Lift trucks and forklifts are essential equipment in the warehousing, construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries. However, they also pose significant risks to workers. Equipment failure, operator errors, and other issues can easily cause a forklift to break or its load to fall – potentially leading to catastrophic injuries for workers. Trust Hardison & Cochran to protect your rights and help you pursue compensation after these most common forklift accidents in North Carolina.
The 5 Most Common Types of Forklift Accidents in NC
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the most common types of lift truck accidents leading to days away from work, job restrictions, or job transfers are:
- Transportation accidents (53 percent) – These incidents involve forklifts overturning, colliding with other vehicles, or hitting pedestrians. Forklifts can become unstable when turning corners too quickly, carrying uneven loads, or operating on uneven surfaces. Unsurprisingly, transportation accidents are the leading cause of forklift-related injuries due to the size, speed, and weight of these machines.
- Workers struck by objects (13 percent) – Falling objects from forklifts are a frequent hazard for North Carolina workers. They often happen due to improperly secured or overloaded pallets. Workers near the forklift or those loading and unloading materials have a high risk of being hit by falling cargo.
- Slips, trips, and falls (11 percent) – These accidents typically occur when operators fall while entering or exiting the forklift. Slippery surfaces, improperly placed steps, or a lack of handholds can contribute to these incidents.
- Workers struck against objects (9 percent) – When workers are forced into fixed objects by a moving forklift or its load, injuries can result. Narrow aisles, poor visibility, or operator inattention can lead to these accidents.
- Workers caught in an object, equipment, or material (9 percent) – These accidents happen when workers get caught between a forklift and another object or within the forklift’s moving parts. Loose clothing, improper operation, or insufficient safeguards can create these dangerous situations.
Causes of Forklift Accidents
Some common causes of forklift accidents in North Carolina include:
- Inadequate training – Insufficient operator training is a leading cause of forklift accidents. Poorly trained operators may lack the skills to navigate tight spaces, manage heavy loads, or respond to emergencies effectively, increasing the likelihood of errors.
- Overloading the forklift – Exceeding the forklift’s weight capacity can cause tipping or loss of control. Unbalanced loads or improperly stacked materials also contribute to lift truck instability, endangering the operator and nearby workers.
- Poor maintenance – Forklifts require regular inspections and upkeep. Worn tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning hydraulics can lead to accidents, especially in high-stress environments.
- Inadequate supervision – A lack of oversight or enforcement of safety protocols can lead to risky behaviors, such as speeding, improper equipment use, or ignoring workplace rules.
- Unsafe workplace conditions – Cluttered aisles, bad lighting, slippery floors, and uneven surfaces create hazards for forklift operators and other workers. Poorly designed workspaces increase the risk of collisions or overturns.
- Operator fatigue or distraction – Long shifts, repetitive tasks, or distractions like cell phones can impair an operator’s focus, slowing reaction times and leading to mistakes.
- Lack of clear communication – Poor coordination between forklift operators and other workers can result in accidents. For instance, a worker unaware of a forklift’s movement may accidentally enter its path.
- Improper loading and unloading practices – Mishandling materials while loading or unloading a forklift can cause objects to fall, tip over, or shift unexpectedly, creating hazards for everyone nearby.
What Are the Main Injuries Associated with Forklift Accidents?
Forklift accidents in North Carolina often cause devastating injuries, including:
- Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
- Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
- Multiple severe bone fractures
- Injuries to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions
Legal Options for Forklift Accident Victims
If you sustained injuries in a forklift accident, you may have more than one option to seek compensation for your losses.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers injured on the job likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp benefits can cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of your lost wages if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. The advantage of workers’ compensation is that you don’t need to prove fault to qualify for benefits. However, your benefits may not account for all your losses, such as your pain and suffering.
Personal Injury Claim
In some cases, you may also have the option to pursue a third-party injury claim. If your forklift accident happened because someone other than your employer or a co-worker acted negligently – such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or site owner – you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. For example, if a forklift malfunctions due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be liable for your injuries.
Passers-by or workers injured outside the scope of their employment can also file personal injury claims. The advantage of third-party injury claims is that they allow for the recovery of additional losses that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, including your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full reimbursement for lost income. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and make sure you pursue all avenues for compensation.
Finding the Right Forklift Injury Lawyer in North Carolina
Choosing the right lawyer for your forklift injury is crucial for a successful claim. Look for an attorney with experience handling workplace and forklift-related accident cases. They should have a track record of securing fair compensation for injured clients. You can also research potential lawyers online by reading reviews.
Once you have a short list of attorneys, schedule initial consultations to discuss your case. During these meetings, ask about their experience, approach to handling cases, and fee structure.
A knowledgeable and compassionate attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights after a North Carolina forklift accident. At Hardison & Cochran, we have:
- Over 40 years of experience serving accident victims across North Carolina
- A proven history of success recovering millions in compensation for our deserving clients, including $275,000 for a North Carolina man who injured his back while lifting metal to place on a lift
- Dozens of testimonials from happy clients, such as one that says: “Not only did they represent me they truly showed how much they cared by listening to every word and every concern.”
Call us now or reach out online for a free consultation with a North Carolina forklift injury attorney.
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