While Las Vegas is famous for its gambling scene and wide range of entertainment, it would not be the major metropolitan area it is today without its industrial core. Yet, the reality of working around heavy machinery in a factory, processing plant, or warehouse can be extremely dangerous when you or the people around you are not focused and attentive at all times.
When you are hurt in an accident involving heavy machinery, you may have grounds to demand financial compensation from those responsible. A seasoned Las Vegas personal injury lawyer could support you through the process so that you or your loved one can focus on recovery. These types of claims can be uniquely complicated, but with the dedicated construction accident attorneys at Shook & Stone by your side, you could obtain the restitution you deserve.
Proving Liability in a Machinery Accident
Heavy machinery injuries can stem from various different types of reckless, careless, and occasionally even malicious actions—some of which are much more subtle than others, making them harder to detect. Some of the circumstances which may give rise to machinery accident claims include:
- Lack of supervision on work sites
- Failure to follow safety procedures
- Using the wrong machinery for a task
- Lack of proper training for machine operators
- Design or manufacturing defects in equipment
- Lack of functioning protective equipment while using machinery
- Failure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of machinery
When you are injured while performing job-related duties, you may be able to seek restitution for medical bills, a significant portion of lost wages, and other benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage. Additionally, it is possible to pursue third-party litigation against other individuals whose “negligence” contributed to the cause of your accident. This claim could allow recovery for other damages, such as physical pain, psychological distress, and lost overall quality of life. Our knowledgeable Las Vegas attorneys at Shook & Stone could provide guidance on potentially receiving damages for both claims after your machinery accident.
Statute of Limitations for Machinery Accident Claims
It is crucial to note that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to formally start the process of seeking financial recovery after getting hurt in a heavy machinery accident. For workers’ comp claims, you typically must report your injury to your employer within seven days and seek professional medical treatment no later than 90 days after the initial accident.
Comparatively, you have much longer to file a third-party lawsuit, as Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190 sets a two-year statutory deadline to file such a claim, along with most other personal injury cases. However, as a machinery accident lawyer in Las Vegas could affirm, it is almost always better to file a lawsuit sooner rather than later to ensure important evidence is still readily available.
Get in Touch with a Las Vegas Machinery Accident Attorney Today
Working around heavy machinery is undeniably hazardous. Thus, it is imperative to acknowledge your right to a reasonably safe working environment, as well as your right to demand civil restitution from any person whose negligence leads to your harm. Actively enforcing those rights can be far from simple, especially without legal support.
Choosing to work with a Las Vegas machinery accident lawyer from Shook & Stone could be a vital first step toward obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. Call today to discuss your injury during a free consultation.
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