Workplace injuries can happen at any time and at any age. Even young teenage workers can be affected by the dangers of on-the-job injuries. A recent story about two teens injured while they were at work may be of interest for Maricopa County residents.

The families of two teens who suffered severe injuries at work are suing the business where the teens were employed. The two teenagers, both 17, worked at a grain company. They were operating a grain auger on August 4, 2011 when one teen got his leg stuck in the auger. The other teen also became trapped while trying to get him out. The teens were both flown by medical helicopter to the hospital where they were listed in critical condition. Each young man lost a leg.

The families are suing because the company did not have workers' compensation insurance, assigned the teens to work duties that violated state and federal labors laws and were negligent in both training and supervising. At the same time, the company has sued their workers' compensation insurance provider over whether they should cover the two young men's medical expenses.

Due to the ongoing insurance litigation, the grain company has asked that the negligence lawsuits be at least delayed. They have already been fined $750 for not having workers' compensation coverage at the time of the accident.

The lawyer for the family has said that the two lawsuits are not related and one should not affect the other. The only difference is who would be liable for the payments, the grain company or the insurance company.

Medical expenses are still accumulating for the two young men, so the amount the families will seek in the lawsuit is still unknown. When "maximum medical recovery" has been reached, the medical expenses can be formulated.

According to the grain company's attorney, who is representing them in their dealings with the former workers' family, workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy for workers who are injured on the job. An exception is made, however, if the employee is in a working environment so dangerous that injury is guaranteed.

The impact of workplace injuries for anyone can be life changing. However, for these two young teens, their lives have been permanently altered at a time when they are preparing to enter the world of adulthood and independence. Now, they will be focused on adjusting to their lives with the loss of a limb and redefining their future plans.

Source: CBS News, "Okla. company sued over accident that hurt teens," Jan. 25, 2012