Workplace Injuries
Cleveland attorneys handling construction accidents, explosions, machine injuries and more throughout Ohio
Injuries at work happen fast. In an instant, you or a loved one can sustain a serious personal injury that prevents you from being able to work or function normally for weeks or months or sometimes even permanently.
If you need to find solutions, an experienced Ohio workplace injury attorney is ready to help you. We are well-versed in the state’s unique workplace accident laws and will do the hard work needed to resolve your case successfully.
At Merriman Legal, LLC, our knowledgeable legal team has years of experience handling on-the-job accident cases in Cleveland, Columbus and throughout Ohio. That’s why families throughout the state routinely rely on us to help them get the compensation they rightfully deserve for their workplace accident.
We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients, including a $4.53 million settlement in a workplace injury claim. The case is Michael Hippo v. ABC Company. The plaintiff fell 14 feet, landing on his head. He suffered post-traumatic seizures and a subsequent behavior disorder. He alleged negligence on the part of a third-party subcontractor.
What are common causes of workplace injuries?
There are many different types of workplace injuries and accidents, but the following are some of the common cases we handle at our law firm:
Whatever the circumstances for your workplace accident, no matter how complicated or straightforward your case might seem, our law firm can offer you advice about how to best proceed with your case. We know Ohio’s workplace accident rules and regulations inside out.
Am I eligible for workers’ compensation if I’m hurt at work?
In most cases, yes. Any business in Ohio with employees must have an active workers’ compensation policy that provides insurance for employees. Workers’ comp covers payment of medical bills, compensation for lost wages, permanent injuries and settlements. However, there are certain circumstances in which you might be entitled to compensation that goes beyond a standard workers’ compensation claim. One example involves an injury you sustain at work caused by someone other than your employer – such as an employee of another company or a defective product that was used in your workplace.
Accidents involving "third parties" often occur at construction sites, where several different companies may be working at the same time at the same location. A third-party liability claim allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit against that negligent entity. You may be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.
Third party workplace accident cases can be extremely complicated. Our attorneys have handled these cases regularly in the past and can work with you to make sure your case receives the attention it rightfully deserves.
Can I sue my employer if I’m injured at work in Ohio?
In most cases, you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer for your workplace injury. The workers’ compensation law is designed to protect your employer from lawsuits. However, there are instances in which you can take legal action against your company. These include if your company broke any health or safety laws, failed to inform you about any risks (such as hazardous materials) posed by your work or created the hazards by removing safety guards leading to injury.
Never simply take your employer’s word that they followed the law and you have no legal recourse against them. Always consult with an attorney after your workplace accident. You could have a legitimate legal case against your employer.
Why do I need an attorney for my workplace injury accident?
There are so many reasons why you need an attorney on your side after your workplace accident. First and foremost, it’s always beneficial to have an attorney who represents you and no one else handling the details of your case.
An experienced Ohio workplace accident attorney can also explain all the legal options available to you. That way, you can decide how you want to proceed based on knowledgeable advice instead of your employer’s opinions.
Contact Merriman Legal, LLC, and learn more about how our legal team can help you. Call 866-823-3332 and schedule a no cost consultation with our law firm. We can meet with you in our Cleveland office, your home, your hospital room or wherever’s convenient for you.
Construction sites in Ohio can be dangerous places. Serious or even fatal accidents often occur during construction work. In an instant, you or a loved one can sustain an injury that temporarily or permanently affects your ability to work for weeks or months or the rest of your working life. Common causes of construction accidents include:
- Inexperienced workers – Construction equipment can be complicated to operate. That’s why construction workers need to be properly trained to operate a forklift, backhoe, crane, steamroller and other large pieces of construction equipment.
- Unlicensed workers – Many different types of construction equipment require workers to undergo rigorous training in order to learn how to correctly operate such equipment. Some construction companies cut corners and fail to train workers, resulting in serious accidents.
- Distracted workers – Construction workers not focused on their work often cause accidents. That’s why it’s critical that people working at a construction site pay attention to everyone working around them.
- Improper safety protocols – Falls from unsecured scaffolding, people being crushed by improperly secured materials and other serious construction accidents often occur when construction companies fail to follow rules and regulations designed to protect workers. Failure to lock out or tag out equipment not in use can also foreseeably lead to harm. Such safety violations need to be taken seriously right from the start.
- Defective equipment – Construction equipment needs to be at peak performance in order to prevent accidents from occurring. Unfortunately, some construction equipment has flaws or is not maintained properly. Such cases can be extremely complicated, especially since many construction companies often deny wrongdoing. Put our experience and resources to work for you. Contact an experienced construction accident attorney today.
- Removal of Safety Guards/Equipment – In some workplaces, efforts to speed production and avoid delays lead employers to remove safety equipment or guards intended to keep workers safe. Securing and documenting the worksite and the equipment on site is critical to the success of these cases. OSHA may help in these situations. However, it’s best to get qualified and experienced attorneys on board as soon as possible in these cases.
- Toxic Exposure – A worker may be seriously injured because of exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Potentially dangerous chemicals and products include paints, fuels, asbestos, benzene, pesticides, silica, PCB’s, among other substances. Exposures can lead to chemical burns or life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
Explosions at work can occur for a variety of reasons. These include defective equipment, improperly maintained machines or inexperienced workers. Whatever the reason, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, and then contact our law firm as soon as possible.
Like many other workplace accidents, evidence in explosion cases often needs to be gathered and analyzed right away. That’s especially true since some employers might try to dispose of such evidence in an attempt to avoid a complicated, legal case.
Destroying evidence of a workplace explosion should never be tolerated. If we represent you,. we can help you take legal action against your employer if they attempt to destroy evidence or obstruct any investigations into your accident and will file legal claims requesting punitive damages for such actions where evidence is spoiled by the defendant. Your best interests always come first here.
Industrial machines operated by workers can be dangerous and present a potentially serious hazard to the people operating such equipment. Given the power and force of such large machines, severe injuries often occur on the job due to such equipment.
Some of the most common injuries caused by large machines at work include:
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Crushed by machine
- Electrocution injuries
- Death
- Paralysis
Whatever type of machine injury you’re dealing with at work in Ohio, contact our law firm today and discover what Merriman Legal, LLC, can do for you.
