Forklift Accidents Lawyer
Forklifts are used in numerous industries and workplaces including warehouses, construction sites, and retail stores. Unfortunately, forklift accidents are also common, injuring thousands of workers each year. Customers or other visitors to a premises can also be injured by forklifts at workplaces that use these potentially dangerous pieces of heavy equipment. In some cases, accidents involving forklifts lead to devastating and fatal outcomes.
Our Ohio personal injury lawyers at Wolterman Law Office have a wealth of experience representing clients who have been seriously injured in accidents caused by another’s negligence, including those involving forklifts. Depending on the nature of the accident and severity of injuries, the costs and loss associated with a forklift accident can be devastating. In addition to recovering from physical and emotional trauma can incur ongoing medical expenses and lost wages. A dedicated and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you navigate an otherwise overwhelming process after a forklift accident and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Are Forklifts So Dangerous?
Forklifts present special challenges compared to cars and other vehicles. The average forklift weighs about 9,000 pounds, or three times as much as the average car. Forklifts are built heavier in the rear to balance the weight of items being carried on the forks, with most only having brakes in their front drive wheels. The combination of rear counterweight and the front-wheel drive make the forklifts harder to stop, which is why they should always be driven slowly.
Forklifts also tip over more easily on turns, which can result in rollover accidents and falling loads. Forklifts turn using the rear wheels and have a much smaller turning radius than a car, so forklift drivers need to be cautious when turning or accelerating.
Forklifts are designed to drive both backward and forward, as they are often used to carry tall loads in the front. When forward vision is obscured, the driver must move the forklift backwards while looking in the direction of travel. While it is safest to operate forklifts carrying loads as low as conditions will allow, it is common for forklifts to raise loads to great heights, which is necessary in facilities with high storage spaces.
The constant process of raising, lowering, and moving loads all offer opportunities for forklift accidents to happen when safety measures are not followed. Forklift operators should receive the required safety training and certification program that observes OSHA regulations. With proper training and guidance, many forklift accidents are preventable, but when forklift training is insufficient or neglected, forklifts can become dangerous for both drivers and bystanders.
What Are Common Forklift Accidents?
Ohio personal injury lawyers handle claims involving various types of forklift accidents and injuries, including the following:
- Forklift rollover or tip over accidents and injuries
- Crush and compression injuries caused by forklift accidents
- Injuries resulting from a fall from a forklift
- Injuries caused by a load falling from a forklift
- Injuries from a pallet falling or being transported by a forklift
- Injuries from a fall off a ladder or scaffold that is hit by a forklift
- Injuries caused by forklift equipment malfunction
What Causes Forklift Accidents?
Forklifts present risks to forklift operators, other onsite workers, and any pedestrians or drivers in the area. Some common causes of forklift accidents include:
- Forklift operator inexperience
- Insufficient forklift operator training
- Forklift operator inattention
- Faulty or improperly maintained machinery
- Lack of signage for hazard warnings
- Operating at excessive speed
- Improper turning or cornering
- Unstable or over-elevated load
- Dangerously laid-out premises
What Are Common Forklift Accident Injuries?
Forklift-related injuries can be serious and long-lasting, keeping the injured party out of commission for weeks or months. Severe forklift accident injuries can be life-altering and result in permanent disability. The following are types of forklift accident injuries:
- Broken bones/fractures
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injury and/or paralysis
- Concussion or serious head injury
- Internal bleeding of organs
- Death
What Damages Can I Receive If I Have Been In a Forklift Accident?
If you or a loved one were injured in a forklift accident due to the negligence of the forklift’s operator, manufacturer, or another party, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy and other ongoing treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and other final expenses
It is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in a forklift accident. Ohio personal injury lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office will review the facts of your case to determine liability, and help you navigate the legal process so that you can focus on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries. Our skilled and dedicated personal injury lawyers will ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve during this difficult time.
Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office Advocate for Forklift Accident Victims
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a forklift accident, or any other type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our Ohio personal injury lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office. We will handle the details of your case from start to finish, giving you peace of mind that you are in capable hands. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us at 513-488-1135 or contact us online today.