Albany Forklift Accident Lawyer
Sometimes referred to as lift trucks, forklifts are often used in warehouses, factories, and at construction sites to lift and transport heavy items. Since these pieces of equipment are used by countless workers each day, to avoid accidents and protect their workers, companies must make sure their forklift operators have proper training.
Unfortunately, companies sometimes forget or refuse to properly train their forklift operators in hopes of saving time and money. Sometimes, the forklift itself is unsafe or poorly designed. These are extremely unsafe situations and a person who does not have access to a safe forklift or proper training can put the lives of others in danger. If you suffered an injury in a forklift accident, you may be able to obtain financial compensation with the help of an Albany forklift accident lawyer. A compassionate personal injury attorney could advocate for you.
Common Types of Forklift Accident Injuries
There are a wide variety of possible injuries resulting from forklift accidents and they are more common in environments where employers do not take employee safety seriously. Companies have an obligation to ensure all their forklift drivers are adequately trained and provided with appropriate safety gear, which can reduce the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents include:
- Crushing individuals with the forklift load
- Hitting or running over others with the forklift
- Pinning others against the wall with the forklift
- Forklift overturns
Many of the injuries above can cause permanent disability or even death in the most extreme cases. Forklift overturns can be particularly deadly as they pose a threat to the operator as well as any individuals around them.
Role of OSHA Safety Regulations
As mentioned above, employers have an obligation to protect the safety of their forklift operators and other employees. Beyond properly training and educating forklift operators this involves showing them how to respond to an emergency. Companies in the United States also must follow rules and regulations outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and if they violate these rules and regulations, they can be held liable legally and financially.
When an accident or violation occurs, companies should require their employees to promptly record the incident and report it to the necessary authority or department. By taking simple precautions and adhering to state and federal safety standards, companies can reduce the number of forklift accidents significantly.
Filing a Defective Product Lawsuit
Employers and companies are not always at fault when a forklift accident occurs. Sometimes, the manufacturer or retailer of the forklift is liable. If a malfunctioning forklift causes an accident, injured individuals may need to file a defective product lawsuit with the help of an Albany forklift accident lawyer.
Forklift manufacturers and retailers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure any products they release on the market are adequately tested and inspected. They further have an obligation to design the forklift with features to protect the safety of the operator. Failing to do so can result in severe injuries.
Consulting an Albany Forklift Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know suffered an injury in a forklift accident, you may still have time to obtain the justice you deserve. Forklift injuries can be life-changing, and if you are left permanently disabled or unable to work, they can have even more of a negative impact on you and your family.
Discuss your case with a compassionate Albany forklift accident lawyer when you are ready. They can help you make sense of the facts of your case and determine the best course of action. Call today for a free consultation.
