Every year, workers lose their lives in logging and timbering accidents nationwide. Many serious and fatal accidents in this industry are preventable with due care. If you believe your recent injury or the death of a loved one was caused by someone else, such as a timber company or equipment manufacturer, contact the Morgantown personal injury lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC. We offer free legal consultations, where you can review your legal options at no cost or obligation.
Common Types of Logging and Timbering Accidents Near Morgantown, West Virginia
Felling trees, cutting limbs, and moving the timber to trucks are complex tasks. Logging and timbering are complicated processes that require specialized tools and equipment. Workers in this industry must be highly trained and vigilant at all times. Employers must also take proactive steps to ensure the safety of the workplace. Even a simple mistake can lead to a devastating accident.
Some of the most common accidents cited in logging and timbering injury reports are:
- Tree injuries
- Crane accidents and dropped logs
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Chainsaw and logging machine accidents
- Being caught in or between pieces of machinery or equipment
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment accidents
- Overexertion or repetitive motion injuries
- Logging truck accidents and rollovers
- Accidents while transporting timber to the sawmill
These accidents can cause severe to catastrophic physical injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, crushed limbs, amputations, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and lacerations. They can also lead to psychological problems for workers, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Should You Settle for Workers’ Compensation if You Were Injured in a Logging Accident Near Morgantown?
Many logging and timbering injuries and deaths are preventable. Although this is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S., there are ways for employers and site managers to minimize the risk of accidents. They must obey government safety regulations, hire qualified workers, and adequately train and supervise them. They must also properly inspect and maintain all logging equipment. Finally, when making decisions, employers should consider potentially hazardous work conditions, such as rough terrain and inclement weather.
If a timber company falls short of the accepted care duties in maintaining a safe work environment, the company may be financially responsible (liable) for a related worker injury. In this scenario, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the company may result in more excellent monetary recovery than a workers’ compensation settlement for the injured worker. This is why speaking to a logging and timbering injury attorney is essential before accepting workers’ comp. Once you get a payment, you can no longer file a lawsuit against your employer.
You could be eligible for financial compensation through a lawsuit and workers’ comp if someone other than your employer is responsible for your injury or a loved one’s death. For example, if a defective piece of logging equipment injured you, you could file a workers’ comp claim and a lawsuit against the product manufacturer. Filing both types of claims can maximize your or your family’s financial recovery.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review in Morgantown
The legal process for seeking financial compensation for logging and timbering injury or death is complicated. However, with an experienced attorney, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Attorney Jeff Robinette has a history as an insurance defense lawyer. He understands how insurance companies handle claims and can find weaknesses in their cases.
Our Morgantown work accident attorney can help you pursue justice and maximum financial compensation for a logging or timbering injury, as well as the death of a loved one. We will ensure your family has everything they need during this difficult time. Today, discuss your rights with one of our attorneys in Morgantown, West Virginia. Request a free consultation by calling (304) 594-1800 or submitting our online query form.
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