Workplace Accident at Arkansas Nuclear One

A workplace accident is never welcome. This proved true again when, tragically, an accident on March 31, 2013 at Arkansas Nuclear One left one worker dead and eight more injured. According to reports, employees were attempting to operate a Bigge crane to take a Main Turbine Generator Stator out of the building and onto a waiting transport. Unfortunately, the crane failed while workers were attempting to move the 500-ton turbine and released the load instead. Investigations conducted by both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded that it was the failing crane that caused the tragic accident. However, attorneys who have had experience handling an Arkansas workplace accident before this event agree that although the family of the late employee may pursue a claim for workers’ compensation, they may also have additional courses of action available against both the supplier of the lift crane and the product that was used to secure the turbine to the crane itself.

The accident, while tragic and unnecessary, is just one of many that show employees that not all workplaces are safe; additionally, some situations and injuries may give rise to other actions beyond the traditional workers’ compensation claim. It is in these situations that an attorney with the experience and know-how to properly manage an Arkansas workplace accident can be more than useful. These types of accidents often result from product liability, whether that stems from a supplier or manufacturer of defective equipment, or other existing third parties besides the worker’s employer.

Were You Involved in a Workplace Accident?

While many employees are already familiar with workers’ compensation, did you know that these benefits are limited and that many workers are unable to seek compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of the injuries? Workers’ compensation is filed against the employer only, while other forms of compensation may come from third parties either directly or indirectly involved in the accident.

Fortunately, if you are injured on the job, you can seek help from an attorney who has Arkansas workplace accident experience. Such an attoreny can be found affiliated with Attorney Group for Arkansas.

Types and Causes of Workplace Accidents

You can, however, recover compensation situations not covered by workers’ compensation if your injury was caused by the fault of a co-worker, your employer or another individual. These are “third party” claims and can include:

Injuries caused by an individual from another company other than your own at your job site
Injuries caused by unsafe premises or surroundings if they are operated or owned by another entity than your employer
Industrial accidents resulting from defective products manufactured by a different company such as a drill press or saw
Car accidents caused by another individual if you are driving as part of your job
Wrongful death

On average, 16 employees die in the United States each day as the result from injuries sustained in the workplace, and 134 workers pass from work-related conditions or diseases. Lawyers who handle Arkansas workplace accidents on a day-to-day basis understand how complicated the process for filing a claim can be.

What to Do if You are Injured

A work place injury can include many scenarios but typically consist of bone fractures, heart attacks, burns, carpal tunnel or other related repetitive motion injuries, and shoulder, neck, back, arm and knee injuries. If you suffer from any of these injuries, consider seeking with a lawyer experienced in Arkansas workplace accidents to determine your next step. Typically, many people do not believe that they truly need an attorney when handling workplace accidents; they feel that since another individual caused the accident, it should be simple to prove and the case will be open and shut before they know it. In reality, however, complications do arise and you need to ensure that you have someone on your side to establish your rights as an employee. our lawyer will most likely advise you to visit a physician as soon as possible to assess your medical condition. Obtain the care you need and make sure you keep all documentation associated with the injury as a paper trail. Also, create a document about the incident itself such as names, numbers and addresses of those who were involved in the incident or witnesses. Do not under any circumstances make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits; some states may deem your third-party claim void if you had previously filed for other benefits. Additionally, any attorney who is experienced in handling Arkansas workplace accidents will advise you to not discuss your injury or the event with anyone, as discussing the incident could potentially make it more difficult to settle your claim. Consult your lawyer before signing any agreements or release forms.

You Have Rights

If you have been injured and need legal counsel regarding an Arkansas workplace accident, contact the attorneys affiliated with Attorney Group for Arkansas. Do so soon; the statue of limitations could vary from case to case. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.