Workers Comp for Machinery Accidents
Common Machinery Accidents at Work
Machinery-related injuries can happen suddenly and without warning. Some of the most common workplace machinery accidents include:
- Entanglement injuries – clothing, hair, or body parts caught in moving parts
- Crushing accidents – being pinned or crushed by machines or heavy equipment
- Amputations – fingers, hands, or limbs lost due to machinery incidents
- Lacerations and puncture wounds – caused by sharp blades or mechanical parts
- Fractures and broken bones – from being struck by or trapped under equipment
- Burns and electrical shocks – from faulty wiring, sparks, or machine malfunctions
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term recovery, and, in some cases, permanent lifestyle adjustments.
Are Machinery Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Yes. In Ohio, if you were injured while using equipment or machinery as part of your job, you’re typically covered under workers’ compensation—even if the accident was partly your fault. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence to qualify for benefits.
That said, machinery accident claims are often more complicated because:
- Employers may argue the injury was due to safety rule violations.
- Insurers may claim the accident was caused by employee error rather than the job itself.
- Severe injuries like amputations or crush injuries often involve larger benefit payouts, making insurers more likely to dispute them.
This is why having an experienced Columbus workers’ comp attorney is so important. We can help you File a New Claim.
Workers’ Comp Benefits After a Machinery Accident
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to benefits such as:
- Medical coverage – including emergency care, surgeries, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Wage replacement – temporary total disability if you can’t work, or wage loss benefits if you can only return to lighter duty
- Permanent partial disability – for lasting impairment such as loss of function in a hand or arm
- Permanent total disability – if your injury prevents you from ever returning to work
- Vocational rehabilitation – retraining or support if you cannot return to your prior line of work
For severe injuries like amputations or permanent damage, workers’ comp may also provide scheduled loss benefits, which are specifically calculated for the loss of a limb, hand, foot, or vision.
Why Machinery Accident Claims Get Denied
Insurance companies often push back on these claims because they can involve costly, long-term benefits. Common denial reasons include:
- Alleging the worker wasn’t following safety protocols
- Claiming the accident was due to horseplay or personal negligence
- Disputing whether the injury occurred “in the course of employment”
- Arguing the injury was pre-existing and unrelated to the machinery accident
Even if you’ve been denied, you may still have a strong case on appeal.
How I Help Columbus Workers Injured in Machinery Accidents
I’ve represented countless Ohio workers hurt in machinery accidents, from factory employees to construction crews. My role is to:
- Collect strong medical and workplace evidence to prove your injury is work-related
- Navigate disputes over fault or safety rule violations
- Maximize the benefits available for serious, life-changing injuries
- Guide you through the appeals process if your claim is denied
Machinery accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you suffered a crush injury, amputation, or other serious harm, you don’t have to face the workers’ comp system alone. I’ve been helping injured workers in Columbus and throughout Ohio since 1985, and I’m here to fight for the benefits you deserve.
📞 Call me today at (614) 486-3249 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.