Forklifts play an important role in many workplaces, helping move heavy materials and goods quickly. However, if they’re not operated with care or maintained correctly, they can cause serious accidents. Understanding these risks and addressing them can help reduce injuries and keep everyone safer on the job.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents can lead to devastating injuries, making it essential to understand the common causes behind them. This most often includes:
- Operator Error: Mistakes made by operators are a frequent cause of forklift accidents. This can include a lack of proper training, becoming distracted while driving, or using the forklift improperly. These errors often result in collisions, tipping, or loss of control.
- Vehicle and Equipment Malfunctions: Forklift malfunctions are another significant factor. Issues such as poor maintenance, worn-out parts, or faulty equipment can lead to mechanical failures that put both operators and workers nearby in danger.
- Improper Loading: Overloading a forklift or stacking goods improperly can create instability. This increases the risk of the forklift tipping over or the load falling, which can cause severe injuries to both the operator and bystanders.
- Poor Workplace Conditions: Unsafe environments, such as uneven flooring and cluttered workspaces contribute to preventable accidents. These conditions make navigation more challenging and increase the likelihood of incidents.
- Lack of Safety Protocols: When safety measures are ignored, such as neglecting to wear seat belts or failing to use warning signals, the risk of accidents grows.
If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident and it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation through a workers’ comp or a personal injury claim. Contact our forklift accident attorney in Los Angeles to learn more.
Recovering Compensation After a Forklift Accident
If you have been hurt in a forklift accident, the type of claim you can file may depend on who was at fault. In some cases, you might be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, while in others, you could seek workers’ compensation benefits from your employer.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
If your forklift accident occurred while performing your job duties, you would likely pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp is designed to provide benefits to employees injured on the job, no matter who is at fault.
These benefits can include coverage for medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ compensation does not allow for pain and suffering compensation. Filing a workers’ comp claim can help you recover quickly without needing to prove employer negligence.
Personal Injury Claims
If another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the forklift accident, you might have the option to file a personal injury claim. For example, a manufacturer that fails to recall or correct a known defect in the forklift could face a lawsuit. Third-party contractors who do not properly mark a hazardous area, maintain the machinery, or train their employees could also be held responsible.
Personal injury lawsuits allow victims to seek additional damages, such as pain and suffering. However, these cases require proving that the other party’s negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Choosing the right legal approach is crucial for securing the benefits you deserve. Consulting an experienced LA personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.