Tor Hoerman has represented injured individuals for more than 30 years, with experience spanning individual personal injury cases and nationwide mass tort litigation. His work includes car accidents, catastrophic injuries, product liability claims, and other serious injury cases. Tor has served in court-appointed leadership roles in national litigation and tried cases involving major corporate defendants.
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On this page, we’ll discuss the Most Common Forklift Accidents, how forklift accidents happen, common forklift injuries, and much more.
Forklift accidents pose a significant threat to workers and pedestrians alike because of the machinery’s size, weight, and power.
While forklifts are indispensable in many workplaces, their misuse or negligence can lead to severe consequences.
Forklift accidents can have devastating effects, ranging from physical injuries to emotional trauma and financial burdens.
Victims may suffer from fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or even loss of limbs, leading to long-term disabilities and psychological distress.
Countless individuals are killed annually by forklift accidents.
Families of those affected may experience emotional turmoil and financial strain due to medical expenses and loss of income.
If you or a loved one are suffering from forklift accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
TorHoerman Law is dedicated to representing victims of forklift accidents and helping them seek justice and recover the damages they deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a forklift accident lawsuit instantly.
Powered industrial trucks, more commonly known as forklifts or lift trucks, are indispensable machinery in various industries, enabling easy and efficient material handling and logistics operations.
Whether in a construction site, warehouse, manufacturing facility, or even a retail store, forklift trucks are a staple in many workplaces worldwide.
Their significance also comes with inherent hazards that require proper training, operation, and maintenance to avoid accidents.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that forklifts account for 85 fatal forklift accidents and 34,900 forklift-related injuries annually in the United States alone.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 614 fatalities and over 7,000 nonfatal workplace injuries involving forklifts from 2011 to 2017.
These forklift accident statistics highlight the severity and frequency of forklift accidents, which significantly impact the safety and well-being of workers and pedestrians.
To improve forklift safety and reduce accidents and injuries, OSHA has strict regulations and guidelines for safe forklift operation and maintenance, as well as training of forklift operators, employers, and employees.
These regulations include proper inspection and upkeep of forklifts, operator training, and adherence to safety protocols in the workplace.
OSHA requires forklift operators to be at least 18 years old and have proper training and certification to operate forklift equipment safely.
Additionally, employers must provide a safe working environment by ensuring regular equipment maintenance and fostering a culture of safety in the workplace.
Failure to comply with OSHA standards and guidelines can result in fines, penalties, or legal action.
In the event of an accident, not following OSHA’s regulations can also serve as evidence of negligence, making employers liable for any resulting damages.
Forklift accidents have various forms, with different causes and severity levels.
Some of the most common forklift accidents include:
Forklift rollovers or tip-overs are the most common and fatal forklift accidents.
They occur when a forklift’s center of gravity shifts and causes it to tip over.
Some causes of forklift tip-overs include:
On December 2, 2021, an employee died when his forklift tipped over while he was moving products.
One of the rear wheels got caught in a ditch, causing the forklift to overturn.
At the time, the employee was not wearing a seatbelt and tried to jump out of the lift truck in panic, but it landed on him.
Struck-by incidents refer to accidents where a forklift collides with an object, person, or another vehicle.
These accidents can happen due to blind spots, inadequate signaling, or negligent operation.
Some causes of struck-by accidents include:
OSHA reported an incident on February 1, 2022, in which an employee suffered a fractured ankle.
He was waiting on a truck trailer while his coworker unloaded it using a forklift.
The forklift driver drove into the truck with elevated forks, striking the employee’s right ankle.
The employee only sustained a fracture without the need for hospitalization.
Forklift operators and workers can also fall from forklifts, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
These accidents may occur due to the following reasons:
An example of a forklift fall accident happened on December 27, 2021, when a forklift operator fell from his forklift while unloading products from a truck.
The truck driver thought the operator was done unloading and began pulling away, causing the lift truck to fall while the operator was still on it.
The operator rolled in reverse and fell approximately four feet, resulting in back and shoulder contusions and a need for surgery.
Collisions with objects or structures are common forklift accidents that can result in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities.
These collisions may occur due to:
A collision with an object occurred on February 16, 2022, when a forklift driver struck a guardrail because he wasn’t paying attention while driving.
In his attempt to correct the direction of the lift truck, he lost control and hit another guardrail.
He sustained a severe laceration on his lower leg, requiring hospitalization.
Forklift operator error is a broad category of accidents that may involve any of the above causes and more.
Some operator errors include:
An operator error incident occurred on November 2, 2021, when an employee got pinned between two forklifts.
A coworker parked a Crown forklift, leaving its control arm in the on/coast position.
The employee parked the Hyster forklift she was using next to the Crown forklift.
As she exited the Hyster forklift, she grabbed the handle of the Crown forklift for support, accidentally engaging the throttle and pinning her between the two lift trucks.
She sustained a fracture in her left leg, requiring hospitalization.
Understanding the root causes of forklift accidents is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies.
While these accidents have unique circumstances, there are common causes of many forklift accidents that operators and employers should be aware of to prevent forklift injuries.
Causes can include:
Lack of proper training can make operators unaware of safety protocols, weight capacity, or maneuvering techniques, increasing the risk of accidents.
Employers should ensure that all forklift operators are adequately trained and certified before operating the equipment.
They should also provide refresher training and regular evaluations to ensure continued competence.
A poorly designed workplace can be a significant contributor to forklift accidents.
Narrow aisles, blocked sight, and uneven surfaces can make it challenging for operators to maneuver safely.
Employers should assess their workplace design regularly and make necessary changes to improve safety.
Some safety solutions may include:
Employers must also alert pedestrians of potential hazards to improve safety in forklift operation areas.
Malfunctioning or defective forklift parts can also lead to accidents.
