Injured in a Forklift Accident? Personal Injury Lawyers in Nashville Can Help
The nature of many blue-collar jobs often requires a worker to use a variety of heavy equipment. Unfortunately, the use of heavy equipment can also result in personal injury if safety procedures aren’t properly followed.
One of the more common accidents involving heavy equipment at the workplace includes forklift accidents. And when these occur, serious injuries can often result.
Forklift accident injuries can be serious. And these accidents can not only result in injured workers, but fatalities can also result as well.
Most forklift accidents occur due to forklift operators not following proper safety procedures. However, at times, an accident of that magnitude can result from another’s negligence.
As such, if negligence on the part of management or other operators can be proven, you should consider consulting a personal injury attorney. Forklift accident lawyers can assist you with filing a claim and receiving compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident in Nashville TN, the following guide can prove helpful when you decide to take legal action.
Common Forklift Accidents
Most forklift accidents result from a lack of proper training. And often this can result in serious accidents. In fact, many tractor-trailer accidents have involved forklift operators who haven’t followed proper safety guidelines for loading and unloading.
The nature of a forklift requires its operator to understand the load capacity of the forklift. And not knowing this capacity can result in serious injury or death.
For example, when lifting heavy objects, if the forklift is overloaded it could topple or flip over while the operator is inside. Additionally, while driving the forklift, blind spots can also cause injury if an operator runs into adjacent objects.
Further, poor visibility and an inability to see around the load on the forklift has also resulted in serious workplace injuries as well.
Dangers of Forklifts
Forklifts are necessary tools in a number of industries. And this type of equipment is often needed to load and unload heavy merchandise or equipment in warehouse environments, construction sites, loading tractor-trailers, and the like.
A forklift’s weight is unevenly distributed. And as such, this can result in serious injury if the operator cannot safely drive, load, or unload the machine.
The following will illustrate why forklifts are so dangerous in industries today:
- Many forklifts might weigh as much as 3 times the weight of a passenger vehicle.
- The load is carried in the front, which can cause poor visibility.
- Many forklifts can travel at speeds up to 20 miles per hour.
- Forklifts only have one set of brakes and this can make the machine difficult to stop.
- Forklifts are used to lift heavy loads in high places and this can result in toppling.
Studies have shown that many forklift accidents could be easily prevented if adequate training is implemented in a workplace environment.
Further, the plaintiff’s injuries are often the result of poor safety regulations or because safety devices were not being provided or used. Serious injuries can even result in fatalities and subsequent wrongful death claims may also be filed.
Even though forklifts present a danger, the leading cause of accidents is usually operator error. However, if the party at fault is considered negligent, the company or person can be held legally liable for financial compensation.
Seeking Compensation
If you’re injured on the job during a forklift accident, you should begin the legal process of seeking compensation immediately.
Most of the time, workers’ compensation can cover a portion of your expenses. But if you find that your employer or insurance company isn’t paying you for your claim, legal action should be considered.
As such, if you’ve been injured in a forklift accident you should seek the services of a competent personal injury attorney. And if you’re looking for a forklift accident lawyer, Nashville has several to choose from.
Law firms throughout Tennessee are well versed in business litigation, and these legal professionals can assist you with financial recovery. Once you schedule a free consultation, you’ll be advised on how to proceed on your individual case.
Legal Options
If you’re the victim of negligence, or if property damage has resulted due to a forklift accident, consulting a law firm that practices personal injury law is the best place to seek legal advice.
Personal injury attorneys are known for representing people in construction accidents and forklift-related accidents. And your legal team of professionals will provide you with the best attorney-client relationship in order for you to file a claim quickly and effectively.
Forklift injuries are nothing to leave unresolved. And if your employer or insurance companies are withholding workers’ compensation or any form of financial compensation, your medical bills will remain unpaid.
Just like in a truck accident, any at-fault party should be held responsible. And personal injury attorneys are well-versed in legal proceedings for forklift accidents, whereas other attorneys may not be accustomed to handling this sort of a claim.
A free consultation from a law firm like ours for general information purposes can help you to understand your options. And our forklift accident lawyer can help to guide you along the process.
Going Forward
Forklift accidents can happen anywhere, especially in warehouse or construction environments or anywhere that requires heavy loads to be moved. But the main thing to remember no matter where you work is that if you are injured, you should immediately file a claim.
No matter if you’re injured in a truck or tractor-trailer accident involving a forklift, you have the right to seek compensation. And a competent personal injury attorney can assist you in filing a claim.
We all have to ensure our safety. And our employers are just as responsible as you are for adhering to proper safety procedures. So if a problem exists that can pose a threat to the safety of anyone in your work environment, this needs to be addressed.
At the end of the day, personal injury attorneys are your best bet when it comes to getting the compensation that you deserve if you’re injured on the job. The legal team at Mitch Grissim & Associates is here to help you get the justice you deserve.
