The forklift enables workers to move heavy loads of materials in a quick amount of time. But these machines are dangerous and therefore deserve the utmost care and proper treatment. When operators negligently use forklifts, the results could be deadly.

Forklift accidents often leave victims with major injuries that can cause them to incur medical bills and financial losses. Those who have been injured may be able to seek monetary damages from different parties who played a role in the accident. Working with the attorneys of Dell & Dean PLLC, you can make a compelling case for the compensation you need.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are often found on construction sites, in manufacturing facilities, and in warehouses throughout Long Island. Although they serve a number of useful purposes, there is always the risk of negligence and the accidents that typically result from it. Some of those accidents include:

  • Rollovers and tip-overs: These are perhaps the most common, and deadliest, type of forklift accidents. Rollovers and tip-overs usually happen because the forklift has too much weight or has a weight imbalance. They also occur during quick turns, on uneven surfaces, and when the forklift is traveling too fast.
  • Falling loads: If the forklift load is not secured, is stacked too high, or is too heavy, the items being transported could fall off. This poses an immediate safety hazard to the forklift operator, as well as to other workers and pedestrians in the area.
  • Collisions: Forklift operators are akin to drivers of commercial vehicles, so they too must check blind spots and ensure safe speed and careful maneuvering. If they fail to do so, they can collide with another vehicle or directly with a person.
  • Blocked sight accidents: Operators must be able to clearly see where they are going at all times, but elevated and other improper loads can obscure their vision. At that point the forklift could crash into anything, including scaffolding or another structure that is holding up workers.
  • Mechanical failure: Regardless of how careful the forklift operator is, a mechanical failure can strike at any time. Lack of maintenance and proper repair work can risk worn outbreaks, leaking hoses and valves, and tire damage. These can directly cause an accident.

Why Do Forklift Accidents Happen in Long Island?

An accident victim seeking compensation has the duty to explain how the forklift accident occurred. A few of the most common causes of forklift accidents include:

  • Lack of training: Operating a forklift requires careful training with this unique piece of equipment. Poor training explains how many deadly forklift accidents occur.
  • Negligent and reckless operators: Even with good training, the forklift operator must use care. Negligence or recklessness, including from operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can harm others.
  • Unsafe work environment: If the Long Island construction site is on uneven ground, or the manufacturing or warehouse facility has slick surfaces, even careful operation of the forklift may not prevent an accident.
  • Poor maintenance: Forklifts need regular maintenance to avoid mechanical failure. Lack of maintenance may point to negligence on the part of different individuals.
  • Defective design and manufacturing: Likewise, a defect with the forklift due to design or manufacturing error can cause failure. An investigation may be necessary to determine liability.

Forklift Injuries That Victims Experience

Claiming compensation means explaining what your injuries are, how they have impacted your life, and what they are worth. Victims in Long Island frequently suffer the following injuries:

  • Bone fractures
  • Crush injuries
  • Brain injuries (e.g. traumatic brain injury, or TBI)
  • Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Amputation
  • Internal organ damage and bleeding
  • Chronic pain

These and other injuries often translate into steep medical bills, lost time from work (and lost earning capacity), and other personal and financial losses. The victim has the right to claim damages from the at-fault party or parties. Your attorney can help you determine a fair amount of compensation to seek.

What To Do After a Forklift Accident

If you have been in a forklift accident, the steps you take next will affect your legal right to compensation. We recommend the following:

  • Seek medical care: Your health is the top priority, so either call 911 or otherwise get medical attention immediately. If you don’t, you may jeopardize your damages claim.
  • Report the accident: Report the forklift accident in writing to your supervisor. This is necessary to receive workers’ compensation benefits and seek compensation from third parties.
  • Document the accident: Take pictures and record videos of the accident scene and of your injuries. Keep your medical records and make notes about what you can remember.
  • Speak to witnesses: If anyone observed what happened, get their names and contact information. Witnesses may also be aware of workplace safety violations that caused the forklift accident.
  • Speak with a Long Island personal injury attorney: Before you talk to anyone else (including insurance companies), talk to an attorney. Your lawyer will advise you what to do next.

Contact Our Long Island Forklift Accident Attorney

The sooner you retain a committed forklift accident attorney, the stronger your claim for compensation will be. Explore your legal options by calling Dell & Dean PLLC or completing our online contact form. We can schedule your confidential consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forklift Accidents

How do I prove negligence?

A victim must prove four elements: duty of care (that the operator or some other responsible party was obligated to act in a reasonably safe manner), breach (that some negligent act or omission was involved), causation (the breach directly caused injury to the victim), and damages (the victim therefore suffered financial and other losses). Your attorney can explain each of these requirements and how to prove them.

What do safety rules and laws have to do with my case?

There are various state and federal laws that concern forklifts, including their manufacturing and operation. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates certain safety standards, and there are New York labor laws that may be relevant. Violations of these laws and rules are strong indicators of negligence.

Are there options besides workers’ compensation?

If you were hurt on a construction site or at your workplace, you may have a workers’ compensation claim against your employer. But you could also have claims against third parties like the property owner or the forklift manufacturer. Our Long Island personal injury attorney will help you explore all avenues of recovering damages.