Forklift accidents are one of the most common types of work-related accidents at construction sites, warehouses, factories and other industrial settings. Workers can suffer serious injuries, and may only receive workers' compensation benefits that cover a portion of their lost wages and minimal medical treatment. For help in obtaining the compensation you deserve, contact the Los Angeles forklift accident attorneys at Greenberg and Ruby.
Why Choose Greenberg And Ruby Injury Attorneys?
- Their injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations into forklift accident cases.
- They are caring with their clients and relentless with insurance companies.
- They have secured more than $30M over the last 10 years alone.
- They skillfully handle negotiations and deal with any unexpected legal hurdles
- They provide their services on contingency. Meaning if you don't win, you don't pay.
- They provide free case evaluations.
Why You Need A Lawyer After A Forklift Accident
Workers' compensation benefits provide critical compensation for medical bills and two-thirds of your lost wages, to support workers whose injuries require extensive treatment and prevent them from returning to work. Unfortunately, forklift accident lawsuits can be denied by the insurance company, leaving some injured workers in pain, unable to work, and buried under a mountain of medical bills. With the help of a workplace injury attorney, forklift accident victims can fight for their rights and appeal a rejected workers' compensation claim. In circumstances in which a forklift injury was caused by a third party, such as a defective equipment manufacturer, there may be grounds to file a third-party liability claim for additional compensation.
Injuries Caused By Forklift Accidents
The resulting injuries from a forklift accident are often devastating due to the sheer size and weight of the machinery. While the average automobile weighs about 3,000 pounds, the average forklift weighs about 9,000 pounds. Depending on the type of accident (e.g. overturn, fall, or being struck), injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injury
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Amputation
- Wrongful death
Forklift operators must be very careful when turning, stopping, or accelerating, since the vehicle can tip over, or the load can fall off. Since a forklift is turned by moving the rear wheels, it has a much smaller turning radius than a car, making it easier for it to tip over on a turn.
OSHA Safety Regulations Involving Forklifts
In an effort to minimize the severity and frequency of forklift accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a series of safety guidelines for workers and employers to follow. They are as follows:
- Employee must be over the age of 18 to operate a forklift
- All operators must be trained and certified.
- Properly maintain haulage equipment, including tires
- Examine forklift truck for defects before using
- Do not modify or make attachments that affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift without written approval from the manufacturer
- Follow safe operating procedures for picking up, moving, putting down, and stacking loads
Greenberg And Ruby Injury Attorneys Are Here To Help
Greenberg And Ruby Injury Attorneys can help you with all aspects of your work injury claim if your accident was caused by a negligent third party. Speak to a Los Angeles forklift accident lawyer with experience today. They will evaluate your case for free, and if you can't make it into the office, they will come to you. Call (323) 782-0535.
