The Kansas City metropolitan area has a vast array of economic companies who have factories, warehouses, and construction sites which use forklifts and other heavy machinery to move materials and goods from one place to another. Forklifts are useful in helping transport heavy material, but they are also equally as dangerous and have the potential to cause serious and deadly accidents.
A recent research analysis of forklift accidents showed that over 1,000 deaths occurred due to injuries caused by a forklift over the past 15 years. Included in this figure are forklift overturns, workers walking by who were struck by a forklift, falls from a forklift, and individuals who were crushed.
Injuries can occur from forklifts that do not cause death but serious injuries such as having a foot, hand, arm, or leg trapped by the forklift that requires amputation. Additionally, a forklift may strike an individual causing them to fall to the ground which causes a traumatic brain injury.
American Forklift Accident Lawyer
It is the responsibility of the employers and workers that substantial steps are taking to avoid mishaps and ensure safety of workers and individuals around these types of heavy machinery. There certain guidelines that will help avoid forklift accidents.
- Maintenance and Routine Inspection: Much like semitrucks needing to take care of their vehicles, a forklift should be inspected daily or every time before the start of a shift. An inspection will review the proper functions of the forklift including the warning lights, horn, hydraulic levels, cracks or leaks in the hoses, tire pressure, and that all warning labels are easily read.
- Proper Training: The operation of a forklift is important because it should only be operated by licensed staff who are trained to operate them. Forklifts do not operate like normal vehicle so special training is required to operate them in a safe manner including loading and offloading heavy loads. Without proper training overturns are probable as well as injuries.
- Safety Equipment: Forklifts require that some safety equipment be used by the operators such as hard hats, helmets, seat belts, and other restraint systems.
All forklift-related incidents should be reported to your employer as soon as possible. Make sure that if you are involved in a forklift injury that pictures are taken of the scene, names of the witnesses are secured, and that, when possible, you narrate your version of the story while it is still clearest in your mind.
Forklift injuries can be the cause of negligence on the employer or a product liability on the manufacturer. A product liability claim would be one of a defective design of the forklift, failure to properly warn, defective manufacturing, or something similar. At Bautista LeRoy LLC we handle product liability claims and you can read more here.
At Bautista LeRoy LLC, we have extensive experience investigating and prosecuting forklift accidents. When you hire our firm, we will advance all costs associated with representing the client. If we do not win your case, the firm takes on the losses of the litigation costs. In fact, we only get compensated when we win the case. Simple as that. Give us a call at or contact us online.
Summary
Forklifts are very useful for warehouses, factories and construction workers. These machines lift huge loads and heavy pallets, which can help a business operate efficiently. However, forklifts also pose serious dangers.
Forklift accidents have caused a thousand fatalities and severe injuries to many individuals over the past years. These incidents can happen due to many reasons:
- Forklift overturns
- Pedestrians struck by forklifts
- Falls from forklift platforms
- Workers pinned or crushed
Workers who have been injured in a forklift accident could suffer injuries that can affect their daily routines and ability to work.
Companies that use forklifts should strictly implement safety rules and regularly check the machine to avoid legal consequences and keep their employees away from danger. They must:
- Routine inspections
- Proper operator training
- Protective gear
Talk to the legal professionals of Bautista LeRoy LLC, especially if negligence played a role in the forklift accident. We can explain your options and guide you to achieve compensation that can cover your losses. Our attorneys understand the difficulties an injured worker might be facing, particularly when it comes to legal matters. We can investigate and prove your injuries to secure proper payment. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss, our attorneys can be reached at www.bautistaleroy.com or 816-221-0382.
What Should I Do After Getting Injured In A Forklift Accident At Work?
- Get medical help
- Report the accident to a supervisor
- Take photos of the scene, if possible
Can I Still Discuss The Matter With A Lawyer If Workers' Compensation Is Already Involved?
Yes, workers' compensation only covers some damages, such as medical bills and lost wages. An attorney can investigate the accident further to see whether negligence is involved and the manufacturer or maintenance company denies responsibility.
What Injuries Can a Worker Get After A Forklift Accident?
Minor to severe injuries can happen to a worker after a forklift accident. Some of this might affect their ability to work again, and they might struggle with their daily lives.
- Crushed limbs
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
- Long-term nerve damage
How Do Attorneys Prove A Forklift Accident Case?
Personal injury attorneys with expertise in handling a forklift accident case can assess pieces of evidence. They can review:
- Safety records
- Training logs
- Maintenance reports
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
All of these can help figure out what causes the accident, and prove the connection between your injuries and the tragedy.
Why Should I Hire An Attorney Rather Than Handling The Process Alone?
Forklift accident cases can easily turn into complicated affairs, especially if huge companies are involved. A capable attorney can protect your rights and prove negligence.
