Work Injuries Caused by Equipment Failure

 Posted on January 22, 2026 in Workplace Injuries

Workplace equipment is supposed to help people do their jobs safely. When machines or tools fail, workers can suffer serious injuries. In 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private employers recorded about 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses that required medical care, time off work, or job restrictions. Equipment problems are a common part of these injuries, especially in hands-on jobs.

As of 2026, California workers’ compensation laws continue to protect employees hurt on the job, including injuries caused by broken or unsafe equipment. If you were injured at work, a Morgan Hill, CA workers' compensation lawyer can help you understand the benefits you may be entitled to and the next steps you might want to take.

What Is Considered Equipment Failure in a California Work Injury?

Equipment failure happens when a tool or machine does not work the way it should. This can include broken safety guards, worn-out parts, electrical problems, or machines that were not properly maintained.

Many workers are injured even when they follow safety rules and use equipment correctly. In California workers’ compensation cases, fault usually doesn’t matter. What matters is that the injury happened while you were doing your job.

What Jobs Are Most Affected by Equipment Failure Injuries in California?

Equipment-related injuries can happen in almost any workplace. They are more common in jobs that rely on machines or power tools. You see these accidents often in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, warehousing, food processing, and maintenance work.

Workers in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and nearby areas often use equipment like forklifts, conveyor belts, cutting machines, and packing equipment. When equipment fails, injuries can happen very quickly.

What Injuries Are Commonly Caused by Equipment Failure?

Equipment failure can cause many different injuries. Common examples include:

• Broken bones and crush injuries

• Serious hand or finger injuries

• Burns or electrical injuries

• Head, neck, or back injuries

• Repetitive stress injuries from faulty tools

Some injuries heal with treatment. Others may cause long-term pain or limit a worker’s ability to return to the same job.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Equipment Failure Injuries in California?

California workers’ compensation usually covers injuries caused by equipment failure. The injury just has to happen at work. Under California Labor Code § 3600, you do not have to prove your employer was at fault to receive benefits. You may qualify for compensation if the injury resulted from equipment that was defective or poorly maintained.

What Benefits Are Available After an Equipment-Related Injury?

Workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Medical treatment for the injury

• Temporary disability payments while you recover

• Permanent disability benefits if the injury causes lasting limitations

• Job retraining benefits in some cases

Under California Labor Code § 4600, employers must provide medical care that is reasonably needed to treat a work injury.

Can Someone Other Than Your Employer Be Responsible for an Equipment Injury?

Workers’ compensation usually prevents lawsuits against your employer. However, you may have a separate claim against another party. This could include an equipment manufacturer or a company that serviced the machine.

If defective equipment caused your injury, a separate claim may be possible in addition to workers’ compensation.

What Should You Do After an Equipment Failure Injury at Work?

First, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Get medical care right away and follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you can, take note of how the equipment failed and whether any safety parts were missing. This information can be helpful later.

When Should You Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer After a Workplace Injury?

Equipment failure cases can become complicated, especially if the insurance company questions how the injury happened. A lawyer can help gather records, communicate with the insurance carrier, and make sure your claim is handled properly.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Santa Clara County, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Work injuries caused by equipment failure can affect your health, income, and daily life. Raul Martinez Injury Law Firm has served clients in Gilroy and the surrounding areas for nearly 30 years, and the firm’s current team of attorneys has more than two decades of combined experience handling workers’ compensation cases. We understand how equipment-related injuries affect workers and their families.

If you were injured by faulty equipment at work, contact a Morgan Hill, CA workers' compensation lawyer today. Call 408-848-1113 to schedule your free consultation and learn how workers’ compensation benefits may help you move forward.