Queens Manufacturing Accident Lawyer

Helping Manufacturing Workers Receive Compensation in New York

Most manufacturing workers are covered by workers’ compensation in New York. This applies to anyone who is classified as an “employee,” as opposed to an “independent contractor,” whether they work part-time, full-time, or seasonally.

If you were injured on the job or suffered a work-related medical condition, reach out to our Queens manufacturing accident lawyers at the Harris Firm, LLC. With over 28 years of experience, our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the state’s workers’ compensation laws and can help you understand your legal rights and options. Our firm is known for our aggressive approach to negotiation and litigation, as well as for making insurance companies pay our clients every last cent they are owed. We are proud to stand up for the rights of factory workers, plant managers, technicians, and other manufacturing workers and are ready to fight for you and your benefits.

Contact us online or call (718) 487-8669 to schedule a free consultation with our manufacturing accident lawyer in Queens. We have two offices located in the Bronx and Queens and can travel to you if necessary.

Types of Manufacturing Workers We Help

At the Harris Firm, LLC, we proudly represent all types of manufacturing workers in Queens, the Bronx, and all of New York City. If you were hurt on the job or suffered any type of work-related injury, illness, or health condition, our Queens manufacturing workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help you with your claim.

We have successfully represented the following types of manufacturing workers and others:

• Factory workers
• Warehouse workers
• Plant managers
• Quality control inspectors
• Manufacturing technicians
• Packaging engineers
• Welders
• Assemblers
• Woodworkers
• Commercial bakers
• Tailors
• Millwrights
• Boiler makers

If you are classified as an employee (most manufacturing workers are), and you were injured or became ill due to your employment, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This includes compensation for medical expenses, wage replacement, and more. We have extensive experience assisting clients with complex workers’ comp matters, including employee misclassification and uninsured employers. Reach out to our team at the Harris Firm, LLC to discuss your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.

About the Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry involves the production of goods through the conversion of raw materials, components, or parts into finished products. This process typically includes various stages, such as design, fabrication, assembly, and quality assurance. The manufacturing sector is a crucial component of the global economy, as it produces a wide range of products that serve as the foundation for numerous other industries.

Common types of manufacturing work can be categorized based on the nature of the products being made. Here are some common types:

• Heavy Machinery Manufacturing: Involves the production of large-scale machinery and equipment used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Focuses on the production of automobiles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and their components.
• Electronics Manufacturing: Involves the assembly and production of electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, appliances, and other consumer electronics.
• Aerospace Manufacturing: Deals with the production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related components.
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing: Encompasses the production of food and beverages, including processing, packaging, and distribution.
• Textile and Apparel Manufacturing: Involves the creation of textiles and clothing items, from the raw materials to the finished products.
• Chemical Manufacturing: Includes the production of chemicals for various applications, such as pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Focuses on the production of pharmaceutical drugs and medications.
• Plastics and Rubber Manufacturing: Involves the processing of raw materials into plastic and rubber products, including packaging materials, containers, and various industrial products.
• Metal Fabrication: Encompasses the shaping, cutting, and assembly of metal components to create products ranging from small parts to large structures.
• Wood and Furniture Manufacturing: Involves the production of wood-based products, including furniture, cabinetry, and other wooden goods.
• Paper and Printing Industry: Encompasses the manufacturing of paper products and the printing of various materials, including books, newspapers, and packaging.
• Construction and Building Material Manufacturing: Includes the production of materials like cement, bricks, glass, and other construction-related products.
• Energy Equipment Manufacturing:
• Involves the production of equipment used in the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy, such as turbines and solar panels.
• Medical Equipment Manufacturing: Focuses on the production of medical devices and equipment used in healthcare settings.

Common Manufacturing Accidents & Injuries

Manufacturing workers spend long hours completing tasks, operating machinery, and working in hazardous environments. As a result, they are susceptible to a wide range of workplace accidents and catastrophic injuries.

Some of the most common manufacturing accidents and injuries include:

• Overexertion: Manufacturing jobs typically require a high level of stamina and strength. Workers frequently must be on their feet for hours at a time, lift heavy objects, and complete repetitive tasks. As a result, overexertion and overuse are two of the most common manufacturing-related injuries.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Factory employees and other manufacturing workers are often required to complete the same tasks hundreds or even thousands of times a day. Over time, this can lead to serious repetitive motion injuries (also known as repetitive strain injuries). Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Slip, trip, and fall accidents are among the most common workplace accidents across all industries, and the manufacturing industry is no exception. Workers who slip and fall in warehouses, factories, and other manufacturing facilities may suffer significant injuries, including bone fractures, head injuries, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
• Sprains and Strains: Often resulting from overuse or overexertion, sprains and strains can be debilitating. Some manufacturing workers may suffer these types of injuries due to improper lifting, misuse of machinery, slips and falls, or other related incidents. In any case, a worker who suffers a sprain or strain on the job or in relation to their work may qualify for workers’ comp.
• Being Struck by Falling Objects: Another common industrial accident is known as a “struck-by” injury. These occur when workers are hit by objects that fall or are dropped from higher levels. Such accidents often have catastrophic consequences, leading to serious head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, crush injuries, and even fatalities.
• Burn Injuries: Fires and explosions are common causes of severe burn injuries in factories, warehouses, and other manufacturing facilities. However, workers may also suffer significant burns when handling heated objects or substances, hot equipment, flammable materials, and other hazardous items.
• Hearing Loss: Factories, warehouses, and other industrial settings are often extremely noisy. Workers should be provided with proper protective equipment, but this does not always eliminate the risk of hearing damage. Workers who suffer hearing loss, whether partial or total, in relation to their employment typically qualify for workers’ compensation.
• Toxic Exposure: Manufacturing workers are also often required to handle hazardous substances and materials, such as toxic chemicals. An accident, such as a chemical spill or improper handling of hazardous materials, can have devastating consequences. Workers may be severely injured or may develop various health conditions as a result of toxic exposure.
• Vehicle Accidents: Warehouse workers, factory workers, and other manufacturing workers often use forklifts and other similar vehicles on the job. When accidents occur, workers can be severely injured. Vehicle-related accidents can lead to bone fractures, lacerations, contusions, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
• Machinery Accidents: Another common type of manufacturing accident is machinery accidents. Workers are often required to operate complex equipment and heavy machinery, which can be extremely hazardous. Examples of machinery accidents in the manufacturing industry include machine entanglement, crush injuries, caught-between accidents, and defective equipment.

