Tennessee Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can be deadly – but tragically, most are preventable if employers and equipment manufacturers follow proper safety regulations. The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton have represented many workers across East Tennessee suffering from serious injury caused by accidents on worksites – and we know the emotional, physical and financial challenges faced by our injured clients.
Workplace injuries happen in all industries, but some are more prone to safety issues than others. OSHA violations at construction sites often leave room for serious accidents – and equipment malfunctions such as faulty cranes, ladders or electrical tools can lead to severe injuries. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development reported 22 fatalities in the construction industry in 2006, as well as 1,940 injuries that resulted in at least one day of missed work.
Mine safety has improved over the past decades, but coal and zinc miners continue to face multiple hazards including:
- Collapse of walls or coal stockpiles
- Derailer and Haulage Track Design Defect
- Runaway Mine Car
- Methane Explosion
- Roof Falls
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Crush Injuries from mining equipment
- Failure to Train Personnel
- Silica Dust (Coal Dust)
Manufacturing workers in all industries handle dangerous equipment and situations on a daily basis, providing frequent opportunity for serious accident and injury. Some of the more devastating types of injuries include spinal and head trauma, broken bones, paralysis, and even death. Ten deaths and 5,640 injuries were recorded in manufacturing jobs during 2006, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Injured workers may be out of work permanently, and the Workers' Compensation claim process can be confusing to navigate without proper preparation. In cases of equipment malfunction or other injuries involving an element outside the worker's employer, another company may be responsible. A third party suit can yield damages that will probably exceed what a worker could collect in Workers’ Compensation, especially if the injuries involved are serious or catastrophic. However, victims cannot collect any damages without understanding the system and their rights.
If you have suffered from a serious workplace injury, you may have questions about your legal options – when you need answers and assistance, the workplace injury attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton are ready to help. We know how to promptly investigate the details of your accident to determine if any regulations were violated and who was at fault. We can file the appropriate claims quickly and effectively while you concentrate on your medical recovery. For assistance with a workplace injury claim, or to schedule an evaluation of your case, call 1-800-518-3779. We serve clients in East Tennessee, including Morristown, Knoxville, Knox County, Rogersville, Hamblen County, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Newport, Johnson City and Kingsport.
