Factory jobs can be very dangerous. Mills, lathes, drill presses, extruders and large saws can cut or crush in a fraction of a second. Forklift loads can shift or knock something over. Chemicals can be spilled or used incorrectly. Equipment maintenance and safe use practices are critically important and most plant owners do their best. However, business owners do let maintenance slide at times, especially if they are under financial pressure. They may know that a part is worn, but want to try to get by for another week or two. A piece of equipment is overdue to be taken off the line for scheduled maintenance, but they put it off rather than lose the production. There is no intent to hurt anyone, but it happens anyway.
The guy working on the machine usually knows that it isn’t working properly. He knows that he has to adjust to the machine, even if it means that he cannot perform his job in the safest way. Jobs are hard to get, and he can’t afford to lose this one. He may or may not have told the boss about the machine, but he has complained to his co-workers and his wife. Then one day he leans too far, a machine part suffering from metal fatigue suddenly shatters, sending shrapnel-like pieces into his face and body.
After the ambulance ride and the surgery, he finds himself alone in his hospital room some afternoon, wondering how he’ll be able to support his family. The doctor isn’t sure about the vision in one eye and he has nerve damage in one hand. The insurance company contacted his wife, but he’s not sure if he’s ready to sign a release yet. One of his buddies said that he should talk to a lawyer first and find out what his rights are. Maybe he should…
Matkoff, Shengold, Burke, London, Blyweiss, & Arbitter, P.C. focus their practice in the areas of personal injury law, family law and criminal defense. They offer their personal and affordable service to their clients from their three offices in Havertown/Upper Darby, Philadelphia and Bensalem. Free consultations are available, including visits to injured clients in their homes or the hospital when necessary.
