: When a piece of machinery has a missing or defective guard, it can expose workers to harm and injuries. Additionally, when there are no strict safety protocols in place, this can also lead to an increased risk of injuries and even death.

Injuries Reported Due to Charlotte Heavy Equipment Operator Accidents

In the United States, every 7 seconds, someone is injured at the workplace. When these injuries involve a piece of heavy equipment, they can be catastrophic and even fatal. For operators of heavy machinery, common injuries include:

• Traumatic injuries: Operators of heavy machinery can suffer traumatic injuries such as brain injuries, injuries to their spinal cord, amputations, or broken bones. These injuries require immediate medical attention, and victims may find themselves facing long-term disabilities.
• Repetitive motion injuries: For individuals who operate pieces of heavy equipment, repetitive motion or strain injuries are common. These injuries develop over time and can include tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. For some workers, you could be left partially or permanently disabled from these injuries.
• Eye injuries: When equipment malfunctions, it may throw debris around, which can injure and even blind an operator. Chemicals used in the equipment might cause facial burns and damage to the eyes.

FAQs About Charlotte, NC Heavy Equipment Operator Injury Laws

Q: Can the Need for Surgery Increase My Workers’ Comp Settlement?

A: Yes, in general, an injury that requires surgery is often considered more serious and can garner a higher amount of benefits to cover any necessary medical bills or missed work. Accidents that result in more minor injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or lacerations that do not require surgery, will not need to seek increased amounts of compensation.

Q: What Am I Entitled to Through Workers’ Compensation?

A: You are entitled to several benefits through workers’ compensation, depending on the nature and severity of your injury. Your employer’s insurance coverage should allow you to recover any related hospital or doctor bills, expenses related to rehabilitation, and the costs that arise from the transportation needed to and from your medical appointments.

Q: How Can an Attorney Help Me?

A: Having an attorney present in a workers’ compensation case can help you in several different ways. If your initial claim has been denied or you were offered a low settlement in hopes that you would simply take it and walk away, an attorney can help advocate for your rights to fair and reasonable benefits. Your attorney can also help you if your employer fails to report your injury or you are having issues achieving necessary disability benefits.

Q: If I Was Partially Responsible for My Workplace Injury, Can I Still File a Claim?

A: Yes, even if you are partially responsible for a workplace injury but did not intentionally cause the accident, you can still file for workers’ compensation with your employer’s insurance company. However, this is one of the various reasons why getting an attorney is important, so that no matter what your fault in the case may be, you can still secure the benefits you need.

Speak With a Trusted Heavy Equipment Operator Injury Lawyer in Charlotte Today

If you received injuries on the job as a heavy equipment operator in Charlotte, the team at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler is here to help you secure the benefits you deserve through workers’ compensation. Whether you operate a forklift in one of the warehouses along Continental Boulevard or are excavating for a new build in NoDa, we are here to serve you. Contact our offices to schedule your free consultation today.