Florence Forklift Lawyer
Forklifts are commonly found in warehouses, on construction sites, and in other workplaces in Florence and throughout South Carolina. Since forklifts were invented early in the 20th century, they have significantly increased productivity across many industries. When these machines are properly used, they can actually help prevent injuries incurred on the job because they reduce the need for workers to manually lift heavy objects. However, forklifts are very large and they can cause serious injuries and even fatalities when something goes wrong.
If you or someone you love has been hurt by this type of heavy equipment, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Below, our Florence forklift lawyer explains your legal options.
What Causes Forklift Accidents?
There are many different acts of negligence that can result in a forklift accident. The most common of these are as follows:
- Operating with an elevated load
- Operating the forklift at excessive speeds
- Inadequate or insufficient safety signage
- Improper parking
- Improper maneuvering
- Poorly serviced vehicles
- Aggressive operation of a forklift
- Inadequate training
- Poorly maintained forklifts
Regardless of the type of negligence that resulted in your injuries, you deserve compensation for any loss you suffered as a result.
Common Forklift Injuries
When a forklift accident occurs, drivers and innocent bystanders can suffer serious injuries. Some of the most common of these include:
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Crushing injuries
- Joint damage
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
The above injuries are not only painful, but they require extensive medical care, which is very costly. Other common forklift injuries include depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims After a Forklift Accident
Most employers in South Carolina are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees who are injured on the job. Through workers’ compensation, injured employees can recover benefits for all of their reasonable medical expenses and a portion of their lost income. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system and benefits are available to workers who were hurt while performing their employment duties.
Workers’ compensation is not always the best option, even when the injured individual was hurt on the job. Sometimes, a personal injury claim must be filed. This is appropriate when a third party, with no relationship with the employer, caused the accident. For example, if you were working on a job site and an independent contractor caused your forklift accident, you can file a personal injury claim against them. A personal injury claim allows you to recover more compensation. You can recover your medical expenses, all of your lost income, pain and suffering, and other non-economic losses.
Our Forklift Lawyer in Florence Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
Forklift injuries are serious. If you have been hurt, our Florence forklift lawyer at The Stanley Law Group can inform you of your legal options and help you through the appropriate process so you obtain the full and fair damages you are entitled to. Call us today at 803-799-4700 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal advice you need.
