Most of us don’t expect to get hurt at work. But accidents happen, especially when equipment or tools are defective. If a faulty product has injured you while on the job, you may be wondering what to do next—and how to get help with medical bills and lost wages.
That’s where workers’ compensation comes in.
What Counts as a Defective Product?
A defective product is any item that doesn’t work the way it should and causes harm as a result. This could include broken ladders, faulty machinery, power tools with electrical issues, or safety gear that fails during use. If the defect happens while you’re using the product for your job, and you get injured, workers’ comp may cover your injury.
You Don’t Have to Prove Fault
One of the most significant advantages of workers’ compensation is that you don’t need to prove anyone was at fault. If you were hurt on the job—even if no one made a mistake—you can still qualify for benefits. That’s true even if you think the injury was minor at first. Always report it. Small injuries can turn into bigger problems over time.
What Workers’ Comp Covers
If you’re approved for workers’ compensation, you may receive:
- Medical care for your injury
- Partial wage replacement while you recover
- Compensation for permanent injury or disability
- Coverage for rehabilitation or retraining if needed
This can ease the financial stress after a workplace injury, especially if you’re out of work for a while.
What If the Product Manufacturer Is at Fault?
In some cases, your injury may be tied to a product that never should have made it to your job site. If a company designs or creates a dangerous product, you might also have a third-party claim. That’s a separate legal action against the manufacturer or supplier of the defective product.
This type of claim doesn’t replace workers’ comp—it’s something additional that may apply, depending on your case. A third-party claim could help you recover damages for things that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, like pain and suffering.
It’s important to talk with an attorney to understand if this kind of claim makes sense for your situation.
Don’t Wait to Report Your Injury
If you get hurt at work, tell your supervisor right away. Waiting too long could hurt your chances of receiving benefits. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious at first.
When defective equipment is involved, take photos or make notes about what happened. This can be useful if there’s a question later about what caused the injury.
Why Legal Help Matters
Workers’ compensation can be confusing, especially when defective products are involved. Sometimes employers or insurance companies deny claims or offer less than what you deserve. If your injury was severe or involved a faulty product, an attorney can help protect your rights.
You shouldn’t have to deal with paperwork, medical bills, and lost wages on your own, especially when you’re trying to heal.
At Shugarman & Mehring, we’ve helped many injured workers across Maryland get the support they need. If you were hurt on the job because of a defective product, we’re here to guide you through the process. Reach out for a free consultation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out the next steps.
ShugarmanMehring
Phone: 