In recent news, a 31-year-old delivery person from Suffolk County, New York was struck in the back by a forklift at a local airport, severely injuring his neck and back. Luckily, the case was settled during mediation. In large part, this was because experienced personal injury attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates obtained a video surveillance tape detailing exactly what occurred during the accident.
After seeing the video, the court determined that the accident was 100% the fault of the forklift operator. The delivery person was unable to return to work due to back and neck injuries which required surgery. In the end, they received a huge settlement of $4 million in damages. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, a forklift accident lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates will fight to get you the compensation you need to recover. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
What is the Most Common Cause of a Forklift Accident?
There is no singular common cause of a forklift accident. Rather, it depends on the circumstances. What we do know is that construction is among the most dangerous industries in this country, and tops the list in New Jersey.
Similar to motor vehicle accidents, forklift operators who speed, perform dangerous tricks with their vehicles, or fail to adhere to safe procedures when backing up, turning, braking, or parking are significantly more likely to cause an accident. Transportation incidents such as these are among the most common causes of forklift injuries.
Communication is also a key part of operating a forklift safely, and a driver who fails to communicate with people around them, including construction workers, other drivers, or supervisors, can easily cause a disastrous accident.
Sometimes, however, the forklift driver isn’t to blame at all and it’s the employer who is liable. Many construction workers are overworked and overstressed. This can lead to more mistakes while behind the wheel. Employers also often encourage workers to get more done in less time to increase profits, but cutting corners like this can be incredibly dangerous. In a similar vein, if an employer fails to properly maintain its forklifts or fails to replace them when necessary, these vehicles can suddenly malfunction, causing severe injuries or death.
How Many Forklift Accidents Per Year Occur?
According to the National Safety Council, forklifts caused 73 work-related deaths in 2022 and 24,960 DART cases. DART cases are those which result in employees having to take days off work, or who must transfer or restrict their work activity after an accident. Among these cases were 15,480 DAFW (Days Away From Work) cases. On average, these workers had to take 18 days away from work after this type of injury.
This is an incredibly alarming number of accidents for a single year, and forklift accidents often cause injuries that are severe. Bruises and contusions are the most common injuries sustained in this type of event, followed by pain, strains, sprains, tears, fractures, and even amputations.
Knowing who is liable for a forklift injury can be challenging: the operator, employer, or manufacturer may be individually, collectively, or otherwise to blame. Having an experienced forklift accident attorney in your corner is essential to having a strong case.
When to Contact a Forklift Accident Lawyer
If you find yourself in such circumstances, working with a forklift accident lawyer may help you receive a better outcome for your case. Because forklift accidents often cause severe injuries, having an attorney on hand can make the difference between a full recovery and living with chronic pain and injuries.
Buttafuoco & Associates commonly represents victims in the construction injury, and we may be able to help you, too. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation on your work-related vehicle accident case.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT.
