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Types of Forklift Accidents

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 70% of workplace accidents could be avoided when employees are properly trained and follow safety procedures. Forklift accidents account for only 1% of worksite accidents, however, they have the capacity to cause much more serious, and deadly, injuries.

If you have been injured in a forklift accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice. 

Three Common Forklift Accidents

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that there are three common types of forklift injuries in the workplace. These include:

  • Forklift Overturn/Tip-Over Accidents: Forklifts may seem similar to motor vehicles, but in reality, forklifts are not as stable, and they operate completely differently. Overturn and tip-over accidents often occur due to load imbalances, improper loading, and operating the forklift on elevated surfaces or an incline.
  • Falls From Forklift: Workers and bystanders are typically injured in one of two ways in this category, either falling from the forklift or the pallet/platform on the forks or when materials fall from the forklift itself. Failure to ensure load stability puts people at risk for serious injuries.
  • Forklift Strike Accidents: Forklift strike accidents occur when a bystander is struck by the forklift or load that has obstructed the vision of the forklift operator. These types of accidents often turn into forklift run-over accidents and often result in life-changing injuries or death. 

Why Forklift Accidents Occur 

Forklifts are especially dangerous due to their weight and size. The average forklift weighs approximately 9,000 pounds while the average automobile weighs only 3,000 pounds. Forklifts are also heavier in the rear end to counter the weight of the large loads they carry in the front on the forks, making them a risk for tipping and presenting an obstructed view for the driver. In addition, forklifts typically only have stopping power in their front wheels, making them harder to stop with a smaller turning radius. 

OSHA requires all forklift operators to be given proper training and certification prior to using a forklift and again when the job or work environment changes, following an accident, or when unsafe procedures are observed. When these Federal regulations are not followed, accidents happen.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 1,000 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 135 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.

 

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