Industrial Accident Attorney

Legal Help After a Serious Industrial Accident

One industrial accident can change your entire life in a moment. Heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and busy worksites create risks that often lead to severe injuries, long recoveries, and time away from work. If you were hurt in an industrial setting in or around Rapid City, you may be unsure where to turn or how to protect your future.

At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, we help injured workers and families understand their rights and options after serious workplace and industrial incidents. Our attorneys have represented people across South Dakota since 1997, and we know how overwhelming it can feel to face medical bills, lost income, and pressure from employers or insurance companies at the same time.

Why Injured Industrial Workers Turn To Our Firm

Industrial accidents often involve more than one unsafe act or condition, and they can raise difficult questions about liability, insurance coverage, and workers' compensation benefits. You need more than general advice. You need a legal team that understands serious injury law and how South Dakota rules apply to complex work environments.

Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience representing injured people in personal injury, workers' compensation, insurance disputes, and related matters. That depth of experience helps us recognize patterns in industrial incidents, anticipate tactics used by insurance carriers, and develop strategies that fit the specific facts of each case. We prepare each matter as though it could go to trial, which helps us present your claim in a thorough and organized way.

Common Types of Industrial Accidents In This Region

People in and around Rapid City work in a wide range of industrial and commercial settings. Construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, transportation hubs, and energy or mining operations all present significant hazards when safety rules are not followed. We see that industrial incidents can happen in a single instant, but the effects may last much longer.

• Industrial Settings Where Injuries Occur

Some of the environments where serious incidents occur include multi-story construction projects, production lines with moving equipment, distribution centers with heavy vehicle traffic, and operations that involve drilling or blasting. In each of these settings, workers rely on proper training, working equipment, and safe procedures to stay protected. When any link in that chain fails, the risk of harm increases.

• Frequent Industrial Accident Scenarios

Some of the industrial events that can lead to serious injury include machinery malfunctions, workers getting caught in or between equipment, falls from ladders or scaffolding, electrocution, and incidents involving forklifts or heavy vehicles. There are also risks related to chemical exposure, fires, and explosions, particularly in facilities where flammable materials or pressurized systems are present.

Steps To Take After An Industrial Accident

The hours and days after an industrial accident can feel confusing. You may be in pain, worried about your job, and unsure what you are required to do. 

Taking a few key steps can help protect your health and your potential claims:

• Protect Your Health & Document Care

First, prioritize medical care. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some conditions are not obvious immediately, and early documentation of your symptoms can be important later. Follow the treatment recommendations you receive, and keep copies of any discharge instructions or medical records.

• Report The Incident & Preserve Evidence

Next, report the incident to your employer as soon as you can, following any internal procedures for workplace injuries. Provide factual information about where, when, and how the incident occurred. If possible, make your report in writing or confirm any verbal report with an email or note so there is a record. If a supervisor completes an incident form, ask for a copy.

Evidence can disappear quickly in an industrial setting. When it is safe to do so, and if you are physically able, consider taking photographs of the area where you were hurt, any equipment involved, visible injuries, and any warning signs or lack of warnings. If coworkers saw what happened, write down their names and contact information so they can be reached later if needed.

• Be Careful With Statements & Forms

It is also important to be cautious about what you say and sign. Insurance adjusters and company representatives may contact you soon after the accident. Before giving a detailed recorded statement or signing documents that you do not fully understand, you may want to talk with an attorney. Speaking with a lawyer early can help you understand how workers' compensation, potential third-party claims, and employer policies might interact in your situation.

Serious Injuries From Industrial Incidents

Industrial accidents often result in injuries that are more severe than those seen in many everyday incidents. The forces involved in heavy machinery, the heights on construction projects, and the materials used in industrial processes can all lead to lasting harm.

Common Types Of Industrial Injuries

Common serious injuries from industrial incidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crush injuries, amputations, severe burns, and complex fractures. Even injuries that do not seem catastrophic at first, such as back or joint injuries, can become chronic and require repeated treatment or surgery. Many people also experience emotional effects, such as anxiety or depression, as they try to adjust after a serious work-related event.

