Introduction
Machinery operations accidents are of greater fear in all industries including construction, manufacturing and agriculture among others. These accidents may lead to devastating injuries, deaths and great financial losses. There were 5333 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2020 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, out of these work-related deaths, 21% occurred in the construction sector. In this writing, we will analyze the risks, causes, and consequences heavy machinery accidents and how medical record review can help attorneys in seeking compensation.
The Risks of Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery accidents can occur due to various factors, including:
• Operator error: – some of the heavy machinery operator accidents happen due to lack of operator ability, fatigue, and or distractive state of mind. These mentioned instances are a form of human error which may lead to serious consequences.
• Equipment Failure: – There is no secret that all machinery components need to be kept in regular service, as they are complicated and may fail at the worst timing, leading to malfunctions during use, which has the potential to cause accidents.
• Environmental factors: – Some unfavorable weather conditions and climate puts a greater risk of heavy machinery accidents as well as other external factors.
Causes of Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery accidents can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Lack of training: Based on observation many operators do not receive adequate training that can help them operate the equipment safely.
- Inadequate maintenance: A troublesome note made in the report is not attended to, and through custom and deception malfunction of the equipment occurs leading to accidents.
- Poor safety protocols: Insufficient safety measures like absence of PPE or poor supervision where even the watchers are engrossed in the work they are supposed to monitor increases chances of accident occurring.
Consequences of Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery accidents can have severe consequences, including:
- Injuries and fatalities: Among the Mandated Considerations on safety policies and hazards analysis on heavy equipment utilization that should result in severe injury prevention include amputation, crush injuries, and even death.
- Economic losses: Heavy machinery accidents can result in significant economic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to equipment and property.
• Emotional trauma: Such occurrences lead not only to serious economic problems such as material losses but also to emotional problems like thoughts related to anxiety and depression as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Medical Record Review in Heavy Machinery Accident Cases
Medical record review is a critical component of heavy machinery accident cases. Attorneys representing clients who have been injured in heavy machinery accidents require accurate and detailed medical records to build a strong case. Medical record review involves:
- Medical records review: Medical record reviewers evaluate the medical records with the aim of retrieving information that treats, diagnoses, and even prognoses.
- Recognition of Inconsistencies: Medical record reviewers point out differences between medical records which would assist in case submission in opposition to the strategies used by other lawyers.
- Relaying of Expert Evidence Through Court: Medical record reviewers have the ability to relay expert evidence in court that assists in determining the degree of injury and compensation required.
Case Study 1: Heavy Machinery Accident in a Construction Site
Overview of the case: One of the construction workers was injured due to a heavy machinery accident on a construction site. And he was operating a crane during the lifting activity, where the crane malfunctioned, leading him to fall and get injured heavily.
Challenges: The primary challenge the worker’s attorney faced was to prove how serious the injuries sustained by the worker were and the need for compensation. The other party’s advocate maintained that the worker was partly to blame for the accident.
Solutions: A medical reviewer was utilized by the lawyer to scrutinize the patient’s records. The reviewer isolated irregularities in medical records which were then used as bases in refuting the arguments of the other counsel. The reviewer also testified in court as a medical expert concerning the degree of injury sustained by the worker and the amount of compensation he is entitled to claim.
Compensation: Apart from medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, the worker was awarded a sound amount of compensation.
Case Study 2: Heavy Machinery Accident in a Manufacturing Plant
Overview of the case: A manufacturing worker was injured in a heavy machinery accident in a manufacturing plant. The worker was on a machine operating it, it broke down, and as a result, she got injured very badly.
Challenges: The workers’ attorney encountered difficulties in convincing to the extent of the worker’s injuries and the compensation. The other lawyer maintained that at least the worker contributed to the accident.
Solutions: A medical record reviewer was hired by the lawyer to analyze the papers contained in the medical files of the claimant. A reviewer’s quality review records indicated data which was inconsistent with the medical records and this was argued in rebuttal to the arguments by the other counsel. The reviewer also provided theoretical evidence in court and was qualified as a medical expert on the injuries sustained by the worker and the compensation payable to him.
Compensation: The worker received an enormous award for compensation which includes medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.
Preventing Heavy Machinery Accidents
Preventing heavy machinery accidents requires a combination of proper training, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols. Employers can take steps to prevent heavy machinery accidents by:
• Offering sufficient training: Employers have an obligation to train their operators on how to safely operate heavy machinery.
• Regular maintenance: The management should also ensure that the contestants are properly maintained and not allowed to malfunction.
• Observing safety measures: Supply safety measures such as PPE equipment and supervisor preventing accidents.
Conclusion
Accidents with heavy equipment can be extremely disastrous resulting in grave injuries, death and loss of money. It is important that lawyers handling the machined injured persons are able to get true and valid medical records in support of their claims. Medical records are very critical in machinery accident cases and help in determining the injuries that a person has sustained and whether compensation is called for.
