Valparaiso Industrial Accident Lawyers Serving Indiana Clients
Experienced Porter County firm assists victims hurt in factories and warehouses
When you have been hurt in an Indiana industrial accident, the attorneys at Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC in Valparaiso are here to pursue appropriate compensation for you. Our law firm has stood up for injured workers throughout Porter County and the surrounding areas since 1961, ensuring they receive the strong advocacy they deserve following on-the-job accidents.
What is considered an industrial accident?
An industrial accident is a workplace incident that results in injury, death or illness. Industries where these accidents are especially common include manufacturing, construction, warehousing and transportation. Indiana employees can collect workers’ compensation benefits if they are hurt in an industrial accident during the course of their duties. Depending on the circumstances, injured parties may also be entitled to pursue personal injury claims to help pay for their damages.
Injuries caused by industrial accidents
Workplace accidents can result in serious and even catastrophic injuries. Common medical conditions associated with these incidents include the following:
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord damage
Bone fractures
Crush injuries
Burns and chemical injuries
- Amputations and disfigurement
These severe injuries can cause significant financial and emotional harm. We will help you evaluate your legal options as you move forward with your physical recovery.
Common causes of industrial accidents
Some workplace accidents are unavoidable, but many occur because of unsafe conditions and other forms of negligence. Our firm handles cases arising from preventable problems such as:
Defective machinery and equipment — Malfunctions stemming from design flaws, poor maintenance or improper operation can cause serious or fatal injuries without warning.
Lack of safety training — When training on how to properly use machinery, handle hazardous materials or set up equipment is rushed or nonexistent, accidents can result.
OSHA violations — Companies that do not comply with OSHA regulations, such as by not providing protective equipment or ignoring hazardous conditions, can be held accountable.
Our legal team will investigate what led to the incident where you were hurt and press to achieve a favorable resolution through a settlement or litigation.
Compensation available for industrial accident victims
In addition to getting workers’ comp medical and partial wage benefits, as the victim of an industrial accident you may be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim if a someone besides your employer or a co-worker was partly, or wholly, to blame for the incident. Damages could possibly include:
Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and future income
Permanent disablement
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Liable parties subject to third-party claims in these cases can include equipment manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors and property owners. If your employer does not provide workers’ comp, which most are required to do in Indiana, or intentionally caused your injuries, you may be entitled to file a claim against them.
Frequently asked questions about industrial accidents
How long do I have to file an industrial accident claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for workplace injury claims varies depending on the type of claim. Generally, job-related injuries must be reported to the claimant’s employer within 30 days of the incident, while the claim has to be filed within two years. The standard personal injury statute of limitations is also two years. However, it is best to contact an attorney promptly to ensure your rights are protected, because there are exceptions to the general rules.
Can I get compensation if my family member died in an industrial accident?
Surviving dependents receive death benefits through the workers’ compensation system following a fatal industrial accident. These include partial wage replacement and up to $10,000 for funeral and burial expenses. Bereaved loved ones might also be able to obtain loss of love and companionship and other damages a wrongful death lawsuit. The payment available to you depends on your relationship to the decedent and the specific circumstances of their workplace death.
Contact an accomplished Valparaiso law firm for assistance
For 65 years, Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC in Valparaiso has successfully represented individuals and their families in workers’ compensation, personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from industrial accidents. Please call us at {PHONE} or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
