New York Forklift Injuries

Forklifts have reduced the amount of heavy work being done in industrial workplaces for years. These heavy-duty machines are essential for transporting heavy work equipment, pallets, and other large objects from one location to another. While forklifts may have saved industrial workers from back injuries or torn muscles from heavy lifting, forklifts are still responsible for some serious workplace accidents. 

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), operating a forklift increases the risk of accidents for construction and industrial workers. A forklift driver accident may result in long-term disabilities. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation may not cover all the costs of a forklift accident. 

When Hill & Moin LLP takes on your case, you will have the support of an experienced law firm that can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Let our forklift accident lawyers fight to get you your compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Contact Hill & Moin LLP today at (212) 668-6000 for a free consultation with a forklift accident lawyer.  

Common Causes of New York Forklift Injuries 

Workers involved in forklift accidents are commonly the ones who are operating the forklift or working near one. Accidents could be caused by negligent forklift operators, unsafe working environments, or inattentive co-workers or pedestrians. 

Some common causes of forklift injuries may include:  

• Forklift turnovers – Forklifts turn over from being overloaded, driving off a trailer or loading dock, or inadequate rollover protection. 
• Falling – Employees who fall are likely to sustain head and neck injuries. These forklift accidents may result in death or paralysis. Even when employees survive, their chances of being able to return to work soon may be low. 
• Being hit by a forklift – Operators may misjudge the distance or have trouble with the load and steer the forklift into another employee or pedestrian nearby. 
• Falling loads – When the load is not situated correctly on the forks, it may shift quickly, causing some or all the load to fall. If another worker is nearby, he or she could be hit by falling debris and injured or killed. 
• Getting pinned – Forklifts do not stop moving just because they run into something. They were built to operate on construction sites and rough terrain. If a worker gets run over by a forklift, he or she may not recover. Some workers also get pinned between a forklift and another solid object, which may also cause severe injury. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, you can secure your future with the help of a lawyer. You will feel much better having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side every step of the way. Forklift accidents may change your life, but there is hope. If you have been injured in an accident, contact Hill & Moin LLP today for a free case evaluation. 

Improperly Trained Operators in New York 

A forklift is not the easiest industrial machine to operate. Therefore, the operator must have the proper forklift training and certification.

The most common causes of forklift injuries include:

• Improperly trained operators – When operators fail to complete a certification process for the environment in which they are operating, they will not be fully prepared for floor level changes, employee placement, or new inventory. 
• Elevated loads – Some operators may carry an elevated load too high off the ground, causing the forklift to become unsteady. According to OSHA, forklifts hauling tall loads should carry them no more than 4 inches from the ground for safe transport. 
• Speeding – Most employees are rushing to get their job done, either to increase production or in response to an employer’s demands. However, operating a forklift at more than 5 mph may cause loads to shift or fall during hard braking or turning. 
• Fast turns – Forklifts were made to carry heavy loads on the front of the vehicle; therefore, they are not designed to be sturdy when they are driven without one. When operators are inexperienced or overly comfortable with operating an empty forklift, it is common to try and make a quick turn. This may make the forklift tilt to one side and/or flip over. 
• Riders – It is common for employees to use teamwork to get the job done quicker. When employees ride on the load or anywhere else on the forklift, though, it may cause the forklift to become unsteady and risk injury. 
• Forklift zones improperly marked – Marking a forklift zone or operating area keeps the operator and other employees safe. When there are no markings, it is easy for both employees to become careless and get in the way of the other, resulting in serious injuries. 
• Forklift design – When employers are deciding on a forklift for their companies, they must ensure that the size and design of the forklift will be sufficient for the specific workplace. If the machine is too big or too small, it may not be suitable and could therefore cause an operator or another employee to get hurt. 

The professional, compassionate accident lawyers of Hill & Moin are here to help represent New York residents who have been injured in forklift accidents. Learn what our results-oriented team can do for you. Contact our law firm today at (212) 668-6000 and speak with a forklift accident lawyer. 

When to File a Claim for a Forklift Injury in New York 

When an employee is injured in a forklift accident, he or she may quickly incur thousands of dollars in lost wages and medical bills. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help recover some of these medical bills, part of the loss of income, and pain and suffering damages.  

Even if an injured worker feels his or her company is responsible for the injuries, he or she usually cannot file a claim directly against the company. On the other hand, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against a third party with whom some degree of liability lies. 

There may be more than one option available to you in this way. Employees are entitled to work in a safe environment where they can provide for their families and know they may return home safely. And regardless of your immigration status, you have rights as a worker in the State of New York.

Therefore, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit if you got in an accident. Forklift accidents may occur due to one of the following causes: 

• Safety violation – Forklifts should not carry loads that exceed the recommended capacity, and other safety standards should also be followed during operation. 
• Improperly trained employees – Operators must be at least 18 years old, have properly written tests and driving training, and maintain regular training to hold on to their forklift certification. 
• Improperly maintained forklift – Employers must remove defective forklifts from service to ensure employee safety. The maintenance team or company responsible for ensuring forklifts are adequately maintained should check for defective tires, belts, and so on. If they fail to take care of their responsibilities, they may be held responsible for a personal injury sustained by employees. 
• Modifying equipment – If any safety device was removed (such as warning signals, safety harnesses, or the roll cage from the forklift) and an employee sustains injuries, a lawsuit may be filed. Safety devices are put in place to help prevent accidents. 
• Reckless operators – If the operator was irresponsible while operating the forklift, he or she may be held responsible for the serious injuries and accidents that a worker sustains. This may happen when operators are driving irresponsibly, engaging in horseplay, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Forklift accidents are common in industrial work environments. Forklift accident injuries can involve broken bones, neck and spinal injuries, or the loss of one’s life. Forklift accidents may affect your life for many months and even years. 

Forklift accidents may cause a lot of stress, depending on the severity of your injury. When an accident occurs, it is common to become overwhelmed. When emotions are heightened, it may be easier to give in and accept forklift injury settlements. 

Do not settle for less than you deserve. Having the experience of forklift personal injury lawyers is vital. When Hill & Moin takes your case, you may rest easy knowing you have a team on your side who will aggressively defend you and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t wonder about your rights! Contact our law firm today by calling (212) 668-6000 for a free consultation to learn more about your possible Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ.