Learn about your rights if you’re injured in a factory and how to file a claim to maximize your workers’ comp benefits in Great Falls
Factory jobs in Montana come with inherent risks, as workers often handle heavy machinery and hazardous materials while also performing repetitive tasks, all of which can lead to serious injuries. From equipment malfunctions to overexertion and chemical exposure, the dangers in these workplaces are real.
If you’re injured or develop an occupational disease while working at a factory in Montana, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. This article will walk you through your rights as an injured worker and explain how to file a successful workers’ comp claim.
Been denied workers’ comp benefits or need help maximizing your claim? Reach out to the experienced Great Falls work injury attorneys at Murphy Law Firm for a free consultation.
Common factory jobs for workers in Montana
Manufacturing jobs play a vital role in our economy, contributing to local communities and providing steady employment across various industries. Some top factory jobs for Great Falls workers include:
- Assembly line worker
- Machine operator
- Quality control inspector
- Forklift operator
- Welder
- Maintenance technician
- Packaging and labeling worker
- CNC (computer numerical control) machinist
- Production supervisor
- Textile worker
- Food processing worker
- Material handler
- Electronics assembler
- Paint line worker
- Robotics technician
While each of these jobs is crucial for keeping Montana’s factories running smoothly, they also come with their own set of risks.
Is working in a factory dangerous?
Yes, working in a factory can be dangerous, but the level of risk largely depends on the type of work, the industry, and the safety protocols in place. For example, a machine operator handling heavy equipment faces a higher risk of serious injuries, such as an amputation, compared to a packaging worker, who might be more prone to repetitive strain injuries.
How common are factory injuries?
Injuries are more common in manufacturing than in many other industries. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 396,800 injuries in the manufacturing sector, reflecting a higher-than-average injury rate. The nonfatal injury rate for factory workers was 3.2 per 100 full-time workers that year, compared to only 2.7 per 100 workers across all private industries.
While overall injury rates have declined in recent decades, factory work poses significant risks, making workplace safety practices crucial for reducing these incidents.
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What types of injuries are common in factories?
Factories are often loud and bustling environments that involve strenuous physical labor, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials, all of which can increase the risk of injuries for workers. Below are some common risks and injuries in factory settings:
- Heavy machinery and equipment accidents. Operating or working near forklifts, conveyor belts, or presses increases the chance of fractures, crush injuries, or amputations.
- Slips, trips, and falls. Congested work areas, spilled liquids, and cluttered walkways can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or back injuries from falls.
- Electrical hazards. Working with electrical equipment can cause burns, shocks, or even electrocution.
- Fire and explosions. Working with flammable materials or in poorly ventilated spaces can lead to severe burns, respiratory damage, or traumatic injuries from blasts.
- Chemical exposure. Handling or inhaling toxic substances, like lead or beryllium, while working in areas with poor ventilation can cause chemical burns, respiratory issues, skin irritation, hearing loss (from ototoxic substances), and even more serious conditions like cancer.
- Overexertion and repetitive motions. Constant lifting, pulling, or twisting can result in muscle strains and sprains or repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Loud noise exposure. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery can result in hearing loss or chronic tinnitus.
To reduce these risks, factories should implement strict safety protocols, provide ongoing training, and ensure workers use the appropriate protective equipment.
What benefits can I get from workers’ comp if I’m injured at a factory?
Most Montana employees who are injured on the job or develop an occupational illness or disease are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, the injury, illness, or disease must be a direct result of your job or work environment, and it can’t be the result of roughhousing, intoxication, or unsafe behavior outside of regular work duties.
For qualifying injuries, illnesses, or diseases, workers’ comp typically provides the following types of benefits:
- Medical expenses. Coverage for all treatments, surgeries, and medications related to your condition.
- Wage replacement benefits. Partial wage compensation (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage) if you’re unable to work during recovery.
- Vocational rehabilitation. Training and support if your injury or condition requires you to transition to a different job.
- Death benefits. Financial support for dependents if a workplace injury results in death.
The amount of benefits you can receive depends on the extent of your injury and its impact on your ability to work.
If you suffer a catastrophic injury that requires extensive medical treatment or time off work, it’s essential to discuss your case with a local Great Falls workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you understand the value of your claim before accepting a settlement offer.
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How can I file for workers’ comp for my factory-related injury in MT?
If you’ve been injured on the job and need to file a workers’ compensation claim, you must follow specific steps to ensure your claim is processed correctly or your benefits could be denied. Below are the steps to file for workers’ compensation in Montana:
- Seek a medical diagnosis and treatment from an employer-approved doctor as soon as possible. This is essential for connecting your condition to your job.
- Notify your employer of your injury within 30 days of the injury or discovery of the occupational illness or disease.
- Complete a First Report of Injury form and give it to your employer. They must submit it to their insurer within 6 days. You have up to 1 year to file your claim, but the sooner you do it, the better.
- Await the insurance company’s decision; they have 30 days to accept or deny the claim.
- File an appeal within 2 years if your claim is denied, ideally with an attorney’s help to increase your chance of success and ensure your rights are protected during the process.
Injured in a Montana factory accident? We can help!
If you’ve been injured or became ill while working in a factory in Montana, navigating the workers’ compensation process can be daunting. You shouldn’t have to fight for the benefits you’re entitled to while trying to recover.
At Murphy Law Firm, our dedicated Great Falls workers’ compensation attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience helping Montana workers get the compensation they deserve. Whether your claim has been denied or you’re just starting the process, we can help you get maximum compensation for your injury or illness.
Contact Murphy Law Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about what we can do to help with your claim.
References
Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses – 2021-2022. (2023, November 8). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
