West Palm Beach Forklift Accident Lawyer
Many jobs in Palm Beach County require workers to use forklifts. Whether you are on a construction site or in a warehouse, forklifts need to be handled and maintained in a safe and responsible manner. Otherwise the forklift operator or other employees in the area may suffer serious–and potentially life-threatening–injuries.
An experienced West Palm Beach forklift accident lawyer can advise you if you have been injured. Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is a team of dedicated Florida personal injury lawyers who represent injured workers and their families in seeking compensation for forklift accidents arising from negligence. We can conduct a full investigation into the causes of your accident and help you determine the appropriate means for obtaining damages under the law.
Some Common Florida Forklift Accident Scenarios
There are a number of ways the improper design, use, or maintenance of a forklift can lead to a serious accident. Here are just a few of the more common scenarios:
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Rollovers. A forklift can easily roll or tip over for a number of reasons, including excessive weight, unbalanced loads, and uneven surfaces. Operator error can also lead to a rollover, especially if the driver is moving or turning too quickly.
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Falling loads. Moving around boxes is one thing. But many forklift operators need to move raw materials and other items that can easily fall off a lift if not properly secured. Falling loads often create a major safety hazard for other people in the vicinity.
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Pedestrian impacts. An inattentive operator–especially one who is tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs–can strike and even crush a pedestrian in the same work area.
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Lack of training. Federal regulations mandate a certain amount of safety training before anyone can operate a forklift on a worksite. But some companies often ignore the rules and place unqualified operators behind the wheel, which can lead to a catastrophic accident.
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Mechanical failures. A forklift is like any other piece of industrial machinery. It needs to be regularly inspected and maintained. Issues like worn brakes, damaged tires, and even leaking fluids can lead to an accident.
If you are a worker injured in a forklift accident, you are entitled to medical and wage replacement benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation system. Workers’ compensation can provide up to two years of temporary disability benefits following a forklift accident. And if you sustain any kind of permanent injury, you may be entitled to additional benefits.
Depending on the facts of your forklift accident, you may also be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit against a third party. For example, if the accident was the result of a defectively designed forklift or individual part, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable under Florida law. And unlike workers’ compensation, you can seek the full measure of your economic and non-economic damages against a responsible third party.
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today
Whether you are a worker or just an innocent bystander injured in a forklift accident, it is crucial to seek out competent legal advice regarding your rights with respect to compensation. Our West Palm Beach forklift accident lawyers are ready and able to assist you. Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to schedule an initial consultation.
