Shot blast machines are essential in many industrial settings, used to clean, strengthen, or polish metal surfaces. But these powerful machines can also be extremely dangerous when proper safety measures aren’t followed. Injuries involving shot blast equipment can be catastrophic, ranging from deep lacerations and amputations to severe crush injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a shot blast machine in Ohio, you may have the right to pursue legal action. At Harris Law, we have decades of experience in industrial plant injury cases, and we’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries don’t appear life-threatening, shot blast machines can cause serious internal trauma or infections. A prompt medical evaluation not only ensures your well-being but also creates vital documentation for your legal case.
Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer
Report the incident to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. This is crucial for workers’ compensation purposes and helps create an official record of the accident. Make sure the report includes:
- Date, time, and location of the injury
- A description of the incident
- Any known machine malfunctions or missing safety features
Step 3: Preserve Evidence
Do not let your employer or anyone else alter or repair the shot blast machine until the incident has been fully investigated. If possible:
- Take photos of the machine, the injury site, and any missing or damaged guards
- Collect witness names and contact information
- Keep copies of medical records, safety training materials, and maintenance logs
Step 4: Determine Who May Be Liable
While Ohio’s workers’ compensation system covers many workplace injuries, it may not provide enough compensation to fully address your losses—especially if you suffer permanent disability or loss of income.
You may have grounds to file a third-party lawsuit if:
- The machine manufacturer failed to install proper safety guards or issued a defective product
- A maintenance contractor negligently repaired or modified the machine
- A safety equipment supplier provided faulty protective gear
Harris Law will investigate all potential avenues of liability and identify every responsible party.
Step 5: Consult an Experienced Ohio Injury Attorney
Filing a lawsuit for a shot blast machine injury involves complex legal and technical issues. At Harris Law, we bring decades of experience handling industrial injury cases. Our team works with safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals to:
- Analyze machine defects and safety violations
- Estimate long-term care and financial damages
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
We don’t back down from tough cases – and we don’t charge unless we win.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the circumstances of your injury and the parties involved, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Rehabilitation and assistive equipment
- Wrongful death (for surviving family members)
Contact Harris Law Today
Ohio has strict time limits, or statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury and third-party claims. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether. Contact Harris Law at info@harrislawohio.com. We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of injuries can shot blast machines cause?
Shot blast machines can cause severe injuries such as deep lacerations, amputations, crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities due to their powerful moving parts and high-pressure components.
2. Who can be held liable for a shot blast machine injury in Ohio?
Depending on the facts, liability may rest with the employer, the machine manufacturer, a maintenance contractor, or a safety equipment supplier if they failed to provide proper safety guards, performed negligent repairs, or supplied defective protective gear.
3. Can I pursue a lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation after a shot blast machine injury?
Yes. While workers’ compensation may cover some losses, you can often pursue a third party claim for additional damages if another party, such as a manufacturer or contractor, contributed to the injury.
4. What should I do immediately after a shot blast machine accident?
Seek medical attention right away, report the injury to your employer, and preserve the scene with photos, witness contacts, and maintenance records. Avoid letting anyone repair or alter the machine until an investigation has been completed.
5. What damages can I recover in a shot blast machine injury claim?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, rehabilitation costs, and wrongful death damages in fatal cases.
6. Why should I hire an experienced Ohio injury attorney after a shot blast machine accident?
An experienced attorney can investigate the machine and accident site, identify all responsible parties, work with safety experts and engineers, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
