Work Injury Lawyer Denver, CO
If you have been injured in an industrial plant accident, contact a work injury lawyer in Denver, CO from the Law Offices of Cliff Enten for legal assistance. Workers in industrial plants often receive safety training, and most Colorado plants take precautions to prevent accidents from happening. Still, industrial accidents do occur, and workers would do well to stay aware of common hazards in their environment. Some of the most common accidents that occur in industrial plants involve explosions or asphyxiation. In fact, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board attributes hundreds of deaths and injuries to these types of accidents since 1980.
Regardless of the industry you work in, our lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights and recovery if you are injured while on the job. But specifically, hundreds of thousands of people are hurt at industrial plants, ranging from oil, gas, automotive, manufacturing, and more. Working at an industrial plant is hazardous, and serious accidents can unfold causing people to lose their lives. If you or someone you care about was injured because of an industrial accident, you need a legal team who is attuned to the nuances of these cases and knows how to come to your aid.
Despite the safety and federal laws that govern refineries and industrial plants, the news regularly reports when plant explosions and accidents happen. Many gas and oil refineries have been built before federal laws were created to deal with the risks of working at an industrial plant. Additionally, lack of regulation and oversight enables facilities to continue operating in a manner that can lead to tragedy.
The injuries that a plant worker may sustain tend to be severe, painful, and even life-threatening. Those who are able to walk away from the accident may have to endure pain and suffering, months or years of treatment and recovery, and others may become disabled or have new conditions they must manage for life. We know the extent that people’s lives can be changed forever due to an industrial accident, and we hope that if your family needs help, you call us right now for support.
Examples of reasons that industrial accident injuries happen include:
- Failure to properly train workers
- Failure to perform routine safety inspections
- Failure to fix or replace defective parts or equipment
- Negligent hiring of employees
- Warehouse elevator accidents
- Failure to offer safety goggles or welding masks
- Failure to follow or implement tagout or lockout procedures
- Negligence in fall protection
At our law firm, we can investigate the accident more in-depth, and potentially uncover new evidence that you hadn’t been keen to before. There are times when industrial plant companies work hard to reduce liability and find ways to not pay their workers fairly for what they have experienced. You can trust that with our team, you are in capable hands that know how to fight relentlessly for you. We have likely represented people or families just like you, who have faced something terrible and need help through it. We have your best interest in mind and know how to use the law so that you receive restitution that covers your current and future expenses.
Explosions in Industrial Plants
Industrial plants are often full of reactive chemicals and hazardous machinery. Unfortunately, those two things often place workers at risk of harm from explosions. Though explosions come in many different forms and have many different causes, some of the most common are pressure vessel explosions, chemical explosions, and combustible dust explosions.
Pressure vessel explosions happen when gas starts to build up in a sealed tank. This can happen through heating or through an ongoing chemical reaction. Eventually, either due to over pressurization or a flaw in the tank, the vessel bursts, releasing a powerful shock wave and possibly hot vapor as well.
Chemical explosions differ in that they involve reactive chemicals rather than simple over pressurization. These explosions happen when a chemical reaction runs unchecked or a leak releases a flammable chemical, such as hydrogen, into the environment. Then a stray spark or other heat source ignites the chemical, causing an explosion.
The final type of explosion, combustible dust explosions, often happens in factories that produce fine powders, such as flour or sugar. A Denver, CO work injury lawyer knows that if the company does not take care to properly ventilate the area and ensure a clean work environment, dust can build up in the air. Because fine dusts are often flammable, contact with a heat source can cause the entire cloud to explode.
Asphyxiation in Industrial Plants
Workers in chemical plants are also vulnerable to the hazard of asphyxiation. Though less common than explosions, the threat can be equally dangerous. Workers often asphyxiate in one of two ways. Either a gas leak releases a dangerous chemical into the room that causes suffocation, or the worker ends up in a cramped space for long periods, depriving them of oxygen.
Gas leaks can cause asphyxiation by affecting the concentration of oxygen in the air. Even the release of an ordinarily harmless gas like nitrogen can cause workers to suffocate if it saturates the air and deprives workers of taking in enough oxygen.
Cliff Enten Denver Work Injury Lawyer
Denver Work Injury Lawyer Google Review
“I was a client with the Cliff Enten Law Office during my forklift injury. Everyone at this office accommodated to my needs, and always made sure my rights were protected. There was 100% transparency, and I would recommend Law Offices of Cliff Enten to anyone that has a work injury. ” – Kurt
When Truck Accidents Are Work-Related: FAQ
If you’ve recently been injured in a work-related truck accident, it’s important to speak with a work injury lawyer Denver, CO travelers trust. Work-related truck accidents often play out as hybrid cases: Not exactly a standard worksite accident case and not exactly a standard truck accident case. Here are introductory answers to some of the most common questions that The Law Offices of Cliff Enten team is asked when someone injured in a work-related truck accident walks through our doors.
