If you were injured in a forklift accident while working, you must advise your employer and submit a workers’ compensation claim right away. If you don’t know where to start, speak with one of our forklift accident attorneys at Warner and Warner for assistance.
Our lawyers have handled industrial accidents, and we can examine your situation. We can then defend your claim if your employer or insurance company refuses to cooperate.
Additionally, we may investigate what caused the lift truck accident. It may be a lack of sufficient tools or equipment, inadequate training, poor maintenance, congested aisles, slippery ramps or floors, malfunctions, or forklift age.
What Should I Do After a Work Forklift Accident?
If you have been hurt at work in a forklift accident, it is critical that you tell your employer as quickly as possible to safeguard your rights under workers’ compensation laws.
Consult a doctor after reporting the accident. To assess the type and degree of your injuries and to obtain treatment, you should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. When you go to the doctor, be sure he or she understands you were wounded on the job.
Once you have a medical diagnosis, provide written notice to your superior. This notice should include the following:
- A description of the task you were doing
- A comprehensive account of how the accident happened
- Any witnesses to your accident
- Your doctor’s description of your injuries
- What caused your injuries
Are There Additional Claims to Forklift Accidents?
To get money for other damages, like pain and suffering, you have to file a separate personal injury claim.
Take note that this personal injury claim cannot be made against a worker’s employer unless the employer willfully caused the accident to cause damage. If the victim desired compensation for losses other than medical bills and lost earnings, they would have to bring a claim against a third party. Forklift manufacturers and maintenance companies are examples of common third parties.
This will entail more complex processes, and we recommend working with legal professionals.
What Is the Usual Type of Lift Truck Accident?
Forklift rollovers, also known as forklift overturns, are the most prevalent kind of lift truck accident, according to the CDC. There are around 85-87 forklift-related fatalities and 34,000 forklift-related injuries per year based on the most recent estimates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A forklift overturn crushed the victim in 42% of fatal occurrences.
The following are the most common causes of forklift rollovers:
- Turning too fast
- Overweight or unbalanced loads
- Unexpected mast movement
- Turning on an incline
- Driving with a Heavy Load
- Driving over an uneven surface
All of these issues, however, stem from a single, basic cause: a lack of sufficient training. According to a study, poor training was directly responsible for 25% of forklift accidents, but there are many more errors that can be avoided with appropriate employer investment. Good training might prevent 70% of forklift mistakes.
What Makes Forklifts Extremely Dangerous?
Lift trucks may weigh up to 9,000 pounds and move at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. They only have front brakes, making them more difficult to stop. Forklifts are heavier in the rear to balance weights in the front, resulting in an unequal weight distribution.
Types of Injuries Caused by Lift Truck Accidents
- Lacerations and punctures
- Fractures
- Sprains and muscle tears
- Bruises
- Soreness
How to Avoid Forklift Accidents Amongst Pedestrians?
Whether you are an employer or a worker, it’s important that you understand the necessary precautionary measures so they can be implemented in the workplace. Here are a few recommendations to ensure that pedestrians are safe from potential accidents.
- Post warning signs and use floor tape to define forklift zones.
- To warn pedestrians of the presence of a forklift, use blue lights and pedestrian red zone lights.
- Install sensors to influence the behavior of vehicles and pedestrians.
Remember: Employers Are Liable for Forklift Accidents
Companies must limit the dangers of forklift operation via training, well-maintained equipment, and enough manpower. Shortcuts usually result in harm, and it’s only fair that employers compensate the employees who suffer the price for their decisions.
Hire Warner and Warner Attorneys at Law
Warner and Warner is a well regarded accident injury law firm in Orlando, FL. With every case we’ve handled, we’ve shown our passion to bring justice to our clients. Call us right now at (321) 341 6829 for a free case evaluation, or fill out our contact form.