Fork lifts, also known as lift trucks and / or powered industrial trucks, cause over 90,000 injuries and deaths every year in the United States. Yet many companies don’t have the proper safety protocol in place and many workers don’t know how dangerous these machines can be. If you’ve been injured in a fork lift accident, then your next call should be to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas.
The most common dangers associated with fork lifts
The specific type of accidents most common with fork lifts depends largely on the type of fork lift being used. For example, a sit down, counter-balanced, high-lift fork lift is most likely to be involved in an accident involving a falling load. Other factors that affect the types of injuries including work place conditions and the type of work place these machines are being used in.
In many cases, retail businesses that only occasionally use fork lifts are more likely to have accidents compared to controlled commercial environments that use them daily. Some of the most common causes of fork lift injuries include:
- Not “chocking” the fork lift. Remember that fork lifts hold heavy loads, which means that their brakes aren’t always enough to secure and hold them. That’s why it’s often necessary to “chock” the wheels, which involves putting a heavy object in front as well as behind every wheel. This keeps the fork lift from moving.
- Insufficient training.
- Improper training.
- Employers not ensuring their employees have the required certifications to operate a fork lift.
- Unsafe operation.
- Being struck by fork lifts or the objects they’re lifting or moving.
- Fork lifts tipping over due to carrying loads heavier than they can handle.
- Fork lifts driven off loading docks.
- For lifts falling while on raised pallets.
- Fork lifts falling between loading docks and an unsecured trailer.
While workers are the most likely to be injured in a lift truck accident, bystanders can also be injured. If you were involved in any type of fork lift accident, call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free consultation.
What to do if you’re injured in a fork lift accident
Have you been injured in a fork lift accident? Has someone you love been killed as a result of a fork lift accident? If so, you may have a personal injury case or a wrongful death case. The best option is to consult with Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas as soon as possible. Attorney Vargas has decades of experience working with clients who have been injured.
Every case we take is taken on contingency, which means you don’t have to pay a cent until we get a judgement or settlement for you. In the case that there is no settlement reach, or a judgement in your favor, you will owe nothing. Call us today at 909-982-0707 to speak with an attorney who cares about you and your situation.
