Equipment Accidents

A workplace accident involving equipment can turn an ordinary workday into a life-altering crisis. In an instant, a machine malfunction, a mechanical failure, or an employer’s failure to maintain equipment properly can result in catastrophic injuries. Equipment accidents can cause severe harm, including crushed limbs, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, all of which can greatly impact an employee’s ability to earn a living. Fortunately, Maryland’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits for employees injured while working, and anyone involved in equipment accidents should talk to an attorney about their rights. The seasoned Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. are proficient at handling complicated workers’ compensation claims, and if you or a loved one suffered an injury from an equipment accident, we can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.

Equipment accidents occur in various work environments, from large industrial job sites to small businesses that utilize specialized machinery. Some of the most common causes of equipment accidents include machine malfunctions, lack of proper safety training, defective products, inadequate maintenance, and employer negligence. Workers in high-risk industries face daily exposure to hazardous equipment, including forklifts, conveyor belts, power saws, cranes, and commercial vehicles, all of which pose significant dangers when safety protocols are ignored.

The consequences of an equipment accident can extend far beyond the immediate physical injury. Workers often face weeks, months, or even years of recovery, requiring extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Many injured employees are forced to take extended time off work, and some may never regain their full physical capabilities, making it impossible to return to their prior jobs.

Maryland’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide financial and medical support for employees who suffer work-related injuries, regardless of fault. Employees injured in equipment accidents are generally eligible for several types of benefits.

Medical benefits cover necessary treatments, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical devices. Disability benefits provide wage replacement to workers who cannot return to their jobs or perform their prior job duties.

Temporary total disability benefits are available for workers who are completely unable to work for a period of time while recovering. These benefits typically cover two-thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly wage, allowing them to maintain financial stability while they heal. Temporary partial disability benefits are available for employees who can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than they did before their injury. These benefits help bridge the income gap until the worker is fully recovered.

For those who suffer permanent impairments, permanent partial disability or permanent total disability benefits may be available. Permanent partial disability benefits compensate workers who have sustained lasting impairments but are still capable of performing some level of work. The amount and duration of these benefits depend on the severity of the disability and the affected body part. Permanent total disability benefits are awarded to workers whose injuries prevent them from engaging in any gainful employment.

If an injured worker is unable to return to their previous role, vocational rehabilitation services may provide job retraining, career counseling, and assistance in finding alternative employment. Additionally, death benefits can provide financial assistance to surviving family members if a worker is fatally injured in an equipment accident, helping to cover funeral expenses and providing ongoing support.

Equipment accidents can leave workers facing devastating injuries and financial uncertainty. If you or a loved one has been injured in an equipment-related workplace accident, it is critical to talk to an attorney about what you can do to protect your rights. The skilled Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., are committed to helping injured workers obtain the full benefits and compensation they deserve, and we can aid you in seeking any benefits you may be owed. Our firm is based in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we proudly serve injured workers in Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across the state of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or call us at (301) 441-2022.