Forklift Accidents and On-The-Job Injuries – What You Need to Know

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), forklifts cause nearly 100 work fatalities and another 20,000 serious work injuries per year. Many result in temporary or permanent disability, which can place the employee and their family at serious risk for financial difficulties. Thankfully, there are ways to pursue compensation. The following information explains further.

While there are many possible situations that can lead to a forklift accident, some are far more common than others. Some may also contain an element of negligence, either on the part of the employer, manufacturer, or other responsible parties. These situations may include:

• Use of a forklift by an untrained driver;
• Failure to ensure proper licensing of a driver;
• Negligent use of a forklift (speeding, horseplay, etc.);
• Manufacturer defects;
• Poor maintenance of the machinery;
• Improperly balanced load; and
• Improperly secured loads.

Forklift accident injuries typically reflect the nature of the accident. For example, a forklift rollover may cause a spinal injury, but it may less likely to occur if the driver falls from the forklift. Other common injuries that may be experienced during a forklift accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Severed limbs,
• Broken limbs,
• Damage to internal organs,
• Lacerations,
• Facial fractures, and
• Death.

In most cases, workers, pedestrians, and other forklift accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. The method may be different, however, depending on the reason for the accident and the victim’s relationship to the employer. For example, a worker may only be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim, but if the employer did not have insurance, they may be eligible for a personal injury claim. Another possible option may be a product liability claim, which can cover accidents caused by defective or poorly designed forklift. The only way to truly know your options is to contact an experienced lawyer.

Whether you need help with a third-party claim or assistance handling an injury with an employer who did not have insurance, Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP can help. Seasoned and dedicated to your best interest, our San Jose work injury lawyers will aggressively pursue the most compensation possible. We will protect your rights, every step of the way. Learn how we can help with your case. Call (408) 289-1417 and schedule your confidential consultation today.

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