San Jose Industrial Accidents Attorneys
Work with Our Accomplished Lawyers
If you or someone you care about was seriously hurt or killed at work, you should call Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP as soon as possible. Industrial accident law is complex, and the statute of limitations may be quite short, depending on the circumstances.
Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP can protect your rights, help evaluate your case, and work to win you the best possible financial outcome. We have won millions of dollars for Northern California clients injured in industrial accidents and other types of accidents. And we always offer free consultations for potential clients, because we know injured people are often financially strained.
To speak with an experienced San Jose injury lawyer today, call us at (800) 900-0863.
Federal and California Laws Protecting Workers
Despite federal and state laws designed to prevent accidents at work, industrial accidents are still disturbingly common. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were more than 5,190 deaths at work in 2016; the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health reports 376 occupational deaths in California that year.
Thousands more were seriously injured at work; the BLS reports 2.9 injuries for every full-time private worker in 2016. The majority, but by no means all, of industrial accidents occur in industries involving the use of heavy equipment or automobiles such as construction, agriculture and natural resources extraction, manufacturing, and transportation professions.
Common types of workplace accidents include:
- Falls
- Accidents with heavy machinery
- Electrocution
- Being hit by an object
- Automobile accidents
- Violent crimes
Regulations Set Forth for Your Safety
Both the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and similar state laws require employers to adhere to a strict set of safety standards, including requirements to provide safety equipment, follow safety procedures, and train employees in how to do their jobs without undue exposure to risk of death or serious injury.
Unfortunately, these safety laws aren't always followed. Some employers simply overlook safety; others actively put profits ahead of the well-being of their workers.
But regardless of the cause, when a worker is hurt on the job, his or her employer is legally liable for the accident and the serious injuries that result, which could include:
- Amputations
- Broken / crushed bones
- Brain damage
- Spinal damage
- Burns
- Asphyxiation
Not only are these injuries are catastrophic, life-changing, and painful, but they're also quite expensive - they often require years of medical care, physical therapy, and other ongoing care. If you've been hurt due to the negligence of your employer, you have the right to hold the employer responsible in court.
Helping Workers Who Have Been Injured on the Job
Many injured workers can and should collect workers' compensation payments, which can help them pay medical bills and maintain their families' income while they cannot work.
Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP does not handle workers' compensation law, but even if you are collecting workers' compensation, we may still be able to help you. Very often, a workplace accident may involve a third party or a subcontractor who is not your primary employer. You are legally allowed to sue such a party even while collecting workers' compensation.
Call our San Jose industrial accident attorney at (800) 900-0863 for your complimentary consultation today.
A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
Millions Recovered for Our Clients-
Wrongful Death Skydiving Accident $40,030,000
Attorney Paul Van Der Walde recovered a total of $40,030,000 in compensation for a couple bereft of their 18-year-old son in a tandem skydiving accident.
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School Bus vs. Pedestrian Accident $8,825,000
School bus vs. pedestrian accident resulting in traumatic brain injury.
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Train Maintenance Vehicle vs. Auto $7,411,492
Caputo & Van Der Walde recieved a jury verdict in the amount of $7,411,492 for a surviving widow, who lost her husband when his pickup truck was involved in a collision with an on-track maintence of way vehicle.
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3rd-Degree Burns During a Pedicure $7,291,986
Paul Caputo received a $7,291,985.58 decision for Plaintiff in a case where a client received severe 3rd-degree burns during a pedicure, resulting in the need for numerous skin grafting procedures.
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Paraplegia from Defective Seat $5,650,000
Product liability case involving a defective seat design that resulted in paraplegia.
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Pick-up Truck vs. Pedestrian Accident $4,250,000
Pedestrian crossing a four-lane street in the crosswalk, hit by a full-size pick-up truck. Injuries included a left knee dislocation with complete tears of all ligaments and requiring surgery, right scaphoid fracture requiring surgery, right shoulder AC joint separation with clavicle fracture and PTSD.
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Auto vs. Bicycle Accident $4,000,000
Bicycle rider attempted to maneuver to his left, around a recessed manhole in the bike lane, and was struck by a vehicle that was driving too closely to the bike lane. Significant injuries included tramautic brain injury, skull fracture, and permanent brain damage.
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Big Rig vs. Auto Accident $3,000,000
Big rig vs. auto accident resulting in wrongful death.
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Physical Abuse $3,000,000
Child protective services failed to adequately protect young child from physically abusive foster parents.
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Civil Rights Case $3,000,000
Civil rights case involving excessive force by law enforcement.


Client Testimonials
Highly Rated & Reviewed-
“Our lawyer and his entire staff were extremely approachable and effective in getting a very good settlement from my own insurance company's under-insured motorist coverage. Our lawyer guided my husband and me through the process.”
- Chris G. -
“Paul has a great understanding of people's rights and drives to obtain all that is due to you. He listens and answers questions that anyone could understand without legalize. I contacted him through the recommendation of a friend.”
- Gary G. -
“We are so grateful we found Paul Van Der Walde! From the very beginning, it was clear Paul and his team would do whatever it took to help us. We're thrilled with the case result, but more importantly, we're thankful they believed in us.”
- Catherine W.