Accidents involving machinery can cause serious injury and even death. Because of the pervasiveness of machines, there are many types of possible hazards. Machines can cut, pound, shred, crush, tear, rotate, move, melt burn, pinch, and cause falls and other hazards. The parts of machines can entangle, burn, lacerate, pull, push, throw, and engage in a multitude of other actions. Many accidents with machinery result from human error, poor design, improper safety devices, defective parts, defective materials, improper instruction, no warnings, and for many other reasons.

Legal claims involving machinery related claims can involve complex legal and technical issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters that should be considered when evaluating a claim.

• What was the nature of the accident and the machinery involved?

• Are there any witnesses to the accident?

• Did the accident occur at work, home, or in the community?

• Did any agency investigate the accident?

• Is there a video of the accident?

• What was the nature of the injury?

• Is the machinery available for inspection?

• Have there been any other accidents involving the machine?

• Did the machine have proper safety guards?

• Was the machine defective in any manner?

• Did the machine involve multiple users?

• Were all users properly trained?

• Did an external event disrupt the proper use of the machine?

• Did a component of the machine fail?

• Who manufactured the machine and/or it's component parts?

• Was the machine subject to a product recall or warning?

• Was alcohol, drugs, or medication involved in the accident?

• Was the machine regularly inspected and maintained?

• Is there a maintenance log or records?

• Was the equipment ergonomically safe?

• Was the machine operator properly trained?

• Did the machine have proper warnings?

• Did the equipment have any unsafe crush points, shear points, cutting points, belt drives, pinch points, wrap points, fans, flywheels, free-wheeling parts, hydraulic systems or other defects?

• Were there proper instructions regarding the use of the machine?

If you, a friend, or loved one are the victim of a machine accident, you should take immediate steps to protect their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, or by signing any documents. After calling appropriate authorities, obtain needed medical attention, call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to accidents. You can call us seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients. If you would like to know more, make a selection from the above box.