If you have been injured in a forklift accident, the St. Petersburg, Florida forklift accident attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you. We have in-depth expertise in handling workplace accidents involving large pieces of machinery, such as forklifts, and we understand what is required for you to submit a successful claim.
Call our St. Petersburg, law firm today at (727) 349-1728 to talk with our personal injury lawyers and get legal help. Your initial consultation is free of charge.
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How Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Forklift Accident
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, our workplace injury attorneys know how to maximize your chances of receiving full monetary compensation. We will do all it takes to get compensation for our clients in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Your employer is in charge of keeping and following safety rules for operating and using a forklift. Accidents occur when they neglect that responsibility, and individuals like you get hurt. Your employer needs to be held accountable.
When you retain us to represent you, our St. Petersburg workers’ compensation lawyers will undertake the following responsibilities, among others:
- Collect and review evidence such as medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts
- Examine the equipment and conditions of the worksite
- Investigate the organization’s history of similar accidents and workers’ compensation claims
- Consult with forklift experts
- Assist you in submitting a workers’ compensation or third-party claim
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers will not allow your employer or a third party to escape liability for your injuries. Contact us today to speak with one of our St. Petersburg forklift accident lawyers about your case.
Forklift Safety Statistics in St. Petersburg, FL
A forklift is a powered truck used to lift, transport, push, pull, and stack items too heavy to be moved by hand. They are frequently referred to as “little titans” due to their ability to travel freely across and among aisles at speeds of 18 mph. Unfortunately, the damage these machines can cause is far from insignificant.
The National Safety Council indicates that in the United States, in 2020, there were 78 forklift-related deaths as well as 7,290 nonfatal injuries involving missed time from work.
Certain sectors rely heavily on forklift safety to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities. The forklift’s combination of lifting and movement capabilities can cause issues, especially in the absence of sufficient training.
Causes of Forklift Accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida
Commonly found in warehouses and on construction sites, forklifts can lift and transport materials weighing between 5,000 and 50,000 pounds. They are extremely handy but also present some of the greatest danger items on construction sites.
There are numerous causes of forklift accidents, however, the following are the most prevalent:
- Operator interruption
- Inadequate operator experience and education
- Defective machinery or inadequate servicing
- Insufficient warnings and danger signs
- Moving too fast
- Turning incorrectly
- Unstable loading
- Workplace flooring not suitable for safety
No matter how carefully companies and employees attempt to conduct themselves in the workplace, factory accidents can still occur. However, awareness of common mistakes, judgment errors, and training concerns can help lessen or even prevent a number of these accidents.
Types of Forklift Accidents and Injuries in St. Petersburg, FL
A dangerous protruding fork makes the forklift a sophisticated piece of technology. If it is involved in an accident, it could cause catastrophic damage.
The majority of forklift accidents can be classified as follows:
- Forklift overturning
- Falling loads or objects
- Fall from forklift seat
- Using the forklift for unauthorized activities
Common injuries sustained in such incidents include:
- Amputation
- Trauma to the brain
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Repetitive trauma injuries
Unless you were in violation of the rules or were operating the forklift under the influence when you were hurt, you should be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Your Right to Compensation in Florida
In essence, workers’ compensation is an insurance system that companies use to pay the costs associated with workplace injuries. The State of Florida mandates workers’ compensation coverage for most businesses.
Typically, workers’ compensation payouts cover medical benefits, lost wages, lost time benefits, and rehabilitation. If the accident was caused by the negligence of a third party, you can seek compensation from that party via a lawsuit.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL Today
You should not attempt to handle workers’ compensation claims and third-party litigation on your own due to the complexity of the legal issues involved. Our St. Petersburg forklift accident lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience with workplace accidents and workers’ compensation.
Call our law offices today to schedule an appointment to answer some of your frequently asked questions. Your initial consultation is free of charge, and you owe us nothing unless we are able to secure a financial award on your behalf.
