Forklifts or Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs) are essential in many of today’s industrial work environments. These machines can help transport heavy objects and equipment throughout a job site in an efficient manner.
However, forklifts can also be hazardous for workers and can cause serious workplace accidents.
Fortunately, employees in New York are typically entitled to recover financial support in the form of workers’ compensation or Social Security disability benefits after being injured in a forklift accident.
Forklift Accidents In New York
Forklift operators bear a lot of responsibility on the job. Not only do they need to be able to properly operate the piece of equipment, they also have to be able to maneuver the machine to perform work safely.
Forklifts are utilized in busy work environments throughout New York City such as construction sites or warehouse facilities, where the fast-paced tempo can create chaos and increased risks for safety.
Dangers of Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs)
Despite its small size, forklifts are considered heavy equipment and as such serious injury or even death can result from accidents involving people and forklifts.
Due to the inherent dangers of operating and working around forklifts, OSHA has established certain safety standards to govern forklift use in the workplace. Individual states also have certain rules regarding the use and operation of forklifts to prevent injuries.
Main Causes of Forklift Accidents
Forklift operators must go through required training and receive certification to ensure those operating the equipment as well as those on the ground are not in danger.
Common causes of accidents involving forklifts include but are not limited to:
- Tipping due to overloading
- A lack of rollover protection
- Malfunctioning brakes and/or steering
- Visibility issues – not using a spotter
- Load falling off of forklift
These are just a few of the situations resulting in the tens of thousands of forklift accidents which occur annually.
Considering the fact that forklifts are used in hundreds of different applications, from construction sites to warehouse docks, it is easy to see why certification is required to operate this piece of equipment.
Workplace Injuries
Forklift accidents often result in serious workplace injuries that can have lasting consequences.
Some of the most common injuries sustained as a result of forklift accidents include:
- Foot Injuries
- Broken Bones / Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Neck & Spinal Injuries
Legal Options: Workers Comp & Social Security Disability
Forklift accidents can be very serious and injured parties may be temporarily or permanently disabled resulting in loss of income as well as a lifetime of pain and suffering.
Anyone who has been injured as the result of a forklift accident that occurred in the course of work has the right to compensation under New York workers’ compensation law. Additionally, non-workers may be entitled to other forms of compensation after a forklift accident if safety measures were overlooked.
This is true for the forklift operator as well as other employees or pedestrians who may have been hurt as a result of a forklift accident.
Workers’ compensation insurance and social security disability benefits can provide financial support for injured workers. However, obtaining this financial compensation can be quite difficult even if a worker is technically entitled to the financial compensation.
That is why it is important to work with an experienced workers compensation attorney who is qualified to handle your case properly.
Workers’ Comp / Social Security Disability Lawyer In New York
The Disability Guys have been helping injured workers in New York for decades. We are dedicated to assisting our clients in their path to physical and financial recovery after a serious work accident.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one have been injured in a forklift accidents or suffered an injury in any other type of work-related accident.