Work Injury Caused By Power Washing Claim

Considering the power behind a jet of water that can scrub dirt and grim off pavement or the side of a building can be pretty shocking. These machines create between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds per square inch of pressure to scrub a surface with a water jet. To put that into perspective, know that when power washing a car, the pressure should not exceed 1,500 PSI, as any greater pressure can damage the painted surface and body panels of the vehicle. Medical experts confirm that 1,000 PSI is enough pressure to penetrate or slice the skin.

It is not difficult to understand that accidentally spraying yourself or another person with a jet from a power washer is likely to cause serious injuries. However, that is not the only way these machines can harm someone. If the power washing device operator loses control of the nozzle and hose, the pressure can cause the hose to jump and bounce. The nozzle of a pressure washer is typically metal and will be easily tossed around by the flailing hose, causing severe damage to anyone or anything it strikes. Finally, many power washers use electricity and other fuels, such as kerosene, to heat the water used for cleaning. When the unit is damaged or malfunctions, users can suffer electrical shocks, contact burns, or even electrocution from these devices.

As you might imagine, the list of possible injuries caused by power washing is lengthy. Of course, minor incidents, such as bruises or scrapes, can occur if someone trips over the hose or electrical cord from the unit. Or there could be strained or pulled muscles from moving the device, However, the ones that are most worrisome are the severe injuries that result from improper or unsafe use of the power washer or an accident in which the operator suddenly loses control of the hose and nozzle. In these grave cases, the list of injuries suffered by the operator and any other workers nearby could include one or more of the following:

• Severe lacerations or puncture wounds that include damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
• Partial or complete amputations
• Injuries to the delicate skin on the face or the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
• Joint dislocations or destruction of the soft connective tissue of the joints
• Harm to the neck, back, and spinal cord
• Head injuries ranging from a severe concussion or skull fracture to much more life-altering traumatic brain injuries

If you have been involved in any workplace injury incident related to a power washer, please seek a full medical evaluation to ensure any harm you sustained is quickly diagnosed and treated. This fast action is the best way to ensure you have the greatest possibility of making a fully recovery, Then contact DTLA Law Group to learn more about opening a worker’s comp claim and other legal action that could help cover the cost of your losses and expenses due to a work injury caused by power washing.

Unfortunately, not all workers in California know that they are covered by the state’s worker’s comp program. All employers are legally required to participate in the program and pay the full cost of covering all employees. The benefits of this program are provided to help an employee who is hurt on the job with medical expenses and other losses. While your employer is paying for the coverage, they are not permitted to stop you from opening a claim when hurt on the job or punish any employee who uses the program as it is intended.

When you open your worker’s comp claim, you will be eligible to receive any of the following benefits:

• Complete payment of all medical bills and expenses related to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of the workplace injuries you suffered up to a total of $1M
• You can receive up to 66% of your regular weekly income if the injuries you sustained prevent you from working until you are fully recovered
• Permanent and partial disability payments can be provided if the harm you suffered results in a long-term limitation or diminished future earning potential
• In cases with permanent limitations that prevent you from ever returning to your current job, the program will provide free vocational training to prepare you for a new career once you have healed and are medically cleared to work in a new capacity

In most cases, an injured worker cannot sue their employer for a workplace injury incident. They are limited to using the benefits of worker’s comp to cover their losses and expenses. This protection for employers is meant to eliminate the costly lawsuits that once stemmed from workplace injuries while still providing assistance to the hurt worker via the worker’s comp benefits. However, if the case involves gross negligence by the employer, there could be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

Gross negligence is often the demonstration of complete disregard for the safety of employees. For example, if the employer was aware of a safety issue and failed to repair it or eliminate it in a reasonable period, they could be found grossly negligent if a worker is hurt because of that safety hazard. If you feel that gross negligence was a factor in your work injury caused by power washing, please contact DTLA Law Group today to speak to a power washing injury attorney. They will explain the legal merit of your claim and if you have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

As the victim of a work injury caused by power washing, you have only 30 days from the date of the injury incident to open a worker’s compensation claim. If you fail to complete this task before the 30-day time limit has passed, you will lose the right to open a claim and seek benefits from the program. It is critical that you know the time limit is strictly enforced, and there are very few exceptions that would allow you to open a claim more than 30 days after your workplace injury incident.

If you wish to seek added compensation via a lawsuit and your case has legal merit, you have two years from the date of the injury incident to file your claim with the court. Like the worker’s comp claim time limit, this deadline is also strictly enforced, and there are minimal exceptions that would provide added time to file a lawsuit after the two years have passed. Please get in touch with DTLA Law Group today to learn more about these times and how to move forward to get the help you deserve.

When you hire DTLA Law Group to handle your lawsuit, there are never any fees required to begin working on the case. Instead, we only get paid after the matter is resolved, and you have the compensation needed to cover your legal fees and expenses. In addition, if the DTLA Law Group power washing injury attorneys fail to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve, you owe DTLA Law Group nothing. Please make time to contact our staff today to discuss the viable options to help you avoid undue stress and expenses because of a work injury caused by power washing.

Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Automatic Car Wash Accidents Injuries Attorney
Car Wash Injuries