Common Forklift Accidents in Tampa

Forklift accidents in Tampa are all too common. These incidents often affect warehouse workers, dock workers, and similar employees. A forklift accident has the potential to be fatal, and it can also cause permanent disabilities. If you have experienced a forklift accident, you should consider your legal rights and your ability to file a workers’ compensation claim. Legal assistance is available if you’re having issues with your claim.

Forklift Rollovers

Forklift rollovers are exceedingly common. During training, employees are usually instructed to remain within the vehicle as it rolls over. However, many panic and try to jump free as the vehicle tumbles. This can have terrible consequences, as the victim may be crushed by the falling vehicle. The roll cage offers strong levels of protection from falls, and the best thing to do in this situation is to simply stay inside the forklift.

Rollover forklift injuries include head injuries, crushed limbs, sprains, and strains. Crush injuries can be particularly serious in this situation, sometimes resulting in death, amputation, or internal organ damage. Multiple fractures are common when a forklift falls onto an outstretched limb.

Struck-By Accidents

The workers operating the forklifts are not the only people in danger. Those in close proximity to the forklifts may also suffer serious injuries after being struck by these vehicles. Forklifts are capable of moving at high speeds, and they can easily strike workers while going around blind corners or reversing suddenly.

Often, noise levels in warehouses and similar worksites are extremely high. This makes it difficult for workers to hear forklifts as they approach. Alarm bells and horns may fail to warn nearby people of the approaching forklifts.

Impacts from forklifts can be particularly dangerous when they pin workers against walls or other solid objects. For example, a forklift operator might reverse into a worker and pin them against a wall. These accidents can easily be fatal.

Falling Loads

Falling loads can also cause serious injuries. Forklifts are designed to carry crates, pallets, and other heavy items. If these items fall from the forklift’s arms, they can impact people and cause extreme harm. An impact from a falling item can also be fatal.

These kinds of accidents often occur because the people operating the forklifts are not adequately trained. A forklift operator might also stack items in an unsafe manner, and these items may then tumble onto people. Sudden braking can also cause items to fall off forklifts and onto workers.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help After a Forklift Accident?

If you’re struggling with a Tampa workers’ compensation claim after a forklift accident, a lawyer may be able to help. These accidents may be life-altering, but you should still have access to plenty of compensation for medical treatments, lost income, and perhaps vocational rehabilitation. Family members of deceased workers may also pursue death benefits to cover a range of damages. Contact The Franco Law Firm today to learn more.

Sources: 

osha.com/blog/5-most-common-forklift-accidents-and-how-to-prevent-them

osha.gov/powered-industrial-trucks/hazards-solutions