Faulty brakes, steering systems, or other mechanical issues can compromise a forklift’s safety, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspections.
Employers should have a designated forklift maintenance schedule and ensure that all equipment is in proper working condition before use.
Pre-shift inspections are critical in identifying potential issues, such as damaged tires or fluid leaks, before operating a forklift.
Forklift accidents can also occur due to a lack of safety protocols.
Employers should establish and enforce strict safety protocols for all forklift operators to follow.
These protocols should include wearing seatbelts and protective equipment, maintaining a safe distance from edges and other hazards, and not exceeding the forklift’s weight capacity.
OSHA provided safe operating rules for powered industrial trucks, including forklifts, which employers should review and incorporate into their safety protocols.
Regular training and reminders can also help reinforce these safety protocols.
Forklift accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma and fatalities.
Some common forklift injuries include:
Minor forklift incidents may result in bruises or superficial cuts due to contact with sharp edges, falling objects, or machinery components.
While these injuries may seem small, they can lead to more severe complications if not treated promptly.
Frequent minor incidents can indicate more significant safety issues that employers must address.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, ligaments, or tendons, are common in forklift accidents.
These can result from sudden stops or movements, overexertion, or falling objects.
While they may not always require hospitalization, these injuries can lead to significant pain and discomfort for employees, affecting their productivity and quality of life.
Forklift accidents can cause severe trauma, resulting in fractures or broken bones.
These injuries often occur when an operator falls from the forklift or gets pinned between objects.
Depending on the severity and location of the bone fracture, these injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, and extensive recovery time.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a prevalent type of forklift accident injury, often caused by falling objects or tip-overs.
These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, depending on the impact and location of the injury.
Those injured must seek immediate medical attention in case of a TBI, as long-term consequences can be severe.
Forklift accidents can also cause severe damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and lifelong disabilities.
These injuries often occur when an operator is pinned between objects or falls from the forklift.
Employers must implement strict safety protocols and provide proper training to avoid these life-altering injuries.
Forklift incidents can also result in internal injuries, such as broken ribs, organ damage, or internal bleeding.
These injuries are challenging to identify and may not immediately manifest symptoms.
It is essential to seek medical attention after any forklift accident and undergo a thorough examination to rule out any potential internal injuries.
Being caught between a forklift and another object or being struck by a falling load can result in crush injuries.
These injuries often require immediate medical attention and may result in permanent disabilities.
Employers must train forklift operators on proper load-handling techniques and provide necessary safety measures to avoid these accidents.
Severe crush injuries or entanglement with machinery components can result in traumatic amputations.
The loss of limbs can be life-changing for the individual and affect their ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Long-term support and rehabilitation may be necessary for those who experience amputations due to forklift accidents.
Forklift accidents can result in paralysis, either partial or complete.
This injury occurs when the spinal cord gets severely damaged and interrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body.
Paralysis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and require long-term care and support.
In the most severe cases, forklift accidents can result in fatalities.
Forklift trucks are heavy, powerful machines and can cause significant damage and harm if not operated correctly.
Tipping over, falling objects, and collisions can all result in fatal injuries.
These tragedies can leave families devastated and communities mourning the loss of loved ones.
Aside from physical injuries, forklift accidents can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact on those involved.
Witnessing or experiencing an accident can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in workers.
These individuals may require ongoing therapy and support to cope with the event and return to work.
Employers must prioritize the emotional well-being of their employees and provide necessary resources for mental health support.
Forklift accidents can result in significant financial burdens for the individual and their families, especially if they are the primary provider for their household.
Medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, and rehabilitation costs can all add to the financial strain.
In severe cases, individuals may be unable to return to work at all, resulting in a loss of income and long-term economic hardship.
Preventing forklift accidents requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both systemic issues and individual behaviors.
Some key strategies include:
Proper training is crucial for all forklift operators.
Employers must provide comprehensive training programs that cover not only the technical aspects of operating a forklift but also safety protocols and hazard recognition.
Regular refresher courses help reinforce safe practices and address any issues or gaps in knowledge.
Routine maintenance and inspections are essential for identifying and addressing mechanical issues before they escalate into safety hazards.
Employers should have a system for regular maintenance and inspections of all forklifts, ensuring they are always in safe operating condition.
Neglected or poorly maintained equipment can put operators and others at risk of accidents.
OSHA and other regulatory bodies have specific guidelines and regulations for the safe operation of forklifts.
Employers must adhere to these rules and ensure that their employees are following them at all times.
They must also implement additional safety measures as needed to mitigate risks in the workplace.
Safety protocols such as wearing seatbelts, reducing speed, and avoiding shortcuts can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
In the unfortunate event of a forklift accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages.
Pursuing a forklift accident lawsuit can help victims hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Types of compensation available in forklift accident lawsuits may include:
Consulting with a forklift injury lawyer is essential for understanding your legal rights and options following a forklift accident.
An experienced attorney can assess the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Forklift accidents are a critical concern in the workplace, posing significant risks to workers and pedestrians.
In the event of an accident, victims should seek legal guidance to understand their rights and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
At TorHoerman Law, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers has a deep understanding of forklift accidents and the legal process involved in seeking compensation.
We have a proven track record of success in representing victims of forklift accidents and securing fair settlements for their damages.
Contact us for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the forklift accident lawsuit instantly.
Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law
Here, at TorHoerman Law, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Since 2009, we have successfully collected over $4 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
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TorHoerman Law represents people whose lives have been disrupted by serious injuries, unsafe products, and negligence. Our attorneys handle individual personal injury cases as well as national mass tort lawsuits involving major corporations.
Founded in 2009, our legal team brings more than 100 years of combined experience handling serious injury and complex civil litigation.
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Here, at TorHoerman Law, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Since 2009, we have successfully collected over $4 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
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