Seattle Forklift Accidents
Posted Friday, July 16, 2021 by Chris Thayer
Forklifts are a staple piece of equipment for most warehouses and many stores. However, their lack of stability and the precarious and tight areas in which they are often used can make them dangerous and prone to high-stakes and potentially fatal accidents. If you have been injured as a result of a forklift accident at work, you are not alone. In fact, statistics reflect that approximately 135,000 people nationwide were injured in forklift-related accidents just last year. Of those, 35,000 were said to have suffered serious and life-threatening injuries. An additional 100 people died as a result of forklift-related injuries. Clearly these accidents are not isolated, and must be taken seriously.
*What Causes Forklift Accidents?* Forklift accidents have many causes. Operator-error is a common one, which can be a result of inadequate training. Traveling too fast on a forklift, particularly if it is carrying a load, destabilizes it, which creates a hazard both for the operator and any surrounding workers or pedestrians. Forklifts also often operate on high loading docks, where they have little room to move around. This can result in tip-over accidents, which are often fatal. Forklifts often tip-over the edge of embankments, piers, and loading docks. Other environmental circumstances, such as narrow or overstocked aisles or crowded areas, can create a dangerous environment for forklifts and other workers when merchandise falls or racks of inventory tip over. Operating a forklift while it has an elevated load is likely to result in an accident. As the load will also eliminate visibility, doing so also increases the risk of colliding with other workers or pedestrians. Collisions between forklifts and workers are one of the leading causes of forklift accidents along with tip-over accidents.
*Forklift Injuries * Forklift injuries can be fatal, and tip-over accidents often are. In accidents where a forklift collides with an employee or pedestrian, the individual may actually be run-over or dragged by the forklift. This is likely to cause broken and fractured bones to the legs and pelvis. In instances where inventory or shelving falls on to the forklift operator, traumatic brain injuries, and injuries to the head and neck are common. Fatalities are most common in tip-over accidents, where the operator can become pinned under the forklift. Workers and pedestrians hit by a forklift can suffer broken and fractured bones and head trauma. Anyone who is hurt by a forklift should seek immediate medical attention, as there is potential for serious injury.
*Talk to a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer * If you have been injured by a forklift or in a workplace accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, Issaquah, or the greater Washington State area, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Pivotal Law Firm can help. Pursuing compensation for forklift accidents can be complicated due to workers’ compensation laws. Our lawyers can help you navigate this process as well as identifying whether non-employer parties may be liable for the harm. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.