Palm Beach Gardens Forklift Accident Lawyer
Sustaining an injury while working with heavy machinery such as a forklift can have life-lasting impacts for you. The injuries suffered during forklift accidents are often catastrophic and will result in high medical bills, lost income, and other losses. You can file a claim for compensation but the process is full of challenges and one small mistake could put any damages you deserve at risk. Our Palm Beach Gardens forklift accident lawyer can handle every element of your claim so you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Types of Accidents Involving Forklifts
There are a number of different types of forklift accidents that can occur. The most common of these include:
- Falling off of a forklift
- Being crushed by a forklift
- Getting hit by loads falling from a forklift
- Forklifts that malfunction due to a defect or flaw
Regardless of the type of forklift accident a person is involved in, it will result in serious injury.
What are the Most Common Causes of Forklift Accidents?
Unfortunately, forklift accidents are caused in a number of different ways. The most common of these are as follows:
- Careless, reckless, or erratic driving of a forklift
- Failing to train employees properly about how to operate a forklift
- Failure to maintain the forklift, and its equipment, properly
- Violation of policies and procedures regarding forklift operation
- Operating a forklift without knowing the load capacity
- Driving a forklift at excessive speeds
- Failure to properly communicate effectively with other employees, and
- Failing to properly secure loads on a forklift
Sometimes, workers load forklifts beyond their capacity in an attempt to finish a job faster. This can make a forklift become unstable, which makes it more likely to tip. When a forklift tips, it can throw the operator from the vehicle or trap or crush another worker on the same job site.
Why are Forklifts So Dangerous?
Forklifts are inherently dangerous due to their very nature. These heavy pieces of machinery can weigh thousands of pounds, which can make it very difficult for operators to properly maneuver them. Forklifts are also only outfitted with brakes on the front, which makes them much more difficult to stop. The weight of a forklift, as well as any load it is carrying, is often not distributed evenly, which can make it more prone to tipping over.
Due to the fact that forklifts are so dangerous, it is critical that employees are properly trained on how to use them safely. It is also critical that all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are adhered to. When they are not, site owners and the companies responsible for the forklifts can be held accountable for paying damages.
Call Our Forklift Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens Today
If you have been hurt, do not hesitate to contact our Palm Beach Gardens forklift accident lawyer at Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather. We can determine who is liable for your accident and advise you of your legal options. Call or text us today at 561-500-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
