Employees who are injured at work may be entitled to workers’ compensation which provides payment for medical bills and time lost from work. However, if the work injury was caused by a defective product, the injured worker may be able to pursue a third-party claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product. If you’ve been injured by a defective product at work, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can help you handle the complications related to your claim.
Common Defective Products in the Workplace
Whether it’s a manufacturing job, a construction workplace, or an office, defective products can be found anywhere. Some common defective products include,
- Heavy equipment such as forklifts and backhoes
- Safety equipment
- Welding tools
- Machines used in manufacturing
- Protective clothing
- Light fixtures
- Office furniture
- Office equipment
Product Liability
Manufacturers, retailers, and distributors of products have an obligation to ensure that products on the market are safe for consumers. This includes products that are utilized in workplaces. If a product is defectively manufactured, improperly designed, or fails to include sufficient safety warnings, then an injured person may have a product liability claim. With a product liability claim, an injured worker can receive compensation that goes beyond the medical bills and lost wages they can receive from worker’s compensation. They may be compensated for the pain and suffering they sustained as a result of their injury.
If you are injured by a defective product at work, it is important that you follow the proper steps to preserve your claim. First, inform your employer of your injury as soon as possible. Have them prepare an accident report. Take pictures of the equipment and make notes about what happened. You should seriously consider hiring an experienced injury attorney as there will likely be some kind of investigation into the safety of the product that will have to be taken on. Most importantly, get medical treatment for any injuries as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured by a defective product at work, you may want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Gregg Goldfarb has been helping the victims of defective products for over 25 years. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.