Common Injuries for Factory Workers in Texas

The manufacturing industry in Texas employs seven percent of the total workforce. Millions of employees head to factories each day in the Lone Star State, helping drive the American economy to new heights. Unfortunately, factory work is much more dangerous than many people realize. For those who have experience with manufacturing work, these hazards are clear and obvious. Some accidents are far more common than others in the manufacturing world, and you may suffer a range of injuries in factories. However, all of these injuries have one thing in common: They should lead to a successful workers’ compensation claim in Texas.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Some of the most life-altering factory injuries occur gradually over time. Also known simply as “RSIs,” repetitive strain injuries have the potential to end your career completely. Repetitive lifting, bending, and twisting can all put incredible strain and pressure on your joints. For factory workers who spend decades performing repetitive motions, these injuries are almost inevitable.

Although a repetitive strain injury might not be as “serious” as a broken neck or irreversible brain damage, it can still end your career. You might find it impossible to lift your arms or perform intricate tasks with your hands. Even with the most advanced medical treatment, doctors generally recommend that you stop these repetitive motions completely after suffering an RSI.

Amputations

Heavy machinery can easily cause you to lose your limbs. This is particularly common in the food processing industry, where workers are exposed to sharp blades and grinding implements. All it takes is one simple mistake to lose a finger or a hand. In some cases, workers have lost entire limbs due to factory accidents.

Amputations cause a wide range of issues for survivors. They can be difficult to handle on a psychological level due to their disfiguring effects. You might also encounter serious, ongoing medical bills as you try to recover and achieve some semblance of normality in your life. Finally (and perhaps most importantly), amputated victims find it very challenging to earn income.

Forklift Injuries

Many factories make ample use of forklifts. Although forklifts can make work easier, they also cause countless injuries each year. A reversing forklift can easily strike a factory worker. Due to the background noise of loud machinery in a typical factory, you might not hear an approaching forklift with your back turned.

If you were tasked with operating a forklift, you might have suffered catastrophic injuries after a rollover accident. These vehicles are notoriously top-heavy, and many workers suffer crushing injuries after being trapped underneath toppled forklifts.

Torn Rotator Cuffs

Many factory workers suffer torn rotator cuffs. These injuries are common among those who lift boxes and other heavy items above their heads. Repeatedly carrying out these motions throughout each day increases the chances of a torn rotator cuff. This injury occurs when the ligaments in the shoulder tear completely or become displaced.

Although this type of injury is generally seen as “moderate,” it can nonetheless cause you to miss work. Even if you miss a few days of work due to an injury, you deserve compensation for your missed income. Remember, you are perfectly justified in taking time off work as soon as you feel joint pain or stiffness. You could be experiencing the early stages of a serious joint or ligament injury. Workers’ compensation gives you time to recover while covering all of your various medical expenses.

Chemical Injuries

Texas is one of the top States when it comes to chemical manufacturing. Dow’s Freeport site is the most extensive chemical manufacturing facility in the entire Western Hemisphere. There are many others like it, and this industry employs countless chemical factory workers. Unfortunately, these workers encounter serious risks throughout each day. Chemical injuries can be life-altering, disfiguring, and extremely traumatic.

Some chemical injuries are immediately obvious – such as corrosive burns. Others are more difficult to detect. Many factory workers only discover the consequences of chemical injuries years after initial exposure. Various chemicals can lead to cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, and a host of other problems. Often, employers never inform their workers about the risks of chemical exposure.

Pursue Compensation for Your Factory Injuries in Texas

Although you might experience numerous injuries while working at a factory in Texas, you are always entitled to pursue workers’ compensation. This should provide you with the financial support you need to recover and pay your bills. The circumstances of your injury may affect the way you pursue this compensation. To discuss the specifics of your situation, call today at (972) 529-3476 to schedule a free consultation with David Sanchez Law Group, PLLC.