Ohio Industrial Accident Lawyers

Industrial Accident Lawyers in Dayton, Ohio

Every year, as many as 5,000 U.S. workers are killed in serious industrial accidents.  Hundreds more workers are left seriously injured and unable to work in the aftermath of industrial accidents. The Ohio industrial accident lawyers at Attorney Michael Wright understand these statistics represent real people and families whose lives have been financially, emotionally, and physically devastated, often due to another’s negligence. As Ohio’s top personal injury law firm, Attorney Michael Wright has earned a formidable reputation for:

  • Aggressively pursuing workers’ compensation benefits
  • Filing third-party lawsuits on behalf of injured workers

We always put the injured first, helping clients access the full compensation and benefits they need to rebuild their lives. Contact Attorney Michael Wright today for a free, no-obligation Ohio industrial accident lawsuit evaluation.

Workplace Injury Recovery With Workers' Comp and Third-Party Lawsuits

After a serious on-the-job injury in Ohio, there are two potential avenues for financial recovery, and it is vital to understand how they work together.

Ohio Workers’ Compensation Benefits

As an injured worker, your first line of support is the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). This is a “no-fault” system, meaning you are entitled to benefits for medical bills and a portion of your lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, workers’ comp benefits are limited and do not cover damages for your pain and suffering.

Filing a Third-Party Negligence Lawsuit

While you generally cannot sue your employer, you have the right to file a separate personal injury lawsuit against a negligent “third party.” This is the only way to recover full compensation for all your losses. A third party could be the manufacturer of a faulty piece of machinery, a different contractor on the same job site, or a maintenance company that failed to properly service equipment. An Ohio industrial accident lawyer can investigate your case to identify all potential third-party claims.

Ohio Industrial Accident Lawsuits

Employees who work on scaffolding, at construction sites, with heavy machinery, or with hazardous substances and chemicals face danger every day. To reduce risks, their employers are required to keep the workplace as safe as possible by providing workers with proper training, safety equipment, and adequate ventilation. Unfortunately, workers commonly suffer physical injuries in industrial accidents, including:

  • Back injuries
  • Bone fractures
  • Burns
  • Fatalities

Those who are exposed to hazardous substances may eventually develop acute and chronic diseases, such as lung ailments and cancer.

Your Rights After an Industrial Accident in Ohio

When a worker is injured on the job in Ohio:

  • Employers must pay medical expenses and benefits under the workers’ compensation law
  • Injured workers may also pursue personal injury lawsuits against third parties (e.g., equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, maintenance firms)

To receive maximum compensation, injured workers need an experienced industrial accident lawyer and a legal team that thoroughly investigates all responsible parties. Our Dayton attorneys will investigate your claim thoroughly, identify responsible parties, and fight for maximum compensation.

The Role of OSHA in Ohio Workplace Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency that sets and enforces the safety standards designed to protect workers in dangerous industries. Employers in Ohio are legally required to comply with all relevant OSHA regulations, which include providing proper safety gear, ensuring machinery is in good working order, and offering adequate worker training. When an employer violates an OSHA standard and a worker gets hurt as a result, that violation can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in a third-party lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Industrial Accident in Ohio?

Determining all at-fault parties is a critical step in maximizing your financial recovery. On a complex industrial site, the negligence may extend far beyond your direct employer. A thorough investigation conducted by a Dayton industrial accident attorney may reveal that liability rests with:

  • Equipment Manufacturers: If a machine was defectively designed or manufactured.
  • Subcontractors: If the negligence of another company’s employees on the same site caused your injury.
  • Property Owners: If they failed to maintain a safe environment.
  • Maintenance and Repair Companies: If they failed to properly service the equipment that caused your accident.

Contact an Industrial Accident Lawyer in Dayton, Ohio

If you or someone you love was injured in an industrial accident, and you’re looking for an Ohio personal injury law firm that will guarantee the caring, personalized, and loyal representation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact Attorney Michael Wright today. In Ohio, there are strict deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims and industrial accident lawsuits, so it’s important you act quickly. For a free, no-obligation legal evaluation of your case, simply fill out the online form on the right, or give Attorney Michael Wright a call at (937)-222-7477.

Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Accident Cases

If you are injured in an industrial accident in Ohio, you should seek medical attention right away, report the accident to your employer, and document everything about the incident, including taking photos and gathering witness statements. After getting medical care, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Ohio industrial accident lawyer who can guide you through the next steps and protect your legal rights.

You should hire an Ohio industrial accident lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. Ohio law sets strict deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits. Early legal help ensures crucial evidence is preserved, your rights are protected, and you have the best chance of securing the maximum compensation for your industrial accident injuries.

Yes, in many cases you can file a third-party lawsuit even if you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits. An Ohio industrial accident lawyer can help determine if another party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or maintenance company, was responsible for your injuries. Filing a third-party claim can help you recover additional damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as full lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.

According to safety experts, the most common causes often involve a lack of adherence to safety protocols. This includes inadequate worker training, failure to provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE), poor machinery maintenance, and failure to follow OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures for de-energizing equipment during service.

No. It is illegal for your employer to fire you or retaliate against you in any way for filing a workers’ compensation claim or for reporting a legitimate safety violation. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated for these reasons, you may have a separate lawsuit against your employer.

For a third-party personal injury lawsuit, Ohio’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. For a standard workers’ compensation claim, the deadline is generally one year. It is critical to contact an attorney quickly to ensure all deadlines are met.

Attorney Michael Wright