Warehouse Injuries
Injuries from forklifts, falls, lifting—the list of potential hazards in warehouse work is extensive. Warehouse workers number in the hundreds of thousands, and while most employers provide safety training, accidents often occur. When a worker is hurt a New Jersey work injury lawyer may be able to help him/her gain compensation.
Disturbing Injury Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that each year more than 60,000 warehouse workers are hurt on the job. Of those, 35,000 require significant medical care, and a full 100 lose their lives. The nature of warehouse work is part of the problem: nearly all laborers work around heavy equipment, from forklifts and pallet jacks to large delivery trucks. Some injuries occur due to misuse of equipment, but a New Jersey work injury lawyer sees clients who are hurt due to defects in this machinery as well.
Common Causes of Warehouse Injuries
Warehouse work involves regular lifting of heavy material during loading and unloading of trucks, moving pallets laden with boxes high onto racks, and transport of inventory from one building to another. The potential for injury is high and varied. Injuries commonly occur due to:
- Repeated heavy lifting over time
- Improper lifting and/or carrying of material
- Falling objects that are poorly stacked
- Collapse of pallets and even racks
- Truck lift gates
- Unsecured dock plates
- Falls from ladders
- Slip and falls
Forklift use deserves separate mention. An operator driving the forklift with the forks raised runs the risk of running into someone. Driving forward with a high load leaves the operator unable to see any hazards ahead. Driving too fast or making quick turns can result in the dumping of the load and even a rollover. Because forklifts are generally very heavy, a worker who is pinned beneath is certain to suffer serious injury—or worse.
Common Injuries
A New Jersey work injury lawyer may work with victims who suffer crushed limbs, broken bones, back and neck injuries, lifting and ergonomically-related injuries, abrasions, lost limbs, head and brain injury, and more. When another’s negligence or product defect is at fault the victim may be able to gain compensation for loss of income, medical costs, 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.