Forklift accidents can cause serious injuries and losses for workers. After an injury, a San Bernardino forklift accident lawyer could help you deal with the consequences. Our talented heavy equipment injury attorneys could handle the complicated workers’ compensation claims process or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if third-party negligence is involved. At the Law Offices of Anthony E. Gluck, PLLC, we can help you learn about your legal options for compensation following a forklift injury.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
A combination of operator error, unsafe workplace conditions, and equipment issues often causes forklift accidents. Operator error includes speeding, improper turning, or lifting loads unsafely. Inexperienced or inadequately trained operators are particularly at risk of committing errors. Workplace hazards that contribute to collisions or tip-overs can include:
- Poor lighting
- Uneven floors
- Cluttered aisles
- Narrow pathways
Mechanical failures, such as brake or steering malfunctions, worn tires, or faulty hydraulics, also increase the risk of an accident. Overloading or improperly stacking materials can cause the forklift to become unstable, leading to falls or crushing injuries.
Additionally, failure to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety regulations, such as using seatbelts or maintaining safe speeds, significantly contributes to workplace forklift accidents. Our forklift injury lawyers in San Bernardino could help you determine the cause of your accident and who may be responsible.
What Are Common Injuries From Forklift Accidents?
Forklift accidents can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. Common injuries include fractures, crushed limbs, and head trauma. Tip-overs, collisions, or falling loads often cause these injuries. Workers may also suffer spinal injuries or internal damage after a forklift strikes or pins them. In some cases, accidents lead to permanent disabilities or long-term mobility issues.
Even minor incidents can result in lasting pain, lost wages, and extensive medical treatment. Prompt medical attention and thorough documentation are critical after a forklift accident, both for your health and to pursue potential workers’ compensation or personal injury claims.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Injuries
The forklift itself may have been the cause of your accident. A defect in the forklift may have caused it to malfunction. If a forklift defect caused your injuries, you may file a product liability lawsuit against the company that manufactured or sold it. You could receive full compensation if you prove at least one of the following:
- A design defect made the product unreasonably dangerous for its intended use
- The product’s design was safe, but there was a manufacturing defect
- The manufacturer knew or should have known of the defect, but failed to remedy it or warn the public
You may also sue the third party responsible for maintaining or repairing the forklift if improper maintenance caused the accident. Our forklift accident attorneys could review the circumstances of your case in San Bernardino to determine whether there is a third party whom you can sue.
How a Lawyer Could Help You After a Forklift Accident
After a forklift accident, having a skilled forklift injury attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and securing compensation in San Bernardino. We could investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify liable parties, whether an employer, contractor, or equipment manufacturer. By meeting deadlines and performing accurate paperwork, we may pursue workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits on your behalf.
Our forklift accident lawyers may also handle negotiations with insurance companies, advocating for fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With legal guidance, you can focus on recovery while pursuing the benefits you deserve.
Contact a Forklift Accident Attorney in San Bernardino
If you have been injured in a forklift accident, our attorneys at the Law Offices of Anthony E. Gluck, PLLC, know that you are going through a difficult time. Your San Bernardino forklift accident lawyer could determine the cause of your accident and fight for full compensation. Contact us and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
(909) 885-1620