Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents are a surprisingly common source of workplace injuries. Of the million forklifts in active operation in the United States, around 1-in-10 end up in some kind of accident. Forklifts are responsible for close to a hundred deaths and around 35,000 serious injuries each year. This especially occurs when worksites do not maintain adequate safety standards, workers may fall from high places or be struck, pinned, or crushed while operating or working near a forklift.
Forklift accidents can be caused by improperly trained operators, negligent safety protocol on the part of employers, or by manufacturing defects in the equipment itself. Depending on the specific circumstances of each case, strategies for a successful lawsuit that will win maximum compensation will always vary, so it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Forklift Accident Attorney in Atlanta, GA
The Balams Firm has years of experience representing Georgia clients in personal injury, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation claims and can be counted on for the skill and knowledge required to bring a successful suit. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a forklift accident, do not wait to consult with The Balams Firm immediately.
We have been fighting for injury and wrongful death victims throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas for years such as in Alpharetta, Marietta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Dunwoody, Duluth, Norcross, East Point, Forest Park, Smyrna, Riverdale, Milton, Decatur, College Park, and elsewhere in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton Counties. First consultations are free, so call us now at (404) 445-2005. Together we can map out a strategy to give you the best chances to receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Overview of Forklift Accident Law
- Workers’ Compensation for Forklift Accidents
- Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Suits
- Additional Resources
Workers’ Compensation for Forklift Accidents
If you were injured on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation program is designed to help you recover while avoiding the need for litigation. Worker’s compensation should cover your medical bills, lost wages up to $675.00, and help with any potentially permanent disabilities that may result from the injury. You must file a claim through your employer within 30 days or your claim will be barred.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation benefits are not always paid in full. If for some reason your benefits are denied or restricted, a competent attorney can assist you and make sure that you get all the benefits you are rightfully owed. Please visit the section on workplace accidents for more information.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Suits
Even if you qualify for workers’ compensation, you may still have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. For example, if a third party besides your employer was fully or partially to blame for your accident, you could file both a workers’ compensation claim with your employer and then file a private suit against the third party. A personal injury claim must be filed within 2 years of the injury as provided by Georgia’s statute of limitations.
Accidents may also be caused, fully or in part, by a manufacturing defect that was not your employer’s fault. Manufacturers have a duty to their customers to sell safe products that list any potential hazards. Failure to do so could result in a product liability claim. For information on this kind of case, see product liability.
Bystanders are occasionally also injured by forklifts. If you were injured on a job site by a forklift, you may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death suit. Contact an attorney to discuss possible strategies. For more information see the section on premises liability.
Additional Resources
Forklift Safety: Facts, Stats, and Tips for Safe Operation – A useful overview of forklift safety information by a private safety consultation company. Includes an easy-to-digest infographic about forklift accidents compiled from government and industry sources. It also includes advice about improving safety around forklifts.
Forklift Accidents, Occupation Safety and Health Administration, United States Department of Labor – Search result from a government entity about forklift accidents. Contains many examples of particular accidents. This list provides perspectives on the range of factors that cause accidents and the types of injuries that can be sustained.
Atlanta Forklift Accident Lawyer in Georgia
Each case is unique and tailoring effective strategies for particular circumstances presents complex legal issues. The Balams Firm can help tackle the specifics of your case and develop a plan to get maximum compensation for your injuries.
After years representing clients in similar suits in Atlanta and across Georgia, we have the skill, knowledge, and experience necessary to fight for maximum compensation in all personal injury, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation suits. Call The Balams Firm at (404) 445-2005 for a free consultation today.
