Harrisburg Forklift Driver Injury Lawyer
Forklifts are machines that are used in a number of different workplace settings, including factories and construction sites. Employees need the proper skills and training to safely operate a forklift, but accidents still happen. When a forklift accident harms the driver, they can typically file a claim to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, injured drivers may even be able to file a claim against the manufacturer of the forklift. Below, our Harrisburg forklift driver injury lawyer explains more.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents commonly happen due to a lack of driver training or experience. Employers are also required to inspect and maintain forklifts regularly. Other causes of forklift accidents include:
- Drivers are caught between the forklift and another object
- The forklift overturns
- Drivers fall off of, or are ejected from, the forklift
- Items fall off of the forklift
- Items strike drivers as they fall off of the forklift
- Driving a forklift off of a loading dock
After any accident involving a forklift, it is critical to conduct a thorough investigation to determine how injury occurred. The cause of the accident will determine how a forklift driver can obtain compensation.
Common Injuries Sustained in Forklift Accidents
Thousands of workers are injured or killed in forklift accidents every year. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these cases are as follows:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
If you have suffered any of the above injuries, or any other, you should seek immediate medical attention to ensure the injury does not become worse. Seeking prompt medical attention can also improve your chances of success with your workers’ compensation case.
Who is Liable for a Forklift Accident?
Liability for a forklift accident will depend on how the injury was sustained. If a forklift driver is hurt while performing their ordinary employment duties, they will likely have to file a workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ compensation insurance company representing the employer is then liable for paying benefits to cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost income.
However, if the injury happened because the forklift was defective, the designer, manufacturer, or distributor can be held liable. In these cases, forklift drivers can file a third party injury claim against the liable party to obtain more compensation for losses such as pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not provide.
Our Forklift Driver Injury Lawyer in Harrisburg Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a forklift accident, you have legal options. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., our Harrisburg forklift driver injury and workers’ comp lawyer can advise you of what those are and help you through the process so you can obtain the full compensation you deserve. Call us now at 717-238-1657 or fill out our online form to schedule a review of your case and to learn more about how we can help.
