Injured by Defective Industrial Equipment? Know Your Rights in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, hardworking people keep our economy running — operating heavy machinery, maintaining industrial plants, and building our infrastructure. But when that machinery fails because of a defective product or poor maintenance, workers can suffer devastating injuries.

At Galfand Berger, we have built an exceptional track record representing injured workers and their families throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our experienced personal injury and Workers’ Compensation attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions for clients hurt by defective industrial equipment, helping them secure justice and rebuild their lives.

When Industrial Equipment Fails

Industrial and construction sites are filled with powerful tools and machines — presses, conveyors, cranes, forklifts, boilers, loaders, and more. When any of these fail, the results can be catastrophic.

Common causes of industrial equipment accidents include:

• Design defects that make the equipment inherently dangerous.
• Manufacturing defects introduced during production or assembly.
• Lack of safety guards or emergency shut-offs.
• Inadequate maintenance or inspection by employers or contractors.
• Failure to warn workers about known risks or hazards.

When a defective machine causes injury, more than one party may be responsible — including the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance provider.

Workers’ Compensation: The First Step Toward Recovery

Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey require most employers to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. If you were injured on the job, these benefits cover:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
• A percentage of lost wages while you recover.
• Disability or disfigurement benefits.

Workers’ Compensation is available regardless of who caused the accident — but it has limits. It does not compensate you for pain, suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Third-Party Claims: Holding Manufacturers Accountable

If your workplace injury was caused by defective or dangerous equipment, you may have a third-party claim in addition to your Workers’ Compensation benefits.

In addition to the medical expenses and lost wages that Workers’ Compensation covers, a third-party claim allows you to pursue full compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future earnings
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our attorneys know how to investigate industrial accidents to uncover product defects and maintenance failures — ensuring that every negligent party is held accountable.

Our Track Record of Results

Galfand Berger has earned the trust of workers across Pennsylvania and New Jersey through almost 80 years of proven results. We have taken on some of the nation’s largest equipment manufacturers and insurance companies — and won.

Our success is built on:

• Deep experience with both Workers’ Compensation and third-party injury claims.
• Access to top engineers, safety specialists, and industry experts.
• Relentless advocacy from the moment you call until your case is resolved.

We’re proud to fight for the hardworking people who keep our states moving — and to deliver results that make a real difference in their lives.

Here are examples of our recoveries:

• $36 million for workers fatally injured in a workplace explosion: https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/products-liability/36-million-recovery-fatal-workplace-explosion/
• $10.650 million for workers burned when a faulty pipe cracked, spraying workers with sulfuric acid: https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/products-liability/76-2/
• $5.1 million for a defective casting machine that injured four workers, one fatally: https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/products-liability/67-2/
• $5 million for a scalp degloving injury:  https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/products-liability/recovery-for-degloving-injury/
• $4.7 million for a worker who suffered a brain injury after being struck by a forklift: https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/Construction-Accidents/35-2/

Injured by Defective Industrial Equipment? Contact Us Today

If you were injured at work in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, don’t wait. Evidence fades, deadlines pass, and your rights can be lost. Let our team at Galfand Berger LLP help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.  Call us at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or by email at [email protected]. We have offices in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, and serve clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Your recovery is our mission. We’re here to protect your rights — and your future.