Virginia Forklift Injuries Lawyer
Among the most indispensable devices in American business is the ordinary forklift, also known as the powered industrial truck. Every day, countless American workplaces and industries depend on forklifts to move materials. Unfortunately, these machines contribute to thousands of serious on-the-job injuries and
deaths. In fact, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents every year in the United States.
The workplace injury lawyers of Marks & Harrison are familiar with the legal issues that can arise from a forklift accident. We represented a truck driver who was hit by a forklift at a job site, helping him recover $375,000 for the multiple fractures that he sustained.
If you have been injured in a forklift accident, contact the workplace injury attorneys at Marks & Harrison today at 1-800-283-2202 for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation or submit a Case Evaluation online. We have offices throughout Virginia, including in Richmond, Hopewell, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Tappahannock, Louisa, Staunton and Fredericksburg.
The leading cause of death involving forklifts is overturning, often due to exceeded weight limits. Those accidents account for one-fourth of all forklift-related deaths. Other common forklift accidents include:
- Employees or pedestrians being hit by forklifts
- Loads falling from the forklift
- Employees falling while on elevated pallets or tines
- Forklifts accidentally being driven off loading docks
- Forklifts falling between a loading dock and an unsecured trailer
Research suggests that the forklift itself, the factory environment and the actions of the operator can contribute to accidents involving forklifts. Accidents may be caused by:
- Improper workplace design (narrow aisles, crowded aisles, high volume of foot traffic, vision obstructions)
- Loss of control by forklift operator
- Improper use of forklift
- Improper maintenance (malfunctioning of the brakes, steering, transmission, hydraulic system or warning devices)
- Insufficient or inadequate operator training
- Horseplay on or near the forklift
- Lack of safe operating procedures
- Lack of safety-rule enforcement
Investigations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of forklift-related deaths indicate that many workers and employers are not aware of the risks of operating or working near forklifts. The likelihood of injury or death is increased by the fact that many individuals are not following the procedures set forth in the standards set out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the equipment manufacturer's guidelines. For example, operators may not be aware that they should avoid turning, if possible, on grades, ramps or inclines. Operators may also not know to stay with the forklift if lateral or longitudinal tipover occurs and to lean away from the point of impact.
If you’re injured in a workplace accident involving a forklift, or if a loved one has been killed in an accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and you should immediately seek the advice of an experienced attorney. A Virginia workers' compensation lawyer qualified to interpret workers’ compensation laws will be able to provide legal guidance and assistance to ensure full recovery of all available funds. To learn more about your rights under the workers’ compensation law, see our workers’ compensation page.
Of course, you should not settle for just workers’ compensation if you are entitled to more. Contact Marks & Harrison to find out if you have a forklift-related lawsuit. We offer a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation. Our forklift injury lawyers will analyze your case and advise whether we feel you are entitled to compensation. If we don't think you need an attorney, we will tell you right away.
Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online or send us an email at lawyers@marksandharrison.com.
Contact Us
Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online.