Los Angeles Defective Press Machine Injury Lawyer
We represent workers injured in accidents with defective press machines throughout California
A punch press is a machine that molds metal, typically used in the manufacture of parts for large machines or vehicles. It takes an extreme amount of force to form metal, and if this force and power goes awry, it can result in serious and catastrophic injury to the user or the people around them. Manufacturers of industrial machines of any type have a high level of responsibility to design and produce machines that are safe for a worker to operate.
The Los Angeles defective machine injury attorneys at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP understand how disabling and devastating press machine accidents can be to you and your family. We work hard to obtain compensation to ensure you can pay your bills and continue to support yourself as you recover from injuries.
Why are defective press machines so dangerous?
Just like any other product, industrial machines fall under the umbrella of product liability law. Large and complicated machines found in factories can be extremely dangerous to the workers using them and even workers or others in the immediate vicinity. When these machines malfunction due to defects, tragedy is almost certain to result.
Punch presses, press brakes and other metal forming machines can cause traumatic injury and permanent disability. When we take your claim, we not only hold the manufacturer accountable for your injuries, but we fight to ensure they fix the safety issues so no one else suffers the injuries and harm you’ve endured.
These types of machines use tons of pressure to bend, cut or puncture metal. The part of the machine that manipulates the metal is called the point of operation. If any part of a worker’s body is in this point of operation zone when the machine parts are moving, that body part – fingers, hand or arm – can be caught and completely amputated.
Many of these injuries could be prevented if safety guards perform correctly and the machine operates free of defects and malfunctions. If a machine manufacturer knows of a safeguard method and neglects or refuses to add it, they can be looking at massive liability actions when people are injured due to defects.
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Common Los Angeles press machine injuries
There are many different kinds of press machines in the workplace, and all can result in serious or fatal injuries when defectively manufactured or improperly maintained, including:
- Hybrid presses
- Hydraulic presses
- Mechanical power presses
- Pneumatic press machines
- Powered press brakes
An injury from a defective industrial machine can change your life forever. Press and hydraulic machine accidents are often permanently disabling – resulting in a lifetime of medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages and decreased quality of life.
Typical injuries from these types of accidents include:
- Amputations
- Asphyxiation and choking
- Broken or crushed bones
- Compartment syndrome
- Crushing and caught-between injuries
- Electrical burn injuries
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Wrongful death
Every year, hundreds of American workers suffer severe and fatal injuries from defective press machines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) keeps a running incident record of accidents on its website. Although we cannot undo the damage that was done to you and your family, our Los Angeles injury attorneys can work with you to file a product liability claim and pursue maximum compensation.
Press machine defects and product liability
Our attorneys typically take one of three general strategies when working to prove a defect exists in a press machine that directly caused you injuries. These include defective design, defective manufacturing and failure to provide proper warning of hazards. Below is more detail about each.
Design defect
When a design defect is involved, it means the product was defective from the start. Our lawyers will consider questions like: Was the machine properly designed? Were there safer, more suitable designs available? Did the manufacturer anticipate the uses of the product? If a machine is defectively designed, you might be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries.
Manufacturing defect
These defects happen when a mistake or flaw occurs in the manufacturing process, which causes the product or machine to deviate from its intended design. The end product is considered defective, even if care was taken in the design process. When a machine comes off the assembly line different than its intended design, it’s likely defective and dangerous.
Failure to warn
When the company or manufacturer inadequately warns or fails to warn the user of known dangers, it can be liable for injuries that occur during proper use of a machine. A manufacturer isn’t required to warn of dangers of inherently hazardous machines, but it is required to apply safety warnings any reasonable person would understand. Manufacturers must warn through proper instructions and labeling of known and potential risks of operating press machines and similar tools.
Compensation for Los Angeles press machine accidents
When you or a loved one suffers an accident and injury due to defective machinery, you should always consult with an attorney before filing any paperwork or accepting any settlement. Although California workers’ compensation may be available to you after your accident, this system places limitations on your ability to recover full financial compensation for your injuries.
If a product defect was the cause of your personal injury, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. This is where our attorneys come in. McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP’s experience and success with machine accident liability claims can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
No matter who caused your injuries – manufacturers, distributors, suppliers or any other entities responsible for putting defective products on the market – our legal team works diligently to hold them accountable for their negligence. We seek compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Wage losses
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other losses
Press machine manufacturers must ensure that workers remain safe on the job, by providing them with safe machines to operate. When machines this huge and powerful malfunction due to a defect, catastrophic injuries and fatalities can occur. If this has happened to you or your family, we can advocate on your behalf and get results.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles defective press machine injury lawyers for a free consultation
If you were injured while operating a defective press machine or another type of industrial equipment, the preeminent personal injury attorneys at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP can represent you as you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call 310.474.1582 or complete our contact form today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.