Forklifts are a common sight at warehouses, construction sites, factories, and other commercial and industrial settings. They are also one of the leading causes of work-related accidents. Between 2011 and 2017, 614 workers were killed in forklift accidents and tens of thousands suffered injuries.
Have you been hurt in a forklift accident at work? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages. At Work Injury Rights, we are here to help you with your claim and fight for the full benefits you deserve.
Call our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers today at 954-833-5226 for a free consultation.
What Causes Forklift Accidents in Florida?
Forklifts pose a danger not only to forklift operators but also to nearby workers and visitors. Forklift accidents are most common in industries such as transportation, wholesale, construction, manufacturing, and retail. Between 2011 and 2017, 614 workers were killed in forklift accidents and tens of thousands suffered injuries. About 1 in 6 workplace fatalities involve a forklift.
These accidents may include:
- Forklift rollovers
- Forklifts striking pedestrians
- Loads falling from a forklift
- Forklift crushing accidents in which someone is crushed by a forklift or between a forklift and another surface
There are many factors that may contribute to a forklift injury:
- Poorly maintained or faulty forklift
- Operator inexperience
- Operator inattention
- Inadequate operator training
- Lack of hazard warnings
- Improper turns
- Excessive speed during operation
- Elevated or unstable load
Forklifts may seem easy to operate but they are very prone to tipping or rolling over. Workers can be hurt or even killed when trying to jump out of a forklift that is tipping.
Forklifts are also capable of reaching fairly high speeds at which they can become unstable. With only front brakes, they are hard to stop once they are moving. Many accidents are also caused by workers who attempt to move excessive or unsecured loads.
Forklift Accidents and Workers’ Compensation in Florida
When you are injured in a work-related forklift accident, you are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries and time off work. Through workers’ compensation, you can receive several types of benefits:
- Medical benefits for the medical expenses related to your injury
- Lost wages for the time you need to take off work
- Short-term or long-term disability benefits
Sadly, many injured workers face an uphill battle to receive the compensation they deserve. Your employer and their workers’ comp insurance carrier may claim that your injuries are not that serious or that you are fully recovered when you know you are not.
Workers’ compensation claims also involve a great deal of bureaucracy and paperwork. If you miss an important deadline or fail to provide all of the required information, your claim may be denied.
At Work Injury Rights, our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers will help you through every step of your workers’ comp claim. You do not have to face the insurance company and the claim process alone. From help with filing the initial claim and gathering evidence about your injuries to fighting a claim that has been undervalued or denied, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can be invaluable.
Get a Free Case Review From a Florida Workers’ Comp Lawyer
At Work Injury Rights, we believe injured workers should receive the full benefits they deserve without a stressful and complicated fight with the insurance company while they are trying to recover. Our Work Injury lawyers are here to serve as your legal advocate and protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida.
