Representing & Fighting for Victims of Forklift Accidents in the Hudson Valley
Forklifts are used in a variety of industries to move materials and heavy objects from one place to another. Forklifts (also called powered industrial trucks or lift trucks) are generally used to lift boxes, crates, and other items in warehouses and at construction sites. Forklift accidents can happen for a number of reasons and can injure not only the workers operating these machines, but other workers or members of the public as well. Forklifts are powerful machines that require operators and owners to use extreme caution.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a forklift accident, it is important that you seek the advice of an experienced Kingston forklift accident lawyer at Basch Keegan & Spada. Our attorneys have handled and litigated many different types of construction accidents, including forklift accidents.
Examples of Forklift Accidents
Although employers are required by law to ensure that all of their forklift operators are trained and certified, accidents do still happen. When operating heavy machinery such as a forklift, any number of things can go wrong. Risk factors for forklift accidents often depend on the type of industry and environment in which they are being used. Some of the most common risk factors include uneven operating surfaces; oversized weight of the object being lifted; inexperienced operator’s error; failing to clear the work area; and poor maintenance of the machine, which results in unanticipated movement of the machine. These accidents frequently result in “crush injuries” to the operator or other persons standing near or under the load.
In a warehouse setting, a sit-down forklift has greater potential than a hand truck to be involved in a load falling accident because of its ability to lift a load higher. In those cases, workers will lift a load from a lower shelf to a higher shelf (or visa versa) — but then the load becomes unstable, causing the load to fall onto the worker or another employee. Similarly, when used in a space open to the public, there is a greater risk of that load falling onto a pedestrian and causing serious injuries. Employees in settings that use forklifts might also be injured when forklifts are driven off or fall off of loading docks.
Damages Recoverable in Forklift Accidents
Like many other personal injury cases, if you have sustained injuries as a result of a forklift accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. If you are a worker who is injured by a forklift while on the job, you should submit your claim to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Worker’s compensation is designed to help you avoid financial distress during your recovery.
Like many other personal injury cases, if you have sustained injuries as a result of a forklift accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. If you are a worker who is injured by a forklift while on the job, you should submit your claim to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Worker’s compensation is designed to help you avoid financial distress during your recovery.
If you were not working at the time of the accident, you should submit all medical bills to your health insurance company. Your damages will include loss of income (past and future), pain and suffering, and medical expenses/costs. The damages that might be available to you will depend on the facts surrounding the forklift accident, so it is important that you speak with a qualified forklift accident attorney in Kingston right away. The attorneys at Basch Keegan & Spada are experienced and will aggressively litigate your case to maximize your recovery.
Proving Liability in a Forklift Accident
If you suffered injury on a construction site from or while operating a forklift, you may be able to prove that another party is liable for the damages you suffered. There are several parties who may be found negligent and held liable for the accident, including the operator, manufacturer, or a third-party.
Here are the steps to proving liability:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- The other party breached their duty of care
- This breach resulted in the accident
- You suffered physical or emotional damages from the accident
If you suffered injuries from the forklift accident, reach out to our team at Basch Keegan & Spada for assistance navigating your case. We are here to provide you with the help and legal guidance you need during this emotionally heavy time.
Call Us Today if You Have Been Injured in a Forklift Accident
Only an experienced Kingston forklift accident lawyer can properly advise you of your rights and of the next steps to take on your case. The attorneys at Basch Keegan & Spada are ready to speak with you about your forklift accident case.