If you work in a profession with dangerous equipment and heavy machinery, you already know the risk you face every day. Yet, when you are injured on the job using that same equipment, what can you do to protect your future? Where can you turn?
Fortunately, Arkansas law allows injured workers to seek legal recovery in many ways. You could be entitled to worker’s compensation, or you might have a suit for negligence, depending on the circumstances. An experienced heavy equipment injury attorney at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton can help you through this difficult time. We can explore all legal options to help maximize your recovery. Contact us today to learn more about what to do after a heavy equipment accident in Arkansas.
While we can handle the legal aspects of your case, there are steps you can take to help improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation. If you’ve been injured in a heavy equipment accident in Arkansas, take the following steps.
Immediately after your accident, it is crucial to get medical attention. Even if you do not believe that you are injured, getting help is the first step towards building a case for workers’ compensation or injury claim. A doctor will evaluate your injuries and examine you. Their evaluation and diagnosis will help your attorney make your case.
As you get medical help, ask a coworker to safely disable the equipment so that someone else doesn’t suffer an injury. This equipment will also be an important part of your case and is considered evidence. They should approach the equipment cautiously in case it is defective. If the equipment is not safe or is not on stable ground, have your coworkers focus on removing everyone from the accident scene.
It is important to report your accident immediately to your supervisors. They will need to file an incident report and document your accident carefully. This is critical to filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you do not report your accident, the insurance companies will claim that you suffered your injury elsewhere.
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene and the equipment. These pictures can help establish a defect or capture the seriousness of the accident. If you are unable to take photos because of an injury, ask a coworker to document the accident scene as best they can. Have them take pictures from multiple angles and include any critical details that might help us paint a clear picture of the accident. These pictures will help us build a case for you and show insurance companies the true extent of the accident and the injuries you suffered.
After you have received medical attention, speak to any witnesses and obtain their stories. Have them write down statements if they can, so they don’t forget important details. It is equally important for you to write down the details as you remember them.
The insurance company has one goal in mind — to pay you as little as possible. As such, they will want to talk to you and obtain a “recorded statement.” Adjusters are skilled interviewers, and they know how to ask questions that they can use to reduce your claim. Do not speak to them at this time until you have spoken with a knowledgeable equipment accident lawyer. It is important to focus on your recovery and your case. Let them know that you will need to talk to your attorney before answering any of their questions.
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to seek medical attention, report your injury, and ensure documentation of the injury and location, you should discuss your accident with a personal injury lawyer at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. We can help you avoid any traps or pitfalls and protect your rights to compensation every step of the way.
Heavy equipment is necessary to complete many jobs, including construction and farming jobs. Yet, this equipment is dangerous, and when accidents occur, it can cause serious and fatal injuries.
Some of the types of heavy equipment used on job sites include:
This machinery can cause serious accidents in many ways. Perhaps your employer failed to service or maintain the equipment safely. Maybe another coworker was negligent while operating this equipment. In some cases, the heavy equipment may have been manufactured incorrectly, leading to a serious defect. No matter what heavy equipment caused your injury, it is important to understand what to do in the event of an accident in Arkansas.
If you were injured in a heavy equipment accident anywhere in Arkansas, get in touch with an equipment accident lawyer to determine what legal options are available to you.
With offices throughout Arkansas – Little Rock, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville and Jonesboro—our heavy equipment accident lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton are here to help you through whatever comes your way.
Fill out a free contact request form, which only takes a minute, or simply dial (501) 868-2500 to tell us your story and learn what to do after a heavy equipment accident in Arkansas.
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