Mechanics may incur a wide range of injuries because of the nature of their work.
- Lacerations and Punctures — Mechanics use their hands to grab sharp metal objects and sharp tools. Mechanics sustain higher rates of cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds compared to workers overall.
- Eye Injuries — Eye injuries are extremely common among mechanics. Garages and body shops have sparks and metal shards flying from grinders. Mechanics also are at risk of having hot liquids splashed in their faces. Many cases of eye trauma occur among workers who are not wearing proper eye protection. Mechanics should wear safety glasses or appropriate eye protection.
- Crushing Injuries — Mechanics working underneath cars or trucks or working inside industrial equipment may be pinned and crushed if the vehicle falls off a jack or lift or if an energized mechanical, electrical or hydraulic system activates unexpectedly.
- Strains and Sprains — Mechanics lift heavy objects and may incur a muscle strain when lifting or trying to exert enough force to loosen frozen nuts and bolts. They spend hours bent under hoods or twisting their bodies into contortions to work on difficult to reach engine components. Sprains and strains are common injuries caused by overexertion.
- Exposure to Industrial Chemicals — Many toxic chemicals are used in garages and auto body shops. Auto shop workers are particularly vulnerable to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Burns — A mechanic may suffer serious burn injuries from contact with a hot motor, hot oil or if flammable liquids ignite.
- Amputation Injuries — Mechanics work with machinery with moving parts, blades and sharp edges. If a piece of machinery is energized and activates unexpectedly during repair, a mechanic may lose a fingertip, a finger or multiple digits. They may need reconstructive surgery.
How a Raleigh Mechanic Injury Lawyer Can Help You
The North Carolina workers’ compensation system is intended to protect workers who are injured on the job. An injured employee may receive workers’ comp benefits, starting in the second week that he or she is out of work. Unfortunately, some businesses and their workers’ compensation administrators deny valid workplace injury claims.
Obtaining the full benefits is not always as simple as it should be. Some injured employers do not receive benefits they deserve because they try to navigate the complicated workers’ compensation system on their own. That can create stress and complicate their recovery.
Our injury lawyers at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., have decades of experience working through the North Carolina workers’ compensation system. If your claim has been denied, we can request a hearing before the N.C. Industrial Commission. We will investigate your workplace injury, handle the paperwork, and apply our knowledge to pursue your injury claim.
Depending on the details of your on-the-job injury, our legal team will:
- Gather records and medical documents to show the extent of your workplace injury and its effect on you
- File a request to change your doctor if the insurance company has denied your request
- File a request for hearing with the North Carolina Industrial Commission
- Appeal a workers’ compensation decision if your claim is turned down or if you are offered less than the amount you believe is fair
- Help you analyze and decide whether a settlement is reasonable, including how the settlement may affect your right to future benefits if your condition changes
At Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., our Raleigh mechanic attorneys are committed to fighting for your full benefits so you can focus on recovering from your injury.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can make a difference for you.
Mechanics have physically demanding jobs and are at constant risk of serious injuries from working around heavy machinery and equipment. If you are a mechanic in Raleigh and have sustained a serious injury at work, you should be entitled to full medical benefits and income replacement benefits through your employer workers’ compensation insurance. If you are having trouble obtaining workers’ compensation benefits, let our attorneys review your injury free of charge and discuss your legal options.