Long-Term Impact On Your Life

When injuries are this serious, the financial impact can be significant. There may be immediate medical bills, ongoing therapy costs, and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same type of work. In appropriate cases, personal injury claims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, wage loss, future care needs, and the pain and limitations you experience. Our firm has a reputation for multi-million dollar verdicts and millions recovered for clients in high-stakes matters, and we bring that experience to industrial injury cases where the stakes are high.

Every person's situation is different. Our attorneys take time to understand your medical condition, your work history, and your goals. We then work to build a clear picture of how the accident has changed your life, so that any claim we pursue reflects your individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Lawyer If I Am Already Getting Workers' Compensation?

You can speak with a lawyer even if you are already receiving workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation typically provides certain medical and wage benefits, but it may not cover all of your losses, and you may have additional rights that are not explained by your employer or the insurance company. In some industrial accidents, there may be potential claims against equipment manufacturers, property owners, or contractors whose negligence contributed to your injury.

When Should I Contact An Attorney After An Industrial Accident?

It is generally a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an industrial accident, once your immediate medical needs are addressed. Early legal guidance can help you avoid missteps when reporting the incident, speaking with company representatives, or dealing with insurance adjusters. It can also make it easier to preserve important evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, and maintenance records.

That said, people sometimes reach out weeks or months after an injury because they assumed the situation would improve or because new problems appeared. We understand that, and we still encourage you to call us for a free consultation if you have questions about your rights. An industrial accident lawyer Rapid City workers contact at a later stage can still review the facts, look at deadlines that may apply, and help you understand what options may remain.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm For An Industrial Injury Case?

We offer free initial consultations for industrial accident and serious injury matters. During this meeting, we talk about your situation and explain how our fee structures work. In many cases, we handle industrial injury claims using contingency fees, which generally means attorney fees are paid as a percentage of any recovery rather than upfront.

The exact arrangement can depend on the type of claim, the issues involved, and any applicable laws. We discuss these details with you before you decide whether to hire us, so you have a clear understanding of potential costs. Our goal is to make it possible for injured workers and families to seek legal help without adding new financial pressure during a difficult time.

Can I Lose My Job For Filing A Claim After An Industrial Accident?

Many workers worry about job security when they report an injury or assert their rights. Employment and workers' compensation laws generally prohibit employers from retaliating against employees for reporting workplace injuries, seeking medical care, or pursuing lawful benefits.

If you feel pressured not to report an injury, or if you believe your hours, duties, or employment status changed because you asserted your rights, it is important to speak with an attorney about the details. We can help you understand what protections may apply and what options may be available if you suspect retaliation. While we cannot control an employer's choices, we can work to protect your legal interests and provide guidance if you feel you are being treated unfairly.

What Will Your Attorneys Do During My Industrial Accident Case?

Our attorneys focus on gathering information, evaluating liability, and advocating for your interests. That typically involves reviewing incident reports, medical records, and any available photographs or safety documents. We may communicate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf, so you are not left to manage those conversations alone.

How Long Does An Industrial Accident Case Usually Take?

The length of an industrial accident case can vary widely. Factors that can affect timing include the severity of your injuries, how long it takes for your medical condition to stabilize, the number of parties involved, and whether disputes arise about fault or coverage. Some claims may be resolved through negotiations with insurers, while others require filing a lawsuit in a South Dakota court, which generally takes longer.

What Information Should I Bring To My First Meeting With Your Firm?

If you can, it helps to bring any medical records you already have, such as emergency room discharge papers, clinic visit summaries, or imaging reports. Documents from your employer, including incident reports, emails about your injury, or workers' compensation forms, are also useful. Photographs of the accident site, your injuries, or the equipment involved can provide important context.

Talk With Our Team About Your Industrial Accident

After a serious industrial accident, you do not have to sort through medical issues, insurance questions, and legal concerns on your own. A conversation with our team can help you understand your rights, what types of claims may be available, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. You may leave that discussion with a clearer picture of your options and the confidence that you have support.

At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, we have represented injured people throughout South Dakota for decades, and we are committed to honest, client-focused counsel. Free consultations and contingency fees are available, so you can talk with an industrial accident lawyer without paying upfront attorney fees. If you have questions about an industrial injury, we invite you to contact us today.

To speak with our team about your industrial accident, call (605) 777-7466 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.