Contract worker hospitalized after Ford Michigan Assembly Plant fire
A contract employee was hospitalized Monday after suffering burns in a fire at Ford Motor Co.’s Michigan Assembly Plant.
The fire started at around 6 a.m. when a propane tank behind the Michigan Avenue facility was being filled, United Auto Workers Local 900 President Dwayne Walker told The Detroit News. The cause remained under investigation.
Walker said the worker, an employee of Leadec Industrial Services, suffered burns to his legs and other parts of his body. The worker’s name and condition were not immediately available. Leadec did not respond to a request for comment.
Ford spokesperson Christina Audisho said emergency responders were notified immediately, the worker was taken to a hospital and the incident site was contained.
Walker said production of Ford Bronco SUVs and Ranger midsize pickups was not disrupted.
Michigan workers’ compensation after a workplace fire
The Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency explains that workers’ compensation can provide wage replacement, medical and rehabilitation benefits for a work-related injury. Under MCL 418.315, an employer must furnish reasonable medical, surgical and hospital care when needed for a covered injury.
Which employer and insurer are responsible can depend on the worker’s employment relationship and applicable coverage. Describing someone as a contract employee does not by itself answer those questions.
Can a worker file a third-party claim after a workplace fire?
Yes, if someone outside the worker’s employment relationship is legally responsible for the injury. Under MCL 418.827, accepting workers’ compensation does not automatically prevent an injured employee from pursuing a claim against a legally responsible third party.
Potential third parties can include another contractor, a property owner, an equipment supplier or a manufacturer, but liability depends on the evidence and applicable law. The statute also gives an employer or insurance carrier reimbursement rights in some third-party recoveries, which means the claims may need to be coordinated. Michigan Legal Center’s Michigan personal injury claims overview explains why workplace injuries can require separate workers’ compensation and third-party analyses.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates reviews Michigan workers’ compensation, burn injury and third-party workplace injury claims.
Contract employees and other workers hurt in industrial fires may contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether workers’ compensation or another claim is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.