Forklift accidents are a common occurrence on the job site. They can happen to anyone, regardless of size or experience level. Every industry has its risks and hazards, but forklifts present some special challenges that all workers must be aware of. If you were injured, or a loved one was killed by a forklift, you may be left with many questions.
Forklift injuries are often devastating, especially when they involve permanent disability, serious injury or death. If you have been injured in an industrial accident, contact one of our local law offices for a free consultation today.
Between 2011 and 2017, it is estimated that there were more than 60,000 forklift injuries, with 614 forklift-related deaths in the United States. If you've been injured, whether you were the forklift operator or not, you may be able to recover compensation.
Forklift accidents can cause many types of serious injuries, which can prohibit a person from working for a period of time. Some of the most common injuries include:
If you've been injured by a forklift, you will need to prove negligence. This means that you must prove that the forklift driver, manufacturer or another party was at fault. By hiring an experienced forklift accident attorney, they will be able to investigate the accident, speak to witnesses and obtain more information to determine who may be at fault.
Forklift accidents occur for many reasons. The most common reason is that the forklift operator does not follow proper safety procedures and/or fails to correctly operate his or her equipment. There are several other causes of forklift accidents, which may contribute to an injury. Common causes include:
Proper safety precautions, regular maintenance and training can all help avoid serious injuries caused by a forklift. A heavy loads or an elevated load my cause the forklift to topple over, causing workplace fatalities or other serious injuries.
If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, you also have legal rights. You may also want to consider contacting one of our local forklift injury lawyers if you believe your employer has failed to comply with its obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1990 (OSHA).
Safety features that help safely operate a forklift may include:
Proper training for an operator is also extremely important, in fact, OSHA requires all forklift operators to be trained and certified.
Our local team of forklift accident lawyers have answered some of the most common questions regarding a lawsuit or case around a forklift injury. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to reach out, our phones are available 24/7.
Forklifts are an indispensable part of the modern workplace, whether at warehouses, distribution centers, or construction sites. They are used to move heavy objects quickly and safely, but they can also be dangerous if not properly maintained or operated. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set certain standards for forklift operators and owners that must be followed in order to keep employees safe while operating these machines.
If you have been injured as a result of a forklift, it is important to know who may be held liable in such cases.
As a victim who was hurt by a forklift, you may be able to seek compensation from several sources. These include the driver’s employer, his insurance carrier, the truck’s manufacturers, distributors, dealers, contractors, property owners, and any other entities that might be at fault. However, each case is unique and there may be circumstances where only one entity can be held accountable for the injuries sustained in forklift accidents.
You may be entitled to different types of financial compensation, when seeking recovery after your accident:
Compensation may help cover medical treatment, lost wages or death. A workers' compensation claim does not cover non-economic compensation. These types of damages would need to be pursued in a third-party injury claim.
Every accident is different, including those involving forklifts. The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the severity of your injury or death of your loved one. In addition, there are a number of factors that may affect how much money you can get for your accident.
Our experienced team of lawyers are ready to help you find out liability in your case and work with you to file a workers compensation claim or other lawsuit relating to your accident. Call us today for a free evaluation.
Despite the high risk associated with operating these machines, most employers still fail to provide proper safety precautions. As a result, many accidents cause severe injuries to the employee or other bystander. If you were hurt while driving a forklift, or by an operator of a forklift, we would love to speak with you about your case. Call today for a free consultation and to speak with an experienced lawyer.
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