As an industrial worker, you often serve as the backbone of the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, that often comes with a price. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing and trade, transportation, and utility industries accounted for 50% of occupational illnesses and injuries in Nebraska in 2018.
Have you been injured as a result of your workplace’s negligence? You can hold your employer accountable with the help of an industrial injury attorney. At Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., we have over 40 years of experience representing Nebraska clients in their personal injury cases. For over four decades, our firm has provided dedicated legal counsel to clients throughout the area, including Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, and Lancaster County. Contact our office in Omaha today to schedule a free case consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your case.
Industrial industries generally occur at worksites such as refineries and manufacturing plants. The heavy machinery and equipment they require can pose serious dangers to their employees. An act of negligence or equipment defects can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some common examples of industrial injuries include:
If you’ve been injured at your industrial worksite, you may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your options.
When putting together your industrial injury case, one of the most important first steps is to establish fault. You must consider all possible parties that could be held liable for your accident, including:
Your employer – Did they maintain a safe workplace? Do they carry workers’ compensation insurance?
Your coworkers – Did they operate heavy machinery while fatigued or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication?
Manufacturers – Did a member of the chain of distribution supply your workplace with defective machinery, parts, or tools?
When determining fault, Nebraska abides by the comparative negligence law. This means a plaintiff’s compensation would be diminished proportionally if he or she is found to have some level of liability for the accident. For example, if you are found to be 20% liable for your industrial injury, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This means that if you are awarded $100,000 in compensation, you would only be able to collect $80,000 since you were found to be 20% liable for the accident. If it is determined that you were 50% or more liable for the accident, you may not be eligible to recover any damages.
Hiring an industrial injuries attorney can simplify the claim-filing process. At Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., we’re well versed in Nebraska workers’ compensation laws and can handle all of the paperwork needed to file a claim. We’re also happy to answer any questions or concerns that you have along the way, so you can feel confident knowing we’ll investigate all avenues for possible compensation.
The Nebraska Department of Administrative Services oversees the state’s workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides the following to employees who were injured at work and were not willfully negligent:
Indemnity, or compensation for lost wages. Nebraska pays out two-thirds of an injured employee’s average income after a seven-day waiting period.
Medical expenses directly related to the injury. These benefits may cover ambulance and emergency services, hospital stays, X-rays, surgeries, prescription medications, and more.
Vocational rehabilitation, which helps place injured employees in new positions when their injuries prevent them from returning to their previous jobs.
Despite state-provided benefits, workers’ compensation insurance does not cover every loss you may suffer as a result of your industrial injury. It fails to account for non-economic damages. If your insurance provider has paid out its maximums, you might consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to pursue additional compensation or benefits.
An attorney can be a valuable resource for you when filing an industrial injury claim. Your attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for:
Additional medical expenses, including future medical costs in the event of a permanent disability
Additional lost wages beyond workers’ comp coverage
Lost earning capacity in the event of a permanent disability
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium (losses filed by a family member or loved one)
If you or someone you know has been injured in an industrial accident, contact Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O. in Omaha, Nebraska, for the legal representation you deserve. When you bring your industrial injury case to us, we’ll work with you to evaluate the details of your case, file an insurance claim, and help you determine the best path forward.
At the end of the day, you deserve to have reliable legal counsel on your side working to protect your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve. Turn to the experienced legal counsel of Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O. today to get the representation you need. We’ve been serving clients just like you for over 40 years, and we proudly serve individuals across the Omaha area, including Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, and Lancaster County. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.