Did you sustain a forklift injury at work? If so, you may be able to seek financial compensation.
We can help you move forward after a forklift accident and recover damages. Contact the legal team at The Zimmerman Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
Forklift Accidents Statistics
Forklifts are essential to any shipping, warehousing, or logistics operation. Despite the standards in place to ensure safe forklift use, accidents occur.
The forklift accident statistics below highlight the devastation caused by these machines:
- 1 in 6 deaths at work involves a forklift;
- 11% of all forklifts will be involved in an accident each year;
- Forklifts account for around 85 deaths every year;
- Forklift accidents result in about 39,400 serious injuries annually;
- Non-serious forklift accidents reach 61,800 each year; and
- Crushing accidents account for 42% of forklift deaths.
Knowing how to prevent forklift accidents goes a long way toward reducing injuries. Many of the most common forklift accidents are preventable.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Forklift Accidents?
The majority of forklift accidents are caused by the following:
- Poorly trained drivers,
- Speeding,
- Operating a forklift with an elevated load,
- Improper turning,
- Insufficient warnings and markings,
- Giving rides or riding on the forklift,
- Workplace design,
- Loads that block vision,
- Unbalanced or insecure loads, and
- Forklift mechanical failure.
The leading cause of forklift accidents is operator error and lack of proper training. These accidents lead to a range of injuries, many of which are catastrophic.
What Are Your Options Following a Forklift Accident?
After your employer or insurance company about your accident, don’t attempt to negotiate with them on your own.
You should seek legal counsel to protect your interests and discuss your options as soon as possible.
Options for financial recovery include workers’ compensation, a lawsuit against your employer, or a lawsuit against a third party.
With each option, hiring a Texas work injury lawyer will increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Your attorney will be well-versed in Texas law and knowledgeable about the evidence you need to prove your case.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation provides payment for an injured worker’s medical treatment, partial lost wages, and additional expenses associated with the accident.
All companies in Texas are not required to carry a workers’ compensation policy.
If your employer subscribes to workers’ compensation, this is likely your only option for seeking damages following a forklift accident at work.
Lawsuit Against Your Employer
If your employer does not subscribe to workers’ compensation, then they are not protected from liability claims. That means you can file a personal injury claim against your employer.
If you can show that your forklift accident resulted from the negligence of your employer or one of its employees, you can recover compensation for all your damages including all lost wages, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and more.
Lawsuit Against a Third Party
If your employer is a workers’ comp subscriber, you won’t be able to sue your employer for its negligence or the negligence of its employees.
However, you can sue a third party that causes your accident, including:
- The property owner of the job site,
- The forklift manufacturer, or
- An individual working for another company and their employer.
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file both a lawsuit against a third party and a workers’ compensation claim against your employer.
Contact an Experienced Texas Forklift Injury Lawyer Today
If you sustained an injury in a forklift accident, you may have options for seeking financial compensation for your losses.
Pursuing compensation without representation will only add more stress to a difficult situation. Reach out to the team at The Zimmerman Law Firm for a free consultation.
Our legal team is skilled in representing injured workers throughout Texas and has more than 85 years of combined experience. Call or contact us online today.