Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, whether they involve cars, trucks, motorcycles or theme park rides. However, catastrophic injuries often occur in the railroad industry. When accidents cause injuries such as amputations, lives are changed — for both the victims and their families. Railroad workers in California might not realize how many of their duties put them at risk of amputation injuries.
Workers in this industry can risk their limbs in incidents that involve crushing or being struck by equipment or objects in the workplace. Potentially hazardous machines include power press brakes, mechanical power presses, conveyor belts, milling machines, drill presses, portable and table saws, grinders, slitters and shears. Safety authorities prescribe strict standards to prevent contact with moving parts of machines, but noncompliance is prevalent.
Employers are responsible for employee safety, and preventing amputation injuries requires adequate safeguarding. Both portable and stationary machines must be fitted with safeguards to avoid contact with moving machine parts. Stationary equipment must have lockout/tagout devices that will prevent unanticipated startups of machines while maintenance, repairs or cleaning is performed.
The loss of mobility, pain, extensive medical treatment, and different types of therapy can be overwhelming for anyone who has suffered catastrophic injuries. Victims who have questions about their legal options to pursue claims for financial relief can get answers from a California attorney with experience in both FELA claims and the civil justice system. Legal counsel can provide invaluable support and guidance in the navigation of benefits claims or personal injury lawsuits — or both — to recover financial and emotional damages as allowed under state laws.
