If you're injured by factory machinery you may qualify to receive some form of workers' compensation. However, workers' comp won't provide you with anything more than compensation for your medical and other actual expenses, and it doesn't include any damages. There are strict regulations governing the manufacture of factory equipment and the provision of adequate safety devices, instructions, and warnings. An injury caused by a factory machine such as a punch press may result in the employer being held liable for not furnishing adequate safety precautions. If your injury was caused by a defect in the machinery you were using, or because of inadequate safety warnings, you may be able to file suit against the manufacturer or distributor of the machine. According to product liability statutes, the manufacturer can be held liable for flaws in design, manufacture, or for inadequate warnings or safety devices, even if the user didn't observe due care in the use of the machinery. The laws differ among states, but generally you must file a product liability lawsuit within two years of the date of your accident. It's important to consult an attorney at the earliest possible time, since a work-related injury compounded by a product liability issue may result in filing multiple lawsuits.
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