Johnsonville, SC Workplace Injury Lawyer

Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Johnsonville. When someone injures you at work, you might be left without a source of income at a time when you are facing significant medical expenses.

Fortunately, filing a lawsuit can help you recover the compensation you deserve. A lawsuit against the party responsible for your harm is often the best way to get reimbursed for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with these complex cases and can help you determine your options and how to achieve your legal goals. We know which parties to look at when a workplace accident occurs so that no defendant escapes justice.

Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers today at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review with our workplace injury lawyers.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Johnsonville, SC

Employees frequently suffer workplace injuries, which can jeopardize their long-term health. As such, workers should be mindful of various factors that can cause on-the-job injuries. If an accident does occur through no fault of your own, our workplace injury attorneys can help you get compensation regardless of the severity of your injury. The following are common ways injuries are caused in Johnsonville workplaces:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. These can occur because of various factors, such as wet or uneven surfaces, cluttered work areas, or inappropriate footwear. While some slip and fall accidents result in minor injuries, others can lead to severe harm, including fractures, head injuries, or even permanent disability.

Machinery Accidents

In workplaces with heavy machinery and equipment, accidents related to these tools are a significant risk. Workers can be injured if they are caught in or struck by moving parts, if they are hit by objects ejected from the equipment, or if the machinery malfunctions. These accidents can result in serious injuries, from broken bones and lacerations to amputations and fatalities.

Vehicle Accidents

For workers who drive as part of their job, vehicle accidents are a major hazard. These can be caused by unsafe driving conditions, driver fatigue, or distraction. Accidents involving company vehicles can result in severe injuries, raising complex questions about liability and Workers’ Compensation.

Falls from Heights

Falls from heights are a significant cause of workplace injuries, particularly in industries such as construction or maintenance. Workers can fall from ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or any elevated work area. These falls can result in serious injuries, including fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive strain or overuse injuries, occur when workers perform the same physical tasks repeatedly. These can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. Repetitive stress injuries can cause significant pain and disability, and they are often challenging to treat because of their chronic nature.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Finally, exposure to hazardous substances is a common cause of workplace injuries. Workers in certain industries might be exposed to harmful chemicals, dust, fumes, or radiation. This exposure can lead to a range of health problems, from skin and eye irritation to respiratory issues and cancer.

Parties that Can Be Held Liable in a Johnsonville, SC Lawsuit for Workplace Injuries

When workplace injuries occur, identifying all potentially liable parties can be a complex process. It often involves untangling a web of relationships between many different parties. The following parties are those commonly sued for workplace injuries in Johnsonville:

The Employer

The employer is the first and most obvious potential defendant in a lawsuit for workplace injuries. Employers have a legal duty to maintain a safe work environment, provide adequate training, and ensure that all safety regulations are adhered to. If an employer fails in these duties, they might be held liable for any resulting injuries. However, in many cases, Workers’ Compensation laws limit employees’ ability to sue their employer directly for injuries sustained on the job.

Co-Workers

In some situations, an employee might suffer from a workplace injury caused by their co-worker’s reckless or intentional actions. The co-worker might also be held responsible for the injury in such cases. However, co-workers are generally protected from lawsuits by Workers’ Compensation laws, which require employers to provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of fault.

That being said, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Suppose a co-worker’s behavior is particularly egregious or intentional. For example, if they intentionally caused harm to another employee, they might be subject to legal action and held financially liable for any damages caused.

Manufacturers of Defective Equipment

In cases where an employee sustains injuries while on the job because of defective machinery or equipment, it is possible to hold the manufacturer of that equipment responsible for the incident. According to product liability law, manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defects in the design, manufacturing process, or labeling of their products.

This means that if a machine was not designed properly if it was manufactured with faulty parts, or if the labeling failed to provide adequate warning of potential hazards, the manufacturer could be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

Property Owners

In cases where an injury is sustained by an employee on property that their employer does not own, the property owner might be held partially responsible for the incident. This is particularly true in cases where the injury was caused by poor maintenance or negligence on the property owner’s part.

For instance, if a worker slips and falls on poorly maintained stairs while making deliveries, the owner of the property where the delivery was made could potentially be held liable for the worker’s injury. It is, therefore, important for property owners to ensure that their premises are safe and properly maintained to avoid any accidents or injuries.

Third-Party Contractors

Third-party contractors are often hired in many workplaces to work alongside regular employees. This is especially common in construction sites where multiple contractors work simultaneously.

However, if these contractors create hazardous conditions that lead to injuries, they can potentially be held responsible for their negligence. For instance, if one contractor fails to follow safety protocols or neglects to properly secure equipment and materials, it could lead to an injury or accident that affects not only their own workers but also those of other contractors. In such cases, we can help investigate the root cause of the accident and determine all the parties responsible for the injury.

Our Johnsonville, SC Workplace Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get the Justice You Deserve

For a free case consultation with our workplace injury attorneys, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.

$6 Million

The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.

$4.1 Million

The Plaintiff was insured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.

$2 Million

The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.

$1.8 Million

The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.

$1.5 Million

The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.

$1.3 Million

The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.

$1.5 Million

The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.

$1.1 Million

The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.