Manufacturing and industrial machines are powerful—when something goes wrong, the injuries can be life-changing. Defective design, faulty components, inadequate warnings, or missing safety protections may expose workers and others to preventable harm.
Triscaro & Associates helps injured clients pursue product liability claims involving defective manufacturing equipment in Cleveland and throughout Ohio. If a machine should have been safer—and that failure contributed to an injury—we investigate and pursue accountability.
Types of Manufacturing & Industrial Equipment Involved in Injury Claims
These cases may involve a wide range of equipment and safety devices, including:
- Forklifts and powered industrial trucks
- Bulldozers and heavy equipment used in industrial settings
- Saws, cutting machines, and industrial blades
- Presses, bending machines, and stamping equipment
- Lathes, mills, and rotating machinery
- Conveyor belts and automated material-handling systems
- Boilers, pressure systems, valves, and related components
- Safety interlocks, light curtains, and guarding systems
- Deadman switches, emergency stops, and control systems
Common Defects in Manufacturing Equipment Cases
A “defect” can involve more than a broken part. In many cases, the equipment is unreasonably dangerous because of the way it was designed, built, labeled, or sold. Common issues include:
- Missing or inadequate machine guarding (exposed pinch points, rotating shafts, or cutting zones)
- Defective interlocks or bypassable safety systems
- Control system failures (unexpected start-up, runaway operation, sensor failures)
- Inadequate warnings or instructions for foreseeable use, cleaning, and maintenance
- Manufacturing flaws such as faulty wiring, defective welds, or substandard materials
- Unsafe design choices where feasible safer alternatives exist
Injuries Often Seen in Machinery Accidents
- Amputations and degloving injuries
- Crush injuries, fractures, and permanent impairment
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries
Injured at Work? You May Still Have a Third-Party Claim
Machinery injuries frequently occur on the job. Depending on the facts, you may have a claim against a manufacturer, distributor, or other third party—separate from any workers’ compensation issues—if defective equipment contributed to the incident.
What To Do After an Industrial Equipment Injury
Your health comes first. If possible (and without risking safety), it may help to:
- Document the make/model/serial number and location of the machine
- Take photos of guards, warnings, controls, and the surrounding work area
- Identify witnesses and preserve contact information
- Save medical records and documentation of missed work
- Request that the equipment be preserved in its post-incident condition when feasible
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes manufacturing equipment legally “defective”?
Equipment may be defective because of unsafe design, a manufacturing flaw, inadequate warnings/instructions, or missing/ineffective safety features such as guards, interlocks, light curtains, and emergency stops.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines depend on the facts and the type of claim. It’s best to speak with an attorney promptly so evidence can be preserved and timelines evaluated.
What evidence is important?
The machine itself can be crucial evidence. Model/serial information, manuals, maintenance records, photos/video, incident reports, and witness statements often play an important role.
Free & confidential case review.
Call 440.248.8811 or
contact Triscaro & Associates to discuss your manufacturing equipment injury claim.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.
