Heavy machinery is used in a wide range of different workplaces in South Carolina. By its very nature, heavy machinery has the potential to be dangerous. Defects, mistakes, and other issues can result in catastrophic injuries. Hurt at work in a heavy machinery accident? It is crucial that you know your rights and your options. Here, our Mauldin workers’ comp attorney provides a guide to pursuing justice and compensation for catastrophic injuries from heavy machinery accidents at work in South Carolina.
Most Common Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery accidents occur across construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and industrial facilities in South Carolina. These incidents often involve powerful equipment capable of causing life-altering harm within seconds. Some of the most common heavy machinery accidents in workplaces in Mauldin, SC include:
- Crush and Caught-In Accidents: Crush injuries occur when a worker becomes pinned between moving parts or between equipment and a fixed object. Caught-in accidents frequently involve conveyors, presses, rollers, or compactors. These incidents often happen due to inadequate guarding or failure to lock out machinery during maintenance.
- Forklift Collisions and Tip-Overs: Forklifts present serious risks in warehouses and distribution centers. Operators may strike pedestrians or overturn due to improper loading, excessive speed, or uneven surfaces. Tip-overs frequently cause traumatic injuries.
- Amputation Incidents: Industrial saws, presses, and cutting machines can cause partial or complete amputations. These accidents often stem from defective guards, improper training, or bypassed safety mechanisms. Amputations are catastrophic injuries.
- Electrical and Mechanical Malfunctions: Heavy machinery powered by electricity or hydraulic systems can malfunction unexpectedly. Electrical faults, hydraulic failures, or defective wiring may cause sudden movement or explosion. These events often involve multiple injured workers and extensive property damage.
Catastrophic Injuries Caused By Heavy Equipment Accidents
Heavy machinery is powerful. It has the potential to be extremely dangerous. When accidents happen, the consequences can be catastrophic, even deadly. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries caused by heavy machinery accidents in South Carolina include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Falling objects, sudden impacts, or equipment collisions can cause severe head trauma. TBIs often result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent neurological deficits. Long-term medical care and rehabilitation become central components of recovery.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Crush incidents and falls from machinery frequently damage the spinal cord. Partial or complete paralysis may occur. These injuries typically require lifelong medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
- Severe Burns: Electrical malfunctions or equipment fires can cause third-degree burns. Burn injuries require extensive surgical intervention, including skin grafting. Scarring and functional limitations often persist permanently.
- Multiple Fractures and/or Internal Trauma: High-force machinery accidents often produce complex fractures and internal organ damage. Surgery may be required. Long-term physical limitations may follow even after initial healing.
Key Point: Catastrophic injuries fundamentally alter earning capacity. They often prevent a return to prior employment. The legal implications are significant.
What to Do After a Heavy Machinery Accident in South Carolina?
Your health and well-being are always a top priority after a serious workplace accident. Get medical care immediately. Do not “tough it out” or assume the injury will improve. You should also report the accident to your supervisor as soon as possible and make sure the report accurately describes what happened and what equipment was involved. South Carolina law requires notice within 90 days. Though, there is no reason to wait to report a heavy machinery accident. To the best of your ability, you should also try to preserve evidence if you can do so safely. Among other things, that could include photos of the machine, guards, controls, and the surrounding area as well as the names of coworkers who witnessed the incident.
Know the Law in South Carolina: Catastrophic Injuries From Heavy Machinery Accidents
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act governs most heavy machinery injury claims. When the injury arises out of and in the course of employment, the worker may recover medical treatment and wage replacement benefits under S.C. Code § 42-9-10. Temporary total disability benefits generally equal two-thirds of the average weekly wage. Though, they are subject to a statutory cap.
Catastrophic injuries may qualify for lifetime benefits. While South Carolina does not use the identical “catastrophic” classification system, total and permanent disability provides extended compensation when the injury results in complete inability to work. Scheduled loss provisions (S.C. Code § 42-9-30) governs specific body parts and permanent partial disability.
Note: The exclusive remedy doctrine generally prevents direct negligence lawsuits against compliant employers. However, injured workers retain the right to pursue third party claims against negligent equipment manufacturers or subcontractors. If you have any questions about a third party liability claim for a heavy machinery accident in South Carolina, our Mauldin attorney can help.
Why Workers in Mauldin Trust Smith & Jones After a Catastrophic Accident
Heavy machinery is inherently hazardous. An accident has the potential to leave a worker dealing with catastrophic or even life-altering injuries. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we are a boutique law firm that invests the time, resources, and attention to detail to help clients secure the full and fair benefits that are available under the law. We have a proven record of case results and we provide free, no obligation initial consultation. You can contact us at our Mauldin law office today to get started with a heavy machinery accident claim.
Contact Our Mauldin Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyer Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our Mauldin work injury attorney is a strong, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a heavy machinery accident at work, we can help. It is crucial that injured workers get justice and the maximum compensation. Call us now or contact us online to arrange a no cost, no obligation case review. We represent workers hurt due to heavy machinery accidents in Mauldin and throughout the region, including in the zip code of 29662.