Malfunctioning Equipment & Workplace Injuries

Whether it’s in the workplace or in our day-to-day lives, machinery plays an important part of our lives and that machinery may need occasional maintenance to keep it safe to use, or be replaced if repairs can’t be made. For example, if you notice problems with the brakes on your car, it’s important to bring it in for a mechanic for repairs right away so that the brakes don’t fail and cause a car accident. 

Very often, people have jobs that require them to work with powerful pieces of machinery, such as factory workers, construction workers, maritime workers, landscapers, and garbage collectors, just to name a few. And given how powerful that machinery can be, it’s absolutely critical for employers to make sure their equipment is getting the maintenance it needs or completely removed from use if repairs are no longer practical. 

It’s important to note that this also applies to other types of equipment people might need to use at work that isn’t machinery. Things like ladders, fall prevention gear, and other protective equipment can all develop wear and tear over time and make it more prone to failure. A worn-out, damaged harness, for instance, could break while in use and cause a fall rather than prevent one.

If machinery and other equipment in the workplace isn’t regularly inspected and repaired or replaced, the results can be catastrophic for the workers who need to use it. Depending on the type of equipment involved, a lack of maintenance could lead to a worker being crushed by a piece of machinery or cause other types of injuries like cuts, eye injuries, and broken bones. In some cases, malfunctioning equipment can cause people to lose limbs or fingers. Electrocutions and burns are also commonly linked to equipment malfunctions. 

In some cases, an equipment malfunction may not necessarily be the fault of the employer. If a piece of equipment was defectively designed or manufactured, or did not come with adequate instructions for safe usage, it could potentially be grounds for a defective product lawsuit. 

Contact a Michigan Workplace Injury Lawyer

Workplace injury cases can be complex, so it’s important to have a lawyer on your side who is experienced in handling workers compensation claims. At Scott Goodwin Law, you’ll be able to get help from lawyers who have helped victims of workplace accidents in the State of Michigan. We also have experience handling defective product lawsuits, so whether your injury was caused by poorly maintained equipment or a defective product, we can help you go after the appropriate parties so that you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case and find out how we can help you.