Am I Entitled to Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
When you meet with our Denver work injury lawyer team, we can answer every single one of your questions with a personalized approach. We won’t know, for example, whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits until you give us some information about your employment status. Generally speaking, most full-time and part-time employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and most independent contractors are not. However, there are some exceptions to these rules and it is important to explore them if your eligibility status is in any doubt.
Can I Sue?
If your work-related accident was caused (at least, in part) by another’s recklessness, negligence, or intentionally dangerous conduct, chances are that you’re in a strong position to sue those who are partially or totally responsible for your harm.
Can I Sue My Employer?
If you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you cannot sue your employer directly via a personal injury lawsuit. This is because employers who pay into the workers’ compensation insurance system enjoy liability protection by virtue of that investment. However, you may be in a position to sue others who are partially or totally responsible for the harm you’ve suffered.
Can I Only Sue Another Driver?
There is a common misconception that only other drivers can be sued in the event of an accident. In reality, even injury victims of a single-vehicle accident may be in a strong position to sue other parties responsible (partially or totally) for their harm. For example, manufacturers of defective auto parts are often named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits. Similarly, government agencies responsible for proper road maintenance are often named as defendants in injurious work-related personal injury cases.
Should I Just File My Claims on My Own?
Whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, in a position to sue another party, or in need of a fairly-valued insurance settlement, it is important to connect with The Law Offices of Cliff Enten. There are times when taking a “DIY” approach to a task makes good sense both practically and financially. However, filing legal claims is not one of those situations.
Insurance claims adjusters (for workers’ comp claims and insurance claims) wield a tremendous amount of power. They have the authority to approve, devalue, or reject your claims. And because they are trained to protect their employers’ bottom-line(s), they will likely use their power to devalue or reject your claim if they can. Hiring a skilled Denver work injury lawyer to negotiate on your behalf will help to ensure that your claim(s) is/are not unfairly valued or rejected due to insurance industry tactics designed to save money.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an industrial plant accident, you want to make sure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to under the law. Call the Law Offices of Cliff Enten to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Denver, CO work injury lawyer.
White Collar Workplace Accidents
As a Denver, CO work injury lawyer from our office can explain, workplace accidents are not limited to high-risk industries like construction, factories, and warehouses. White collar employees who work in office environments are also susceptible to accidents and injuries.
The nature of office work comes with its own set of risks, such as repetitive stress injuries and poor ergonomics. Read on to learn more about white collar work injuries, and see how the Law Offices of Cliff Enten can help.
What Are Some Common White Collar Workplace Accidents?
While it might seem like a cushy work environment, white collar workers are still at risk for workplace accidents. Some common injuries include slip and falls, carpal tunnel syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome.
White collar injuries are no joke. Slip and falls can occur when an office is poorly maintained or has not been cleaned up properly. Carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome are repetitive stress injuries that can develop over time due to tasks like typing or using a mouse. Additionally, insufficient lighting or poor workstation ergonomics can lead to headaches, eye strain, and back pain.
What Should I Do If I Experience An Accident In The Office?
If you experience a workplace accident, regardless of the type of work environment, you should report your injuries and seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t think your injury is serious, it’s important to have a record of the incident in case complications arise later. Your employer should also have a procedure in place for reporting workplace accidents and injuries.
Why Should I Lawyer Up After A Workplace Accident?
Injuries are expensive, and you deserve compensation. It’s highly recommended that you contact a Denver work injury lawyer if you experience a workplace accident, even if you work in an office environment. A lawyer can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to. Additionally, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or a defective product, a lawyer can help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Receive For A White Collar Workplace Injury?
The type and amount of compensation you are entitled to for a white collar workplace injury will depend on the circumstances of your case. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. If your injury was caused by a third party, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of earning capacity. The right lawyer can help you review your case and determine if you’re owed compensation.
When Should I Reach Out To A Lawyer?
If you experience a workplace accident, it’s important to take immediate action, seek medical attention, and report the incident to your employer. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need to navigate the workers’ compensation process and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Remember, you have the right to a safe work environment, and if you suffer a workplace injury, you deserve full compensation for your losses. Get in touch with the Law Offices of Cliff Enten and see how a Denver work injury lawyer from our office can help.
