Forklift Injuries
Forklift accidents take lives; they also leave many victims maimed and unable to work for life. While the introduction of forklifts into the workplace has been a great asset to material transport—and even safety—it has also brought its own problems. When an accident occurs, the potential for injury is great. The good news is that in many cases a New Jersey work injury lawyer can help the victim gain compensation.
A Common Workplace Injury
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that about 9,000 workers are seriously injured in forklift accidents each year. Another 100 lose their lives. While posting of safety procedures is required and standard policy of most companies, many injuries occur in the heat of trying to stay on top of production schedules in a busy workplace. When one is in a rush, he may cut corners on safety to save time. Your New Jersey work injury lawyer sees clients who are hurt when employer demands for quick turnaround forces workers to take such risks.
Design of the Workplace
The work area may not be designed correctly for forklift use. A worker moving a large load needs adequate room to make turns; tight corners can lead to collisions with walls or racks. Blind spots in the work area may also exist; a pedestrian who cannot see around a corner may inadvertently walk into the path of a moving lift. The result can be catastrophic. Not only can the pedestrian be struck, he may be pinned against a wall or rack and crushed.
Other Common Causes of Injury
Pedestrian injuries are common in forklift accidents, but operators are exposed to hazards as well. Among situations in which operators are commonly injured are:
- Tipping or rollover of forklift
- Falls from the forklift/ejection of the operator
- Falling loads
- Collisions
- Electrocutions
- Driving off the edge of docks
Injuries common to forklift accidents are maimed or lost limbs, broken bones, trauma to the body from crushing, falls, spinal cord damage, and brain injury. While forklift accidents can leave a victim with devastating and lasting injuries, a New Jersey work injury lawyer may be able to help him gain compensation for medical costs; loss of wages, including future ones; loss of consortium; scarring; pain; suffering; and more.
If You Have Been Injured
If you are hurt on the job, you would do well to seek the assistance of a New Jersey work injury lawyer. Dan Matrafajlo is an experienced lawyer who will fight to help you gain compensation. Call 908-248-4404 today to arrange a free consultation.