Hickory Forestry & Logging Work Injury Lawyer

Hickory Forestry & Logging Work Injury Attorney

Forestry and logging jobs are some of the most dangerous in all of North Carolina. Many individuals face a plethora of risks, and there are numerous safety regulations and standards that must be followed. However, even when these laws are followed to the T, accidents still happen. If you live in Hickory, maybe in Viewmont or near Sally Fox Park, and work in the logging industry, when an injury occurs, a Hickory forestry & logging work injury lawyer can help.

The Attorneys at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, Have Your Back Following a Logging Accident

For over 23 years, the legal team at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC has been serving individuals throughout Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell counties to get back on their feet following serious work-related injuries. While the forestry and logging industries are crucial and a big part of our local economy, they also come with risks.

Common Forestry and Logging Work Accidents in Hickory, NC

According to OSHA, logging is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. In 2023, North Carolina suffered three logging and forestry-related occupation deaths and countless injuries. Logging requires the felling and moving of trees from woodland areas and involves heavy pieces of machinery, equipment, and a large number of employees.

These employees face hazards when making trees, removing limbs, cutting down trees, debarking, loading, chipping, unloading, and storing logs.

Loggers also tend to work in rough terrain and poor weather, all of which can increase the risk for serious injury and even death. At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, our Hickory Workers’ Compensation Lawyer has handled forestry and logging work injuries related to the following kinds of common accidents:

• Falling objects. A large portion of logging accidents is caused by falling trees or logs. When a log falls from a skidder, a truck, or a loading platform, it can strike workers and cause serious injuries and even death. Loggers who are working up in a tree might be hit by a falling branch, and still others can be hit by falling objects or tools.
• Being hit by an object. When an active logging operation is ongoing, sawdust, tree limbs, bark, wood chips, and even stones can be thrown around by pieces of heavy machinery. A chainsaw failure might occur or kick back and strike the worker operating it if the chain has not been properly sharpened. A worker might also be struck by a vehicle on an active logging site.
• Falls. More than one in five logging accidents happens when a worker slips, trips, or falls. On a logging site, there are innumerable reasons why a worker might suffer in this manner. Uneven terrain, cut branches, logs, stumps, loose rocks, wet leaves, exposed roots, or mud can all cause a worker to fall and injure themselves.
• Defective equipment. An NC logging accident lawyer is here to assist individuals who have suffered on a logging site due to defective machinery or equipment. A flaw in design or manufacturing can injure and even kill a worker operating the machinery or lead to burns, electrocution, and shock.
• Inclement weather. Because logging work is done outside, loggers are left exposed to the elements. Rain and ice can lead to slippery surfaces, while extreme temperatures can cause hypothermia or heat stroke, both of which can prove deadly. In thunder and lightning storms, lightning can strike a tree, which can also lead to death or severe injury.
• Caught-by or caught-in accidents. A logger or forestry worker might get caught, crushed, or cut when trapped by a chipper, cable, between vehicles, rolling logs, or pinned against other objects on the site. These injuries can lead to fatality if not treated right away.

If you or a loved one has suffered in a forestry and logging accident while performing the required duties of your job, you may be eligible to recover compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, we are here to review the details of your accident and injury and determine the correct course of legal action to take to receive your entitled benefits.

FAQs About Hickory, NC Forestry & Logging Work Injury Laws

What Injuries Are Common on a Logging Site?

On a logging site, the most common injuries can include injuries to the back or spine, which may result in partial or complete paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and fractures, crash injuries, crushing or pinning injuries, psychological injuries such as stress, anxiety, and depression, illnesses such as tick-borne Lyme’s disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, internal bleeding, damage to internal organs, and nerve damage.

What Should I Do if I Am Injured in a Logging Accident?

If you suffer an injury in a logging accident in Hickory, it is essential that 911 is called right away. If you are able to move and your injury does not seem too serious, it is still crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. You will also want to make your employer aware of the incident that caused your injury and contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

As a Logger, Can I Suffer Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Yes, if you are a logger, it is highly likely that you may suffer repetitive stress injuries. These injuries are usually caused by doing the same motions day in and day out for a long period of time and can cause muscle strains and sprains, along with permanent injuries like Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

Why Was My Initial Claim for Workers’ Compensation Denied?

There are several reasons why your initial claim for workers’ compensation was denied. First, you might have filed your claim too late, in which case, it was likely dismissed. You may have also accidentally missed something in the paperwork, or you may not have provided enough documentation that the injury took place. When you work with an attorney, we may be able to appeal the original denial.

Hire a Hickory Forestry & Logging Work Injury Lawyer Today

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC are here to serve you. When you need to hire a forestry & logging work injury lawyer, look no further than our team. We are here to review your accident and advise you about your legal options. To learn more about how we can handle your workers’ compensation claim, contact our offices today and schedule a consultation.