Whether you were injured in an on-the-job accident or were diagnosed with a health condition related to years of harmful exposure or repetitive motions, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Reach out to our attorneys at the Harris Firm, LLC for aggressive and knowledgeable legal representation. Your initial consultation is free.

Who is Liable for Manufacturing Accidents?

Liability for a manufacturing accident can extend to various parties depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Identifying the responsible parties is crucial for determining liability and seeking compensation for injuries or damages.

Here are some key parties that may be held liable for a manufacturing accident:

• Manufacturer: The primary responsibility often lies with the manufacturer of the product or equipment involved in the accident. If a defect in the design, manufacturing process, or warning labels contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
• Product Designer: If the design of the product is inherently flawed and leads to an accident, the designer or design team may be held liable for negligence in creating a product with foreseeable risks.
• Supplier or Distributor: The party responsible for supplying or distributing the faulty product may also be held liable. This is particularly relevant if the defect occurred during the distribution process and contributed to the accident.
• Retailer: In some cases, retailers may be held liable if they were aware of a product defect and continued to sell it without warning consumers. Retailers have a responsibility to ensure the products they sell are safe for use.
• Employer: The employer can be held liable for manufacturing accidents, especially if the accident resulted from unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or a failure to provide necessary safety equipment. Employers have a duty to maintain a safe workplace.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: If the manufacturing process involves subcontractors or contractors, they may be held liable for accidents that occur due to their negligence or errors during the production or assembly process.
• Maintenance and Service Providers: If the accident is a result of poor maintenance or servicing of equipment, the party responsible for these tasks may be held liable for negligence.
• Inspection and Testing Agencies: Organizations responsible for inspecting and testing products may be held liable if they fail to identify defects or safety issues during their evaluations.
• Government Agencies: Regulatory bodies responsible for ensuring product safety may be held accountable if there is evidence of negligence in enforcing safety standards or if there is a failure to adequately address known risks.
• Third Parties: Entities unrelated to the manufacturing process, such as contractors, suppliers, or service providers, may also be held liable if their actions or negligence contribute to the accident.

Determining liability in manufacturing accidents is often a complex process that involves careful investigation, legal expertise, and consideration of various factors. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. Therefore, not only could you seek workers' compensation benefits, but you may also file a personal injury lawsuit to maximize your award.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Manufacturing Accident Claim?

Recovering damages in a manufacturing accident claim can help alleviate financial burdens and provide resources for long-term recovery. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: Medical costs following a manufacturing accident can quickly accumulate. Compensation may cover emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing treatments necessary for recovery.
• Lost Wages: Manufacturing accident injuries often require victims to take time off work to recover. Compensation for lost wages can help cover the income lost during this time. If the injury impacts your ability to work in the future, damages may also include projected future earnings, providing long-term financial support.
• Pain and Suffering: A manufacturing accident's physical and emotional toll can be immense. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the psychological impact of the injury, including emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Severe manufacturing accidents can result in permanent disability or disfigurement, limiting a victim’s ability to return to work or perform daily activities. Compensation for disability or disfigurement accounts for the long-term impact on your life and career.
• Loss of Consortium: Manufacturing accidents can lead to a loss of companionship or support for spouses and family members. Loss of consortium damages acknowledge the changes in relationships caused by the injury.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

Contact Our Queens Manufacturing Accident Lawyer Today

At the Harris Firm, LLC, we are proud to represent injured workers and their families. We have extensive experience going up against employers and their insurance companies, and we are prepared to aggressively advocate for the maximum benefits you are entitled to receive. If you are experiencing any issues with your workers’ compensation claim—from an uninsured employer to a disputed medical condition to a denial of benefits—do not hesitate to get in touch with us right away.

Unlike many other law firms in the area that accept workers’ compensation cases only to refer them out, we handle all workers’ comp matters in-house. Our Queens manufacturing accident attorneys provide direct, personalized representation, and our multilingual staff can assist you in the language you are most comfortable with, including Spanish, Russian, French, and Bengali/Vangia. We have two convenient locations in the city, but we can also travel to your home or visit you in the hospital if your injuries prevent you from coming to us.

There is no cost for you unless we win your case. Contact us today at (718) 487-8669 to learn more during a free and private consultation with our Queens manufacturing accident attorney.