Workers in automotive manufacturing suffer on the job injuries at twice the rate of other sectors. On average, 6.3 of every 100 workers in the industry suffer an injury or illness each year in automotive manufacturing. The manufacturing industry can be a dangerous place for employees.
Risks of Injury at BMW Spartanburg
BMW Spartanburg is BMW’s only manufacturing plant in the United States. It is in Greer, South Carolina. The plant manufactures several models of BMW that are popular in the United States. The Spartanburg plant exports vehicles around the world. Other models of BMW sold in the United States are imported for sale.
23,000 people work at the 1,150-acre facility. These workers are both employees and contractors.
Unfortunately, statistics for injuries in the auto manufacturing workplace tell us that a significant number of these workers may suffer an injury on the job this year. Injuries at BMW factories and plants may occur in a variety of ways. Victims must understand their rights when an injury occurs. They must know how to claim compensation.
Let’s discuss injuries at BMW manufacturing facilities. If you’re a victim, learn about your rights and options.
Common Causes of Injury at Automobile Manufacturing Factories and Plants
Here are common causes of injuries that occur at automobile manufacturing factories and plants:
- Being struck by a machine
- Stuck between and crushing incidents involving machines
- Slip and fall, falling from elevation
- Vehicle injuries
- Repetitive stress, which may involve awkward body positions
- Overexertion causing sprains and strains
- Transportation and motor vehicle accidents
- Electrical malfunctions and failures
- Chemicals, fumes, gas, and dust exposure
- Exposure to heat
- Exposure to noise
- Excessive force from the use and vibration of power tools
Injuries at automotive factories and plants can happen in a single traumatic event or through repeated exposures.
Why are injury rates high in automotive manufacturing?
Automotive manufacturing involves heavy equipment and power tools. The materials that workers use to build vehicles are heavy, too. Workers are exposed to sharp surfaces. The work often requires heavy exertion and repetitive motion. Exposures include the dangers of noise, heat, and chemicals. All these factors contribute to a relatively high injury rate in automotive manufacturing.
Types of Injuries in Automobile Manufacturing
Examples of injuries in automobile manufacturing include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Heat stroke, cramps, and exhaustion
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Respiratory issues and complications
- Cuts and lacerations
- Mobility issues
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Hearing loss
- Soft tissue damage
- Pain
Legal Help for BMW Factory Injuries
Did you suffer a BMW factory injury? We offer legal help for BMW plant injuries.
If you are injured while working at a BMW factory, you may receive compensation.
You may receive the following:
- Medical care
- Lost income
- Permanent disability benefits
Workers’ compensation or a third party claim
Workers injured at a BMW factory or plant may qualify to receive workers’ compensation. You don’t have to prove that the employer was at fault or negligent in causing the injury to get workers’ compensation. You must report the accident or exposure and show that your injuries are work related.
Workers’ compensation can quickly become complicated. We help people who are hurt on the job including while working at an automotive plant. Whatever issue you may be facing in pursuing the claims process, our legal team can represent you.
If you’re injured, and there is no third party at fault, the usual course of action is a workers’ compensation claim. However, if a third party, other than your immediate employer, has legal liability based on traditional personal injury law, it may be possible to bring a claim for compensation outside the workers’ compensation system.
In addition to employees, contractors work at the BMW facility at Spartanburg, so third-party claims may be possible. Whether you can – and whether you should – bring such a claim, depends on many factors. Our law firm can help you evaluate all your options.
BMW on-site healthcare facility and occupational evaluations after an injury
If you report an injury on the job, your supervisor may refer you to an onsite health clinic. BMW has touted the clinic at the Spartanburg, SC facility as a way to provide occupational care along with primary healthcare services for employees and their families.
While this service may seem convenient, it’s important to have the right perspective. The healthcare providers may tell you that there’s nothing wrong with you. It can be frustrating, because you know that you’re hurt.
You don’t have to accept their opinion. Contact us for guidance with how to respond if occupational medical evaluators downplay or deny your injuries. We can help you seek a second opinion, document your injuries and prove your right to compensation.
Contact a Greenville-Area Lawyer About Injuries at the BMW Plant
Bobby Jones Law represents people who are injured at the BMW facility. If you have been hurt on the job, contact us to see how we can help. At any stage, we can assist you with all aspects of the claims process. Contact us today.
