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Forklifts are used in many types of jobs, including warehouses. It makes moving large amounts of heavy goods and materials quicker and easier. However, working with heavy machinery can be dangerous. Forklift accident injuries can result in permanent impairments and disfigurement. Our Atlanta & Savannah workplace accident attorney discusses forklift accidents and how workers can recover compensation for injuries and damages.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents in Warehouses in Atlanta & Savannah, GA
Forklift accidents happen for many reasons. Common forklift accident causes include:
- Poor workplace design, including narrow aisles, poorly marked routes, and cluttered areas
- Inadequate training for forklift drivers
- Overloading forklifts or improperly secured loads
- Poor maintenance and lack of repairs
- Intoxication or drug use
- Failing to communicate with coworkers
- Inadequate lighting, uneven floors, and slick surfaces
- Lack of safety measures and protocols
Employers and other parties responsible for workplace safety have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent forklift accidents. Precautions include installing rollover protection systems, rearview mirrors, and alerts for backing up.
Heavy equipment accidents like forklift accidents can cause severe injuries. It is crucial workers understand their legal options for recovering benefits and compensation.
Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Atlanta & Savannah Forklift Accidents?
One or more parties could be liable for the damages caused by forklift accidents. Potential claims you may file after a forklift accident include:
Workers’ Compensation for Forklift Accidents in Georgia
Workers’ compensation often covers forklift accidents in Georgia warehouses. If your accident occurred while you were performing your work duties, you should be covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation pays no-fault benefits including:
- Reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Loss of income benefits if you cannot work
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits, if necessary
- Permanent disability if you cannot return to work
- Death benefits for family members whose loved one dies because of a forklift accident
Workers’ compensation does not compensate workers for pain and suffering damages. However, if the forklift driver is partially to blame for the accident, they can recover full benefits. The exception would be if they were intoxicated or intentionally caused the accident. The tradeoff for a no-fault system is that employees generally cannot sue their employers for negligence if they are covered by workers’ compensation.
Third Party Claims for Forklift Accidents in Georgia
Other parties could also be liable for damages caused by forklift accidents. If a third party is negligent, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim.
For example, if a defective part caused the forklift accident, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. There could be a premises liability claim for unsafe property conditions or a negligence claim if a maintenance facility removed safety features that caused an accident.
A third party claim for forklift accidents can result in economic and non-economic damages. You can receive compensation for all loss of income instead of a portion of your income, as with workers’ compensation. You can also receive compensation for pain and suffering damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Atlanta & Savannah Workplace Accident Attorneys
Our experienced forklift accident attorney at Parsons Law Group investigates your workplace accident. We gather evidence proving how your injury occurred. Our legal team pursues all available claims to maximize your recovery for damages. Schedule a consult today.