In the Central Valley’s warehouses, factories, farms, and construction sites, machinery is a part of daily life. But when that equipment is defective — due to a design flaw, poor maintenance, or a manufacturing issue — the results can be devastating.

If you were injured by faulty equipment at work, you may have more legal options than you realize. Fresno workers’ comp attorney Tim Bartell helps people navigate these cases every day. Here’s what you need to know about your rights, your benefits, and how to protect your future after a machinery-related injury.

What Counts as a Defective Machinery Injury?

Not all accidents are caused by employee error or bad luck. Sometimes, the root cause is a piece of equipment that should never have failed in the first place.

Common examples include:

•     Conveyor belts that lack safety guards
•     Forklifts with brake or steering issues
•     Power tools with faulty wiring or damaged blades
•     Harvesting or farm equipment that jams or breaks under normal use
•     Cranes, presses, or lifts that malfunction during operation

Whether the machine was poorly maintained or badly designed, if it caused injury during your normal work duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation and potentially more.

Your Workers’ Comp Benefits After a Machinery Injury

In California, most injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault. This includes:

•     Medical treatment covered at no cost
•     Temporary disability payments while you are unable to work
•     Permanent disability benefits if you don’t fully recover
•     Job retraining or supplemental benefits if you can’t return to your old role

Tim Bartell works closely with injured workers in Fresno to make sure these benefits are not delayed, reduced, or denied. Too often, insurance companies try to minimize the seriousness of machinery-related injuries, especially if the equipment hasn’t been reported as defective before.

Can You File a Third-Party Claim?

In addition to workers’ comp, some injured workers may be eligible to file a third-party liability claim if a person or company outside of their employer contributed to the defective equipment.

This could include:

•     The manufacturer of the machine or tool
•     A repair company that failed to fix a known issue
•     A contractor or vendor responsible for installation or maintenance

Unlike workers’ comp, a third-party lawsuit allows for additional damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of future earnings. Tim helps clients evaluate whether a third-party claim is worth pursuing based on the facts of the case.

Real Case Example: Forklift Failure in a Fresno Warehouse

A warehouse worker in Fresno was seriously injured when a forklift tipped during normal operation. The equipment had recently been serviced by a third-party vendor, who failed to identify a hydraulic issue.

•     Tim helped the worker secure full workers’ comp benefits, including temporary disability and long-term medical care.
•     He also investigated the vendor’s role and helped the client file a third-party claim, resulting in a separate settlement.

This type of case isn’t unusual. The key is having a legal team that knows how to uncover all responsible parties and navigate both systems at once.

What to Do If You Were Hurt by Faulty Equipment

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury involving machinery or equipment, here are a few steps to take right away:

1. Report the injury immediately to your supervisor and document what happened.
2. Request medical treatment and follow all doctor’s orders.
3. Preserve evidence, if possible. Photos of the equipment or accident scene can be helpful.
4. Consult with an attorney who handles machinery-related workers’ comp cases.

Tim Bartell has helped countless workers in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and across the Central Valley get the benefits and compensation they deserve after serious work injuries. His approach is personal, thorough, and rooted in making sure his clients are not taken advantage of.

Final Thoughts

Defective machinery injuries are often serious, and they can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. The good news? You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you’ve been injured by faulty equipment on the job, contact Tim Bartell today for a free case review. He’ll explain your rights, walk you through your options, and make sure your claim is handled with the attention and urgency it deserves.

Learn more or schedule a free consultation at timbartell.com