Industrial Workplace Injuries in Kentucky

Industrial workplace injuries hit a record low in 2014, the result of aggressive efforts to improve Kentucky’s abysmal death and health rankings. The Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Occupational Safety and Health Program has worked diligently to increase access to high quality training and education for workers and managers. Though these efforts have shown initial success, industrial injuries still occur on a regular basis, and it is important to understand your options if you or a loved one suffer a work injury.

Industrial injury law is closely related to workers’ compensation, as it’s the method of compensation for most workplace injuries. The exceptions to this rule are injuries caused by an employer’s proven neglect or violations of law, which can be resolved through personal injury cases or wrongful death lawsuits. Determining how best to pursue compensation for your injury can be tricky, and it is always a good idea to seek the advice of experienced industrial personal injury lawyer.

At Rhoads & Rhoads law office, we have helped many injured workers restore financial stability to their lives by recovering the damages they are owed. We have been protecting the rights of the injured throughout Western Kentucky for over 45 years. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an industrial accident, our team of experienced trial lawyers and knowledgeable support staff are available to help you through this difficult time and get you the financial recovery you deserve.

Employers Are Responsible for Maintaining a Safe Workplace

Employers across the U.S., including in Kentucky, have a responsibility to create a safe work environment for their employees. This responsibility requires employers to provide proper training on equipment and safety protocol, as well as protective gear appropriate to the job being done. Employers must also inspect and repair equipment regularly and as is necessary to ensure the soundness of the equipment for operation.

Kinds of Industrial Injuries

Most workplace injuries fall into one of three categories. Many cases involve repetitive injuries are those caused by ergonomic hazards and result from a repetitive stressor or motion over a prolonged period of time. Repetitive injuries have become more and more common, even in office settings, which we do not normally think of as carrying a high risk of workplace injury.

Physical injuries are still a major problem, especially in manufacturing and construction. These types of injuries make up a large percentage of serious industrial injuries, especially those involving heavy machinery and manufacturing processes. There are infinite causes of physical injuries in the workplace, but some examples would include:

• Machinery breakdown or malfunction;
• Incomplete training on a piece of equipment;
• Objects falling due to improper storage;
• Failure to take proper safety precautions;
• Falls from height;
• Slip and fall accidents caused by obstructions or spills;
• Malfunction of industrial vehicles, such as forklifts.

The last of the three most common types of workplace injury is caused by chemical hazards. Exposure to chemicals or dangerous substances such as asbestos, pesticides, paint, solvents, or acids can cause injury in multiple ways. Depending on the workplace and the chemical, it is possible to be injured through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. While some injuries may be as mild as a rash, toxic chemical exposure can result brain damage, nerve injury, and serious lung and throat damage.

Owensboro and Madisonville Industrial Injury Lawyers — No Recovery, No Fee

With offices in Owensboro and Madisonville, Rhoads & Rhoads represents industrial accident victims throughout Western Kentucky. We offer free initial consultations, and all cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, which mean there is no payment required up front. We get paid only if we win or settle your case, so there is NO RISK involved.

Call our law firm at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment with one of our Madisonville or Owensboro personal injury lawyers.