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Forklift and Loading Dock Accidents in Florida

Forklift accident

You likely pass forklifts more often than you realize. After all, these pieces of equipment are a staple in an array of environments used for loading and unloading goods and cargo.

The fact is forklifts are an important part of many different businesses today. However, you may not realize that while they are necessary, they are also dangerous. In fact, forklifts are responsible for a large number of injuries and fatalities every year.

If you are injured in a forklift accident, our workers’ comp lawyers at Sternberg Forsythe, P.A. can help you get the benefits you deserve. Learning more about these situations can also be helpful.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Forklift Injuries

If you are injured in a forklift accident, you deserve to receive compensation for your injuries. This compensation is provided through workers’ compensation insurance.

Rather than requiring Florida businesses to deal with a large number of civil lawsuits filed by injured workers, workers’ compensation insurance allows a business to compensate their workers for injuries – no questions and no stress.

If you are injured in a forklift incident, you will likely be entitled to receive compensation benefits to cover treatment for your injuries and any wages you lost because of the incident.

Seeking Other Damages After a Workplace Forklift Accident

Workers’ compensation benefits in Florida only cover medical costs and lost wages. If you want to recover other damages, such as pain and suffering, you must file a separate claim. You can’t file this claim against your employer unless you can prove that your employer acted negligently or purposefully to cause the accident that resulted in your injuries in an effort to cause harm.

If you are injured while using a forklift or around a forklift, you will have to file a claim against a third party if you want compensation for any damages besides lost wages or medical expenses. Some of the most common third parties in these incidents include forklift maintenance providers or manufacturers.

Unfortunately, the process to file a claim against a third party to receive compensation after a forklift accident that causes injuries is much more complicated than most realize. When this happens, a thorough investigation must be conducted. It’s also necessary to negotiate with insurance companies. Along with that, the plaintiff must determine who is considered liable for injuries, all of which is no easy task.

Hiring our legal team at Sternberg Forsythe, P.A. will help to increase your chance of receiving the compensation that you deserve.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents sometimes occur due to simple negligence that causes a disaster. The truth is that forklifts are heavy and powerful machines that can inflict serious harm to those nearby. While forklift safety is important, common mistakes can cause serious accidents. Common reasons that forklift accidents may occur include:

  • The horn on the forklift wasn’t used as required
  • No visual or audible warning device present on the vehicle or it was defective
  • Daily inspections of the machine were not done
  • The load wasn’t checked to ensure it fell within the acceptable limits
  • The operator didn’t have proper training
  • The load’s stability was off because it wasn’t centered

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents can happen in many ways. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents include:

  • Tipping and overturning
  • Pedestrians being struck by the forklift
  • Falls from a forklift
  • Loads that fall from a forklift

Any of these incidents can result in severe and life-changing injuries.

Common Injuries Seen in Forklift Accidents

The injuries that occur in a forklift accident vary based on what happens. For example, if someone falls while using a forklift, they may experience injuries to their head, neck, or spine. Additionally, if debris falls from the forklift, the falling items can cause blunt force trauma due to the weight. In some cases, lacerations may occur if the debris has sharp edges. The fact is most forklift-related injuries are serious and can change a victim’s life indefinitely.

Don’t Wait to Call Florida Workers’ Comp Lawyers for Help with Your Case

If you are involved in a Florida forklift accident, you have rights. At Sternberg Forsythe, P.A. we will represent your case and help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Our goal is to help you fully recover from the injuries and losses you suffered due to the forklift accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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