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Powered industrial trucks such as forklifts perform valuable, indispensable functions and are a basic necessity of many commercial businesses and warehouses. However, forklift operations are inherently dangerous and accidents often occur as a result of forklift overturns, forklift strike/crush situations or forklift falls. Injuries from forklift accidents are usually very serious and can include broken bones, crushed limbs requiring amputation, significant scarring or disfigurement or death.
Common Claims Made in a Forklift Accident Lawsuit
Failure to Train – OSHA requires that employers provide certain types of training to forklift operators: formal, practical, and refresher training. In addition, operators are to be trained on topics such as operating instructions and warnings, steering, visibility issues, and weight capacity. In many instances, employers fail to provide such training or fail to perform necessary forklift operator certifications.
Failure to Adopt or Abide by a Safety Program or Plan – Employers must have forklift operating procedures or a safety program or plan which address issues such as forklift speed, spills/slippery surfaces, seat belts, ventilation/carbon monoxide, and use of forklifts on docks.
Failure to Maintain a Forklift – Forklifts should be examined on a regular basis to ensure proper working condition. In addition, operators may sometimes modify or alter the forklift. When this occurs, the risk of injury increases exponentially.
In addition to these claims, forklift accidents may sometimes involve liability of other parties. For example, there may be products liability claims against a forklift manufacturer or distributor. There may also be negligent maintenance claims against forklift operation or maintenance companies. Proper and thorough investigation is crucial in any forklift accident case to ensure maximum recovery.
Related Article: How to Hire the Best Workplace Accident Lawyer for Your PA or NJ Injury Case
To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey forklift accident lawyers, call Click To Call. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.
Our forklift accident attorneys serve victims in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; he County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.
**This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
