Highly Experienced NJ Injury Lawyers Committed to Advocating on Behalf of Injured Workers and Their Families
Work injuries can occur in many different ways, but one of the most common causes of workplace injuries involves being struck by an object or piece of equipment. These “struck by” accidents, as they are often referred to, are often preventable when both employers and employees take the necessary precautions. However, even in the absence of their employer’s fault, workers injured in a struck by accident may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
At the New Jersey workers’ compensation law firm of Petrillo & Goldberg Law, we take pride in helping injured workers and their families recover meaningful benefits in the wake of an unexpected workplace accident. Our NJ workers’ comp lawyers have more than 25 years of experience serving New Jersey workers and know what it takes to prepare a successful injury claim. Since the firm’s founding, we’ve recovered more than $150 million on behalf of our clients and been successful in over 97 percent of the cases we’ve brought.
Being Struck by an Object Is One of the Most Common Work Injuries
In 2021, there were approximately 196,140 cases of workers being struck by an object or equipment, which led to days away from work. These “struck by” accidents account for around 14% of all workplace injuries requiring time off. Additionally, nearly 15% of all fatal workplace injuries in 2020 were due to being struck by an object or equipment, making it one of the leading causes of workplace deaths.
How Do Struck By Accidents Occur?
“Struck by” work accidents can happen in various ways, and understanding them is important for staying safe on the job. Here are some common scenarios, along with examples and potential injuries:
Falling Objects
Imagine you’re working on a construction site, and a coworker above accidentally drops a hammer or a piece of lumber. These objects can fall and hit you, causing injuries like cuts, bruises, or even more serious harm, such as concussions or fractures, if the object is heavy enough. Always wearing a hard hat and staying aware of your surroundings can help prevent these accidents.
Moving Equipment
Picture yourself in a warehouse with forklifts moving around. If a forklift driver doesn’t see you and accidentally hits you, it can result in severe injuries like broken bones, crush injuries, or internal damage. For example, if your leg gets caught under a forklift, it could lead to fractures or even amputation in extreme cases. It’s crucial to stay alert and follow safety guidelines around moving equipment.
Flying Debris
Think about operating a machine that cuts or grinds materials, such as a saw or a grinder. Small pieces of debris can fly off and strike you, causing eye injuries, cuts, or puncture wounds. For example, a piece of metal flying off a grinder can hit your face or eyes, leading to serious injuries. Wearing protective goggles and face shields can help reduce these risks.
Swinging or Slipping Objects
Consider a crane lifting a heavy load. If the load swings unexpectedly or slips from the crane, it can hit you if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. This can lead to traumatic injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or even death. For example, if a steel beam being lifted by a crane swings and hits you, it can cause life-threatening injuries. Always staying out of the load’s path and being aware of crane operations can help prevent such accidents.
Vehicles
Envision working near a busy road or in a parking lot. If a vehicle veers off course or a driver isn’t paying attention, it can strike you. This can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma like broken bones, spinal injuries, or head injuries. For example, if a car hits you while you’re directing traffic on a construction site, it can lead to serious consequences. Wearing high-visibility clothing and staying alert to traffic can help minimize these risks.
These accidents can lead to serious injuries, from bruises and broken bones to more severe conditions like head trauma or internal injuries.
Pursuing Workers’ Compensation Benefits After Being Struck by an Object at Work
If you’ve been struck by an object at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This system is designed to help employees like you who get hurt on the job. Below are a few things to keep in mind if you’ve been injured in a struck by accident at work.
First, report the incident to your supervisor immediately. This is important because it creates a record of your injury. Make sure to describe exactly what happened and how you were hurt. Next, seek medical attention. Even if your injury seems minor, seeing a doctor is crucial. A doctor will assess your condition and provide necessary treatment, ensuring your health is taken care of.
After you’ve reported the incident and seen a doctor, you’ll need to file a workers’ compensation claim. This involves filling out some forms, which your employer should provide. These forms ask for details about your injury and how it occurred.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of all medical visits and any expenses related to your injury. This documentation can support your claim and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. However, you shouldn’t expect that your employer (or their insurance company) will willingly offer to pay fair workers’ compensation benefits. Working with an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney can greatly simplify the process and increase your chances of success.
Have You Been Struck by an Object and Injured at Work as a New Jersey Employee?
If you were recently hurt in a workplace accident after being struck by an object or a piece of machinery or equipment, reach out to the dedicated work injury lawyers at Petrillo & Goldberg Law. At our New Jersey workers’ compensation law firm, we have decades of experience pursuing claims on behalf of injured workers, helping to get them back on their feet and back to work. We’ve successfully brought claims against some of the largest employers in the state and most powerful insurance companies in the country, giving us the knowledge, dedication, and experience you need to feel comfortable at every stage of the process. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer today, call (856) 486-4343. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.
