Few areas are more dangerous than industrial sites. The potential for serious injuries on the job or as a third party affected by an accident is high. Workers are particularly at risk of injuries caused by third parties such as contractors and non-employees. However, anyone in the vicinity of a worksite could be affected by an accident.
After this type of incident, talk to a Huntsville industrial accident lawyer about your options for pursuing compensation. The skilled attorneys at the Blackwell Law Firm could review your case and help you recover from your losses.
Types of Industrial Accidents in Huntsville
The areas in and around Huntsville contain various industrial sites. Across northern Alabama, our cities and towns are growing. When an accident occurs on these sites, not only are the people on the premises likely to be affected, but so could the surrounding area and its residents. Workers and contractors exposed to these dangers may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit when a third party is responsible for their injuries.
Accidents commonly occurring on industrial sites include:
- Explosions and fires
- Exposure to dangerous materials
- Hazardous gas inhalation
- Unsafe working conditions
- Exposure to products that cause cancer
- Electrocution
- Thermal or chemical burns
- Machinery malfunctions
These dangerous conditions create the potential for severe injuries. Anyone who suffered injuries on an industrial site should work with an experienced attorney in the area on a claim for damages.
Third-Party Claims for Industrial Accidents
Employees working on an industrial site owned by their employer could pursue payment through the workers’ compensation system. This system limits recoverable damages and requires certain procedures. If injured on an industrial site, you need a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to maximize your medical and disability benefits. However, many industrial accidents are also caused by third parties. That is, someone other than your own employer caused the accident. In these cases, a third-party claim may permit an injured worker to collect substantial compensation from the negligent party.
Like typical personal injury claims, third-party lawsuits are not subject to the limits imposed by the workers’ compensation system. This means that an injured person could receive pain and suffering damages for their industrial site accident. This may substantially affect the amount of damages available in the claim, especially for severe injuries. Our Huntsville industrial accident attorneys could help injured people pursue the maximum compensation available in their case. We have represented working men and women across northern Alabama in serious industrial accident cases for many years. We understand the issues.
Mixed Liability Cases for Industrial Site Employees
Other situations may present a mixed liability situation between the third party and the plaintiff’s employer. When this is the case, Ala. Code § 25-5-11 allows the plaintiff to hold both parties responsible through the appropriate legal mechanisms. This is to prevent parties from claiming that workers’ compensation limits recovery when a third party is also liable for the incident.
Cases of joint liability may significantly complicate an already complex legal claim. A dedicated lawyer experienced in Huntsville industrial accident claims could help navigate the complexities. In these cases, you need a skilled trial attorney who understands both personal injury claims and workers’ compensation claims. The claims often overlap and impact each other. You want an attorney who can pursue your claims in a manner that maximizes your total recovery.
Work with an Industrial Accident Attorney in Huntsville
Regardless of the extent of your injuries, an industrial site accident may entitle you to compensation. Many cases can be handled without ever going to trial through settlement. Others may require proving the case at trial.
Our attorneys understand industrial safety issues and standards. We have handled serious industrial accident cases across northern Alabama. We have experience working with OSHA standards and are experienced with safety rules.
In either case, a skilled Huntsville industrial accident lawyer is prepared to assist you and fight for your best interests. Contact the Blackwell Law Firm today to set up a free consultation about your case. We are here to listen to your situation and help you get the compensation you need for your losses.