Industrial Accident Injuries in Winnebago County

 Posted on December 26, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Winnebago County has major industrial activity, from Multi-Conveyor LLC and Winnebago Motorhome Factory to Oshkosh Designs and Collins Aerospace. Industrial accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and death, whether in manufacturing plants, food processing operations, logistics and distribution warehouses, or construction sites. When these injuries are sustained because of someone else’s negligence or intentional act, victims or their families could receive compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death action.

Cases involving catastrophic injuries and fatalities are complex, and you need to choose a competent Rockford, IL personal injury attorney to get the best possible results. We will aggressively pursue the highest available amount of compensation on your behalf.

Catastrophic Industrial Accidents Have Devastating Consequences

When you head to work, you expect to return home safely after your shift. Unfortunately, preventable accidents can abruptly halt such plans and disrupt your life. With the various industries in Rockford and surrounding areas, many types of accidents are possible. However, some of the most serious workplace accidents include:

• Construction site accidents: Falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, ground collapses, traffic collisions, caught in/between accidents, electrocutions

• Electrical accidents: Faulty wiring, damaged equipment and tools, improperly grounded wiring, contact with power lines

• Exposure to chemicals or toxic substances: Leaks, explosions, contaminated surfaces, inhalation, burns

• Fires and explosions: Combustible dust, welding sparks, flammable substances, overloaded electrical circuits, damaged wiring or cords

• Heavy machinery accidents: Being caught in, crushed, or dragged by operating machinery; electrocutions; dropped loads; equipment malfunctions; equipment rollovers

• Structure collapse: Improper bracing and support, accessible unsafe areas, explosions, poor design, improper load distribution, engineering errors, defective materials, construction errors

To qualify for compensation through a wrongful death or personal injury claim, the incident must have been caused by negligence or an intentional act, such as pushing someone into the path of heavy equipment. Negligence in these cases might be:

• Inadequate training

• Lack of supervision

• Workers required to use unsafe tools or equipment

• Failure to provide personal protection equipment

• Insufficient lighting

• Failure to keep floors and walking surfaces free of slip and trip hazards

• Manufacturing defects that make equipment or tools hazardous

• Incorrect assembly or placement of scaffolding or ladders

• Negligent hiring practices

To collect compensation through a civil action, you need to prove that a specific party was responsible for causing the industrial accident. In most cases, you cannot pursue a civil claim against your employer; however, gross negligence by your employer could give you grounds. Third-party claims are also possible.

Third-Party Liability in Industrial Accidents

The unique aspects of your accident might make a third-party personal injury or wrongful death action possible. For example, many construction sites have multiple crews working for different employers on the site simultaneously. A specific individual or a third-party employer could be liable for accidents they cause. Other examples include:

• Drivers who cause car accidents

• Mechanics who fail to maintain or repair hazardous equipment or tools

• Parts or equipment manufacturers that produce faulty products

• Demolition companies that fail to clear an area

• Workers who accidentally or intentionally cause accidents

While some injuries resulting from negligence are minor, many are catastrophic, impacting not only the victims but their families as well. Your attorney needs to thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who is liable and what categories of damages you are eligible to receive.

Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Industrial Accidents

Catastrophic injuries are extremely severe, with life-altering consequences. Examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Lost limbs and amputations

• Nerve damage

• Burns

• Vision or hearing loss

• Severe fractures

Victims who sustain severe injuries may require life-long medical care and rehabilitation, along with daily assistance with everyday tasks. Other long-term effects could include:

• Paralysis

• Disfigurement

• Chronic pain

• Emotional and psychological anguish

Victims may need to renovate their homes and cars to accommodate a newly acquired disability. They may be left unable to return to their previous job duties or unable to work at all. Families of fatal accident victims face life without their loved ones. You deserve compensation if an industrial accident caused by negligence impacted your life.

Damages in Industrial Accidents Can Be Extremely High

In 2005, a father and son entered a construction trench at a site overseen by Bovis Lend Lease. The depth of the trench necessitated support to prevent the side walls from collapsing, and in many similar situations, a trench box is used. Specific circumstances prevented the use of a trench box, but no alternative support system was implemented. Both workers were buried alive when one of the trench’s walls collapsed. The father passed away in the trench, and the son’s pelvis was crushed. The son was permanently disabled in this accident, and a jury awarded the family over $8 million in damages.

Damages in these cases are specific losses, with case-specific factors determining qualifying amounts. Common damages for catastrophic injury claims include:

• Medical treatment costs, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, necessary medical equipment, and ongoing care

• Lost income, including diminished earning capacity

• Other accident-related expenses, such as vehicle or home modifications

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering

• Other conditions that diminish the victim’s quality of life

Wrongful death and survival actions can provide additional compensation. Families could receive recompense for the victim’s losses, such as medical bills for unsuccessful treatments. They may also collect damages for their own losses, including funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, and loss of support.

Why You Need an Effective Lawyer After an Industrial Accident

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to deny or minimize claims. Without exceptional legal representation, you could accept a settlement for far less than you deserve. When you partner with a skilled attorney, we anticipate these tactics and know how to outsmart insurers. We will:

• Identify all at-fault parties

• Collect and preserve supporting evidence

• Meticulously calculate all your eligible damages

• Force insurers to communicate with us rather than you

• Negotiate aggressively to reach an acceptable settlement amount

• Litigate your case at trial if insurers refuse to budge

We are not intimidated by insurance company tactics or their teams of lawyers. We are known for our fierce advocacy to protect the best interests of our clients.

Consult a Skilled Rockford, IL Catastrophic Injuries Attorney

When an industrial accident impacts your life, the at-fault party needs to be held accountable. You can trust Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, to provide highly effective representation. We are dedicated to fighting until you achieve the best possible resolution for your claim. Discuss your case with one of our experienced Winnebago County, IL wrongful death lawyers.