Forklifts are essential to modern workplaces, from warehouses and construction sites to retail distribution centers. Yet, their heavy weight and powerful machinery make them a source of serious danger when something goes wrong. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents cause nearly 100 fatalities and more than 20,000 serious injuries each year in the United States. When forklift injuries occur in Dallas-Fort Worth, victims are often left with mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical limitations.
Armstrong Personal Injury Law understands the devastating impact of forklift injuries. Warren Armstrong, an experienced Texas work injury attorney, helps injured workers navigate their legal rights outside of the workers’ compensation system. By investigating the cause of the accident, identifying responsible parties, and pursuing compensation, the firm strives to hold negligent employers and third parties accountable.
Common Causes of Forklift Injuries
Forklift accidents rarely happen without warning. In many cases, they are the result of preventable hazards or lapses in workplace safety. Understanding the most common causes can help victims and their families make sense of what went wrong.
- Operator error. A large percentage of forklift accidents occur because of mistakes made by the operator. This includes driving too fast, failing to look behind when reversing, or carrying loads that block visibility.
- Inadequate training. OSHA requires that forklift operators receive proper training and certification. When workers are not adequately trained, they are more likely to mishandle the equipment and cause serious accidents.
- Improper maintenance. Forklifts require regular inspections and repairs. Worn-out brakes, faulty hydraulics, or damaged tires can quickly turn routine work into a dangerous situation.
- Overloading. Carrying loads that exceed the forklift’s rated capacity makes tipping more likely. This not only endangers the operator but also puts nearby workers at risk of being crushed.
- Hazardous workplace conditions. Slippery floors, poor lighting, narrow aisles, and crowded work areas create unsafe environments for forklift operation.
- Pedestrian proximity. Forklifts often operate near workers on foot. Without proper traffic controls or warning systems, collisions are more likely.
Each of these causes reflects a breakdown in safety protocols. When an accident results, victims may have grounds to pursue legal action against negligent parties.
Types of Forklift Injuries
The injuries caused by forklift accidents are often severe due to the size and weight of the machinery. Victims may suffer:
- Crush injuries. A forklift can pin a worker against walls, shelving, or other machinery, leading to broken bones, internal injuries, or fatalities.
- Amputations. Limbs caught under wheels or in moving parts may require surgical amputation.
- Head injuries. Falling loads or collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, with lasting effects on cognition, memory, and behavior.
- Spinal cord injuries. A rollover or collision can fracture the spine, resulting in partial or total paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries. Strains, sprains, and ligament damage often occur when workers are struck or thrown by a forklift.
- Fatalities. In the most tragic cases, forklift accidents result in death, leaving families to cope with financial and emotional devastation.
The seriousness of these injuries highlights why forklift accidents are among the most dangerous workplace incidents.
What to Do After a Forklift Injury
The aftermath of a forklift accident can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps immediately after the incident can protect both health and legal rights.
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries do not appear life-threatening, getting prompt medical care ensures conditions are properly diagnosed and documented.
- Report the accident. Notify a supervisor or employer in writing as soon as possible. Documentation is crucial in any potential legal claim.
- Preserve evidence. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, the forklift, and any visible injuries. Collect names of witnesses who saw what happened.
- Avoid signing documents. Employers or insurance representatives may ask workers to sign statements or waivers. It is wise not to sign anything before consulting with a lawyer.
- Contact a Texas forklift accident attorney. Legal guidance is essential in determining who may be liable and how to pursue compensation.
These steps help ensure victims are not taken advantage of in the aftermath of a serious workplace accident.
Legal Rights of Forklift Accident Victims in Texas
Forklift injuries can give rise to complex legal claims. Unlike many states, Texas allows certain employers to opt out of the workers’ compensation system. These “non-subscriber” employers may be held directly liable for workplace injuries if negligence is proven.
Victims may have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering caused by physical injury and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one in a forklift accident
Every case depends on its unique facts. An experienced attorney can determine whether an employer, equipment manufacturer, or third-party contractor may be legally responsible.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Forklift Injury Cases
Forklift accident claims can quickly become complicated. Employers often deny responsibility, and insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts. Victims benefit from having a skilled attorney who understands workplace accident litigation in Texas.
Some ways legal representation makes a difference include:
- Conducting a detailed investigation of the accident
- Gathering witness statements and maintenance records
- Working with medical experts to document injuries and long-term effects
- Negotiating with insurers for fair settlements
- Preparing cases for trial if necessary
Without legal support, injured workers may find themselves at a disadvantage against corporations with extensive resources.
Why Choose Armstrong Personal Injury Law
Warren Armstrong has dedicated his career to representing injured workers in Dallas-Fort Worth. As the founder of Armstrong Personal Injury Law, he focuses exclusively on non-subscriber workplace injury cases, including forklift accidents.
Workers choose Armstrong Personal Injury Law because:
- The firm has extensive knowledge of Texas workplace injury laws
- Warren Armstrong provides personal attention to each case
- The practice is committed to holding negligent employers and third parties accountable
By working with an attorney who understands the unique challenges of forklift injury cases, victims can feel confident that their rights are being protected.
How Armstrong Personal Injury Law Helps Victims of Forklift Accidents
Forklift accident victims face not only immediate medical needs but also long-term challenges. Armstrong Personal Injury Law assists by:
- Conducting independent investigations into the cause of the accident
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties
- Collaborating with experts to build strong evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Keeping clients informed throughout the process
Warren Armstrong’s goal is to relieve some of the burden on injured workers and their families by managing the legal aspects of their recovery.