Attorneys Dedicated To Representing Workers Injured By Meat Packing Plants
Working at a meat packing plant can be incredibly dangerous. According to OSHA, workers in these plants in the United States are three times more likely to suffer a serious injury than the average American worker. If you or a loved one have been severely injured in a meat packing plant accident, you are entitled to medical care and compensation benefits. At Walz Law Offices, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you pursue these benefits while protecting your rights and allowing you the chance to focus on your healing.
Common Hazards And Injuries In Meat Packing Plants
Meat packing plants are often fast-paced environments with loud noises and exposure to chemicals and dangerous equipment, which make them dangerous for workers. It’s crucial for workers to be aware of the many different hazards of these plants and the types of injuries that may result from them, including:
- Sharp objects and machinery: Use of knives, vertical band saws and other equipment used to cut and prepare meat can put workers at risk of cutting themselves. Cuts and lacerations are common injuries for meat packing workers. Workers may also get fingers or limbs caught in machinery which may lead to amputation or crush injuries.
- Slips and falls: Meat packing plants often have slippery floors due to liquids, biological fluids, and other factors, which may lead to slip-and-fall accidents. These accidents can result in broken bones or even traumatic brain injuries.
- Heavy lifting: Meat plant workers are often required to lift and carry heavy products, equipment and other items. The constant movement can lead to serious repetitive strain injuries in the wrists, back and shoulders.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and substances: Meat packing workers are often exposed to chemicals such as ammonia, which is used as a refrigerant. They’re also exposed to biological hazards from handling live animals, such as bacteria and viruses. Even with protective gear, workers are at risk of contracting harmful diseases or other illnesses due to these substances.
- Inadequate training: Meat packing workers have demanding jobs that require a lot of focus and attention. Without the proper training, workers may not use equipment correctly or fail to perform their tasks safely. This can lead to various types of injuries.
Employers are responsible for ensuring these meat packing plants are safe for their workers. If workers are injured due to these types of accidents, they are entitled to seek workers’ compensation. Our packing plant injury lawyers can help you navigate the aftermath of a serious work accident and protect your rights as you pursue the benefits you’re owed.
Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you’ve been injured as a meat packing plant worker, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation will help cover the costs of your medical bills, your lost wages, pain and suffering and any other related damages. To file a claim, consider the following steps:
- Report your injury: No matter what type of injury, you should always report a work-related accident and injury to your employer as soon as possible after it occurs.
- Speak to an attorney: Find a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who can handle your specific case. An attorney can help protect your rights as a worker as you pursue your claim.
- Collect evidence: The more evidence you have to demonstrate what occurred, the better your chances of seeking maximum compensation. Medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and photo or video evidence can all help to show that there were negligent practices in place that led to your injury.
- File your claim: An attorney can help you file the necessary claim paperwork against the appropriate parties responsible for your injury.
When you work with Walz Law Offices, you can rest assured that we will guide you through every step of the claims process with the personalized attention you deserve. Our packing plant injury lawyers know how to handle these types of complex cases and will keep you informed at every stage so you never feel left in the dark about how your case is progressing.
Speak With Our Omaha Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a work injury alone. If you’re a meat packing plant employee in Omaha and you’ve been injured while on the job, we can help you seek compensation. Call us today at 402-998-5044 to schedule a consultation or email us online at your convenience.