Common Types of Industrial Accidents and What to Do After One

In 2024, nearly 2.5 million workplace illnesses and injuries were reported by employers. While workers’ compensation insurance covers most workplace injuries, there are some instances where a personal injury lawsuit may be an option against a negligent third party. Examples might include a defective product recall that wasn’t communicated or a contractor’s negligence that created an unsafe work environment.

Industrial accidents can lead to lost work, sizable medical bills, and lifelong harm. People who suffer injuries due to another party’s negligence do not have to handle the legal process alone.

If you suspect your industrial accident may have been caused by negligence, consider speaking to an experienced attorney. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to help injured individuals understand their legal options in Virginia.

What is an industrial accident?

Industrial accidents are incidents that cause harm or death to someone involved. This could be workers, visitors, or members of the public. Industrial accidents happen in many types of workplaces, including:

• Construction sites
• Manufacturing plants
• Warehouses
• Office buildings
• Oil rigs
• Mines

Environments with chemicals, heavy equipment, or other machinery are more at risk for industrial accidents.

Most common injuries

Industrial injuries range from mild to severe, and some incidents can be fatal. The types of injuries vary based on the work environment, but some of the most common injuries seen include:

Loss of body parts

Some industrial workplace accidents result in the loss of body parts. Lost body parts can have a long-term, life-changing impact on individuals.

Back injuries

Back injuries are a common injury in the workplace. In industrial environments, back injuries can result from heavy lifting, falls, or inadequate training. Back injuries range in severity, depending on the individual and the cause.

Traumatic brain injuries

Any injury to the head could result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), depending on the severity. Falls, falling objects, and building collapses are common causes of TBIs. TBIs can lead to long-term or permanent issues for some injured people.

Broken bones

Falls, faulty equipment, and other situations may lead to broken bones. Some people experience clean breaks, while others are faced with surgeries and therapies to repair the damage.

Burns

Electrical issues, chemicals, and fires may lead to burns. Some burn accidents are severe and lead to life-long scarring and changed lives.

Long-term, permanent illnesses

Exposure to chemical or toxin leaks or spills, improper usage of safety equipment, and unsafe environments may lead to permanent illnesses. These could include cancer, loss of hearing or sight, or respiratory issues.

What causes industrial accidents?

Industrial accidents may be true accidents for which no one is at fault. Or they may be caused by negligence. Some common causes of industrial accidents are listed below:

• Unsafe environments
• Lack of safety procedures
• Faulty or malfunctioning equipment
• Failed safety equipment
• Horseplay
• Collisions
• Inclement or severe weather
• Lack of proper training
• Unsupervised stations
• Unmaintained equipment
• Falls
• Fires
• Explosions
• Chemical leaks or spills
• Structural issues, such as collapses
• Falling objects or materials
• Electrical issues

If you experienced an industrial accident and suspect negligence, we encourage you to reach out to Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers to discuss the specific details.

How to prevent an industrial accident

Employees can help prevent industrial accidents by taking training seriously and alerting decision-makers to hazardous conditions. Following the company’s protocols is the best way to prevent accidents.

Employers must comply with OSHA safety regulations, and workers should follow workplace safety training and procedures. If a company isn’t following OSHA regulations, these safety hazards can be reported.

Steps to take after an industrial accident

The moments after an industrial accident may be traumatizing and chaotic. People should keep in mind these important steps after an incident:

Alert leadership

Immediately after an industrial accident, the injured person should alert leadership. It’s important to follow company processes regarding reporting and documenting injuries.

Seek medical care

After alerting leadership of the accident, seeking medical care is the next step. Injured individuals should complete all required diagnostic tests and treatments issued by a medical provider. This includes follow-up appointments.

Maintain proper documentation

It’s essential to maintain documentation after an industrial incident. This includes paperwork about workers’ compensation benefits, medical visits, and communications with the company after an industrial accident. Documentation is a critical component in proving the severity of an incident.

An industrial accident attorney can help clients through this step. They can educate clients on what documentation is important and guide them through collecting the correct paperwork. They can also explain the legal options available for each unique case.

Obtain legal representation if needed

If someone suspects an industrial accident was due to negligence, faulty equipment, or another preventable reason, they should consult an attorney. In some instances, people may be able to file lawsuits against manufacturers or contractors if negligence caused the accident.

It’s difficult to know what options are available, especially when healing from a severe injury. A seasoned attorney educates and guides clients through this process.

How can a personal injury lawyer help clients?

Industrial accidents due to neglect can lead to serious harm or even death. In these cases, a personal injury attorney can help clients fight for their rights. An industrial accident attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies, what documentation is needed, and how to advocate for their clients in court. If you’ve suffered an accident due to negligence, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney to understand your legal options.

Contact Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation

Clients don’t have to go through an industrial accident alone. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we help our clients through the legal process with compassion and knowledge. Our team is there for them every step of the way, supporting and advocating for our clients’ rights. If you would like a free case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers, contact us today.