Manufacturing is the backbone of Nebraska's economy — and consistently one of the state's most dangerous industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing has the highest total recordable injury rate of any industry supersector in Nebraska. Factory workers, machine operators, welders, assemblers, and production line workers face serious hazards every shift.
When a manufacturing injury happens, the consequences are often severe: crushed hands, amputations, herniated discs, hearing loss, chemical burns, and worse. You need an attorney who understands these injuries and knows how to fight the insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
At Johnson Tabor & Johnson, our senior partner spent over 40 years defending insurance carriers — including in manufacturing injury cases. He knows their strategies inside and out. Now, that knowledge works for injured manufacturing workers like you.
Common Manufacturing Injuries in Nebraska
The combination of heavy machinery, repetitive physical tasks, hazardous materials, and high-speed production lines makes manufacturing one of the most injury-prone workplaces in the state. Nebraska workers' compensation covers all of these injuries when they arise out of and in the course of your employment.
Machine-Related Injuries
Crush injuries, amputations, lacerations, and fractures caused by presses, conveyors, saws, lathes, and other industrial machinery. These are among the most catastrophic manufacturing injuries.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and chronic pain from performing the same motions thousands of times per shift on assembly lines and production floors.
Hearing Loss
Gradual, irreversible hearing damage from prolonged exposure to loud machinery and industrial noise — one of the most common but underreported manufacturing injuries.
Chemical & Toxic Exposure
Respiratory illness, chemical burns, skin conditions, and organ damage from exposure to solvents, adhesives, fumes, dust, and other hazardous substances used in manufacturing.
Additional Manufacturing Injuries We Handle
- Back and spinal injuries from heavy lifting
- Herniated and bulging discs
- Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries
- Burns from hot surfaces, welding, or chemicals
- Forklift and industrial vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries on production floors
- Eye injuries from flying debris or chemicals
- Respiratory conditions (occupational asthma, silicosis)
Why Manufacturing Workers' Comp Claims Are Complex
Cumulative Injuries Are Common — and Often Denied
Manufacturing workers don't just get hurt in dramatic accidents. Many of the most serious injuries develop gradually from years of repetitive physical work. A production line worker who performs the same twisting motion thousands of times per day may develop debilitating carpal tunnel syndrome. A machinist exposed to industrial noise for 20 years may suffer significant hearing loss.
Nebraska Workers' Compensation Law covers these cumulative injuries. But insurance companies routinely deny them, arguing the condition is caused by aging or activities outside of work. Don't accept a denial without talking to an attorney.
Defective Equipment and Third-Party Claims
If your injury was caused in whole or in part by a defective machine, tool, or piece of equipment, you may have a third-party product liability claim against the manufacturer of that equipment — in addition to your workers' compensation claim. This is critically important because workers' comp doesn't cover pain and suffering, but a third-party lawsuit does. It can also provide full wage replacement rather than the capped benefits under workers' comp.
OSHA Violations and Employer Negligence
Some manufacturing injuries happen because the employer failed to maintain safe equipment, provide adequate training, or follow OSHA safety regulations. While these failures don't reduce your workers' comp benefits, they can strengthen a third-party claim and may also result in OSHA citations and fines against the employer.
Our Insurance Defense Background Is Your Advantage. Our senior partner defended insurance carriers for over 40 years — including in manufacturing injury cases. We know how insurers evaluate these claims, how they build their defense, and what arguments they use behind closed doors to deny or minimize benefits. That insider knowledge now works for you.
Watch Out for Biased IMEs. Insurance companies frequently challenge manufacturing injury claims by sending you to their own doctor for an Independent Medical Examination (IME). If that doctor concludes your injury isn't related to your work, you could lose your medical benefits and wage replacement. Our attorneys know how to challenge biased IME reports and protect your claim.
Workers' Comp Benefits for Manufacturing Workers
If you were injured while working in a Nebraska manufacturing facility, you may be entitled to:
Medical Benefits
Full coverage for all reasonable and necessary treatment — surgeries, physical therapy, hearing aids, prosthetics, prescriptions, and ongoing care.
Temporary Disability
Wage replacement while you are unable to work, based on your average weekly wage before the injury.
Permanent Disability
Compensation for lasting impairments — loss of a limb, permanent hearing loss, chronic pain, or reduced capacity to perform your job.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Job retraining if your injury prevents you from returning to manufacturing work or your previous position.
Representing Manufacturing Workers Across Nebraska
Nebraska's manufacturing sector employs thousands of workers in plants and facilities across the state — from meatpacking operations in Grand Island and Lexington to production facilities in Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond. Johnson Tabor & Johnson represents injured manufacturing workers throughout Nebraska, including:
- Omaha — Bellevue, Papillion, Elkhorn, Millard, La Vista
- Lincoln & Lancaster County
- Grand Island & Hall County
- Kearney & Buffalo County
- Norfolk & Madison County
- Columbus & Platte County
- North Platte & Lincoln County
- Scottsbluff & the Panhandle
- Sidney & Cheyenne County
Plus Lexington, Fremont, South Sioux City, and all surrounding communities across Nebraska and western Iowa. No matter which plant or facility you work in, our attorneys are ready to help.