Defective Machinery

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Redress for Victims of Defective Machinery in Los Angeles

Our Attorneys Can Help Those Injured by Defects in Heavy Machinery and Tools

Every year, many workers are injured due to defects in the machinery they use on the job. This can be due to design defects, manufacturing defects or a failure to warn about hazards inherent to the equipment. Actions to recover damages for these injuries can be hard to prove because manufacturers heavily resist such claims. However, one successful claim can open the door for other injured workers to receive help after an accident. Whether you are the first or hundredth victim, we are here to fight for you.

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, clients who have been injured by defective machinery receive aggressive and experienced advocacy for their claims. Our firm has 35+ years of experience and proven results that speak volumes when it comes to our services. If you are looking for help after an accident, contact our defective machinery attorneys to learn more about your legal rights.

What Causes Machinery Defects?

Industrial machinery refers to a broad category of machines and equipment used in manufacturing, processing, and other industrial applications. These machines are designed to perform specific tasks, automate processes, and enhance efficiency in various industries. Industrial machinery can range from simple hand tools to complex, computer-controlled systems.

The common types of industrial machinery include:

  • Machine Tools: These are machines that shape, cut, grind, or form metal and other materials. Examples include lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and grinding machines.
  • Material Handling Equipment: This category includes machines designed to move, store, and control materials within a facility or between different locations. Common examples are forklifts, conveyor systems, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
  • Robotics: Industrial robots are programmable machines that can perform tasks with precision and efficiency. They are used in various applications such as welding, assembly, packaging, and material handling.
  • Packaging Machinery: These machines are used to package products for distribution and sale. Examples include filling machines, labeling machines, and packaging lines.
  • Printing and Binding Machinery: Equipment used in the printing and binding of books, newspapers, and other printed materials. Examples include printing presses, binding machines, and finishing equipment.
  • Textile Machinery: Machinery used in the production of textiles and fabrics. This includes spinning machines, weaving looms, and knitting machines.
  • Construction Equipment: Machines used in construction and civil engineering projects. Examples include excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and concrete mixers.
  • Mining Equipment: Machinery used in mining operations to extract and process minerals. This includes drills, crushers, conveyors, and ore processing equipment.
  • Food Processing Machinery: Equipment used in the processing and manufacturing of food products. Examples include mixers, slicers, packaging machines, and cooking equipment.
  • Woodworking Machinery: Machines used in the woodworking industry to cut, shape, and assemble wood. This includes saws, planers, and routers.
  • Chemical Processing Equipment: Machinery used in the chemical industry for the production, processing, and handling of chemicals. Examples include reactors, distillation columns, and mixing tanks.
  • Energy and Power Generation Equipment: Machinery used in the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy. This includes turbines, generators, and transformers.

Unfortunately, machinery defects are more common than many people think. An employer’s failure to keep work equipment serviced to the highest standards can result in serious injury and sometimes even death. If a company’s negligence causes a machinery problem, the injured worker may be able to file a lawsuit against them.

Accidents and injuries can also be the result of the designer, manufacturer, or distributor of the machinery. When these companies do not take the time to ensure their products are made well and include all the necessary warnings consumers may need, they put real people in danger.

Issues that commonly cause injuries include:

  • Design Flaws: In some cases, machinery defects can originate from the design phase. Flaws in the design of a machine, such as inadequate safety features or poor ergonomics, can contribute to accidents and injuries.
  • Manufacturing Defects: Errors or flaws that occur during the manufacturing process can lead to machinery defects. This might include issues with the materials used, poor workmanship, or deviations from the intended design specifications.
  • Poor Maintenance: Lack of regular and proper maintenance can result in machinery defects. Wear and tear, corrosion, and the breakdown of components over time can compromise the integrity and safety of the machinery.
  • Improper Installation: Incorrect installation of machinery can create defects and safety hazards. Components may be improperly aligned, connections may be loose, or safety features might not be installed or calibrated correctly.
  • Age and Wear: As machinery ages, components can wear out, leading to defects. Fatigue and stress on materials can compromise their structural integrity, making them more prone to failure.
  • Lack of Training: Operator error due to insufficient training can contribute to machinery-related injuries. Operators need to be adequately trained on the proper use, maintenance, and safety protocols associated with the machinery they operate.
  • Inadequate Guards and Safeguards: Lack of proper guards, safety interlocks, or other protective features can expose workers to moving parts of machinery, increasing the risk of injuries. Proper guarding is essential to prevent contact with dangerous elements.
  • Failure of Safety Systems: If safety systems, such as emergency stop buttons or automatic shutdown mechanisms, fail to function as intended, it can lead to accidents. Regular testing and maintenance of safety systems are crucial to ensuring their effectiveness.
  • Environmental Factors: Harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or exposure to corrosive substances, can contribute to machinery defects over time.
  • Overloading or Misuse: Using machinery beyond its designed capacity or in ways not intended by the manufacturer can lead to defects and accidents. Adhering to the specified operating parameters is essential for preventing machinery-related injuries.
  • Electrical Issues: Malfunctions in electrical systems, such as faulty wiring or electrical components, can pose serious risks. Electrical defects may result in electrical shocks, fires, or other hazardous situations.

