Industrial Accidents

Industrial Accident Lawyers in San Francisco

Registered Nurse-Led Intake for Serious Industrial Injuries

An accident involving industrial machinery, warehouse operations, electrical systems, chemicals, or heavy equipment can cause injuries that require extensive treatment and long-term support. One of the first legal questions is whether the injured worker has access to workers’ compensation, a civil claim against a third party, or both.

We handle serious personal injury cases involving life-changing harm. A Registered Nurse leads our intake process, giving us an early clinical view of crush injuries, amputations, burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, toxic exposure, and other medically complex conditions.

Call (415) 630-2913 to reach out online to schedule a consultation with our San Francisco industrial accident attorney.

How Machinery & Warehouse Accidents Happen

Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, loading areas, distribution operations, and maintenance spaces can expose workers to heavy equipment and powered systems. How an accident occurred often determines what evidence matters and who may bear responsibility.

Incidents may involve:

Forklifts and industrial trucks: Collisions, rollovers, falling cargo, and pedestrian impacts can cause catastrophic injuries.
Presses and conveyors: Missing guards, unexpected movement, or equipment malfunctions can trap or crush a worker.
Electrical and chemical systems: Live components, hazardous substances, fires, and explosions can cause burns or lasting medical complications.
Loading and storage operations: Falling loads, unsecured materials, unsafe walking surfaces, and defective equipment can injure workers and visitors.

Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend beyond the employer to an equipment manufacturer, maintenance contractor, property owner, site manager, subcontractor, or outside vendor. Identifying each involved party is central to evaluating third-party liability, meaning the legal responsibility of someone other than the injured worker’s employer.

More Than 30 Years of Experience in Complex Injury Litigation

We bring more than 30 years of practice experience to serious personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Our broader record includes more than $200 million recovered for clients and a history of record-setting recoveries. These figures aren’t presented as industrial accident results.

We accept a limited number of cases, allowing us to investigate each one carefully, consult appropriate medical professionals, and maintain partner-level involvement. Erik L. Peterson has been selected to Super Lawyers continuously since 2006, included in The Best Lawyers in America, recognized by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, and invited as a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
$17 Million Birth Injury Settlement

See More Wins

I can’t say enough about Erik Peterson
“
I can’t say enough about Erik Peterson of Peterson Injury Law. He represented my brother and me in a wrongful death case involving my Mom, and we couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and professional attorney. Losing my Mom was incredibly difficult, and going through a lengthy legal process made it even harder. Erik kept us informed every step of the way, explained everything in detail, and always gave us choices. We had endless questions, and he never once made us feel like we were bothering him. He understood that this wasn’t just a case to us – it was our Mom, and he genuinely seemed to care about what our family was going through.
One thing that made the whole process easier was that we never had to travel to an office. Everything was handled through Zoom, which was incredibly convenient, and we always felt connected and informed. His paralegal, Kate, was also wonderful – helpful, responsive, and always so pleasant to work with.

Other attorneys had turned us down, so we feel incredibly fortunate that Erik took our case. He worked on a contingency basis, and even reduced his fee, which meant a great deal to us. We ultimately settled out of court for more than I expected.

While no amount of money can bring my Mom back, I will always be grateful for the way Erik handled our case and treated our family. My brother and I are truly thankful for everything he did for us. I would wholeheartedly recommend Erik Peterson to anyone looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and genuinely cares about his clients.
”

- M.C.
Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.

Workers’ Compensation & Third-Party Claims in California

California workers’ compensation generally provides medical treatment and partial wage replacement for a work-related injury. It doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering or punitive damages. The California Department of Industrial Relations advises workers to report an injury promptly because waiting more than 30 days can jeopardize benefits.

A separate civil claim may be possible if someone other than the employer contributed to the accident. Defective machinery, for example, could raise a claim involving the manufacturer, while negligent maintenance could implicate an outside contractor. A workers’ compensation claim doesn’t automatically prove or eliminate third-party liability.

Depending on the evidence and California law, a third-party claim may seek compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future care. We explain how the two legal paths may interact and provide a straightforward assessment of the likely stages, timeline, and risks. Under our contingency-fee model, clients don’t pay attorney fees upfront.

Evidence That Can Shape an Industrial Injury Claim

Equipment may be repaired, work areas may change, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Preserving incident reports, photographs, surveillance footage, medical records, inspection logs, maintenance records, training documents, equipment manuals, and witness accounts can be critical to evaluating a claim.

What the Investigation May Examine

An investigation may focus on the conditions, decisions, and parties that contributed to the accident.

Whether machinery had functioning guards, warnings, and emergency controls.
Whether inspections and maintenance were completed and documented.
Whether operators received required authorization and training.
Whether contractors, vendors, or site managers contributed to unsafe conditions.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, establishes workplace requirements that may provide context for an investigation. Its industrial-truck materials address operator authorization, safe operation, and additional evaluation after certain accidents or workplace changes. A regulatory violation doesn’t automatically establish civil liability and must be considered with the full body of evidence.

Long-Term Medical Effects

We evaluate how the injury may affect rehabilitation, future medical care, employment, earning capacity, and independence. When detailed clinical analysis is necessary, we work with medical professionals to assess treatment needs and prognosis.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Clear Communication at Every Stage of Your Case

We explain medical evidence, legal strategy, risks, and developments in plain language. Clients receive early guidance about expectations and potential timelines, along with prompt responses to calls and messages.

When applicable, we guide clients through discovery, depositions, mediation, and settlement discussions. Discovery is the formal process through which the parties exchange evidence and information. We’re honest about difficult issues while remaining mindful of the trauma, grief, and uncertainty affecting injured people and their families. Video calls are available when they make it easier to connect with us.

What Shapes a Third-Party Industrial Accident Claim?

The strength and potential value of a civil claim depend on the severity of the injury, medical needs, evidence of liability, and available insurance. The timeline may also depend on how many parties are involved and whether the case resolves through negotiation or proceeds to litigation.

An injury that occurred at work may support a third-party claim, but the location alone isn’t enough. The evidence must identify an outside party, establish a legal basis for responsibility, and connect that party’s conduct or defective product to the harm. Fatal incidents may also raise wrongful death issues for surviving family members under California law.

Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Team

We serve injured workers and families in San Francisco who need a careful evaluation of a possible civil claim. Our team can review how the accident happened, identify questions about responsibility, and explain the next steps without offering false hope or promising an outcome.

Call (415) 630-2913 to request your consultation with the San Francisco industrial accident attorneys at Peterson Injury Law.

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230 California St
Suite 501
San Francisco, CA 94111
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Los Angeles, CA 90015
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3516 9th St.
Suite B
Riverside, CA 92501
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