Help After a Machine-Caused Accident

Machinery defects can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and even fatal. The types of injuries caused by machinery defects can vary depending on the nature of the defect, the type of machinery involved, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Here are some common types of injuries associated with machinery defects:

  • Crush Injuries: Occur when a body part is caught between moving parts of machinery or between the machinery and a stationary object, leading to compression and potential damage to bones, tissues, and organs.
  • Amputations: Machinery defects, especially those related to lack of guarding or safety features, can result in traumatic amputations if a body part comes into contact with rotating or moving components.
  • Lacerations and Abrasions: Defective machinery may have sharp edges, protruding parts, or abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts, lacerations, or abrasions to workers who come into contact with them.
  • Burns: Malfunctions in electrical systems, friction between moving parts, or contact with hot surfaces can cause burns, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the extent of exposure.
  • Electrical Shocks: Machinery defects related to electrical components or wiring can lead to electrical shocks, which can cause injuries ranging from minor discomfort to severe electrocution.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Sudden stops, starts, or malfunctions of machinery can result in traumatic impacts, leading to broken bones or fractures.
  • Eye Injuries: Machinery defects, such as the release of debris or projectiles, can cause eye injuries. Lack of proper safety guards or failure of safety systems can contribute to these incidents.
  • Head Injuries: Impact or crushing incidents involving machinery can result in head injuries, ranging from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
  • Back and Spinal Injuries: Incorrect ergonomics or sudden jolts from machinery malfunctions can lead to back injuries or damage to the spinal cord.
  • Respiratory Injuries: Defective machinery in environments with dust, fumes, or toxic substances can lead to respiratory problems and injuries if proper ventilation or safety measures are lacking.
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Prolonged use of defective machinery, especially when ergonomics are compromised, can contribute to RSIs such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
  • Psychological Injuries: Witnessing or experiencing accidents caused by machinery defects can result in psychological trauma and stress-related disorders.

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we understand the severe impact that catastrophic injuries caused by machinery defects can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced team of lawyers is committed to providing comprehensive legal support to those who have suffered such injuries.

Here's how we can help:

  • Legal Consultation and Assessment: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of the case. Our team evaluates the circumstances surrounding the machinery defect, the resulting injuries, and the potential liability of manufacturers, designers, or other responsible parties.
  • Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence related to the machinery defect, including design flaws, manufacturing errors, or maintenance negligence. We work with experts, such as engineers and safety specialists, to strengthen our case and establish liability.
  • Identifying Responsible Parties: We determine and identify all potentially liable parties, such as manufacturers, distributors, or maintenance contractors. Our team ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable for the injuries caused by the machinery defect.
  • Navigating Legal Processes: We handle all legal aspects, including filing necessary paperwork, managing communications with opposing parties, and navigating the complex legal processes involved in catastrophic injury cases.
  • Negotiation and Settlement: We engage in negotiations with the opposing parties to seek fair and just compensation for our clients. Our goal is to achieve a settlement that adequately covers medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.
  • Litigation and Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take the case to trial. Our skilled trial attorneys advocate on behalf of our clients in court, presenting a compelling case to secure the compensation they deserve.
  • Compassionate Support: We provide compassionate and personalized support throughout the legal process, recognizing the emotional and physical challenges our clients face. Our team communicates regularly, keeping clients informed about the progress of their case and addressing any concerns they may have.
  • Maximizing Recovery: Our focus is on maximizing the recovery for our clients, ensuring that they receive the financial resources necessary to cover current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other associated costs.

Contact the Firm That Truly Cares

Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation studiously investigates claims of defective machinery to isolate the cause and identify the parties responsible for the defect. With our experience, we can help you prepare a strong case and request a fair settlement for damages. We are unafraid to litigate cases that manufacturers refuse to settle and will do all we can to establish the validity of your claim in front of judges and juries.

Our firm places a high priority on the needs and concerns of our clients. We are always available to address your questions as they arise. As an exclusive local firm, we can offer a higher level of quality care that many large firms simply don’t offer as they shuffle cases around.

You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, and pain and suffering if you have been in a machinery accident. With our reputable Los Angeles team on your side, you can have the peace of mind that you deserve at this time.

Don't hesitate to contact Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation online to learn more about how we can help you. We are also available by phone at (866) 884-1717.

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