Philadelphia Lawyer for Forklifts Injuries at Work

Forklift accidents can pose significant dangers to both operators and bystanders. The sheer weight and size of forklifts makes collisions or tip-overs especially dangerous. Additionally, unsecured loads that fall from forklifts can produce devastating harm.

If you suffered a forklift accident on the job in Philadelphia, then you might be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits for your medical bills and lost income. After your free case assessment, our attorneys can guide you through the process for pursuing payment. We can help ensure that your interests are protected and will fight to recover the full range of benefits available to you.

Get support from our Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Specialists by calling Cardamone Law at (267) 651-7945.

Reporting a Workplace Forklift Injury in Philadelphia

According to § 311 of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, you must report a workplace forklift injury to your employer within 120 days of the date your injury occurred. You can miss out on Workers’ Compensation benefits if you miss this reporting deadline.

Even though you may have up to 120 days to report your forklift injury to your employer, you should inform them of the injury as soon as possible. First, early reporting allows your boss to address any hazards or safety concerns in the workplace. This may allow them to prevent future accidents. Also, prompt reporting creates documentation of the accident that caused your injury. Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys can use this documentation to strengthen your potential claim.

Ultimately, a forklift accident can be highly traumatic, and it is understandable why you may not report your injury immediately. After such an accident, your primary concern should be seeking medical attention for the harm you suffered. Still, you must remember to report your injury to your employer quickly after regaining your composure.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents at Work in Philadelphia

Unfortunately, there are many potential causes of workplace forklift accidents. Some causes arise more frequently than others. For instance, the following are common sources of forklift accidents in Philadelphia:

Operator Error

First, many forklift accidents happen because of operator error. Devastating collisions occur because operators drive too fast, drive distracted, and fail to follow safety protocols. Moreover, many accidents happen because forklift operators become fatigued. Fatigued operators are prone to exhibiting reduced reaction times and poor decision-making skills.

Poor Workplace Design

Another common cause of forklift accidents is poor workplace design. Narrow aisles, inadequate lighting, and congested areas can all increase the risk of collisions and tip-overs. Additionally, uneven surfaces and obstructions can make it challenging for operators to maneuver safely around workspaces.

Poorly Secured Loads

Accidents also occur because of poorly secured loads on forklifts. Loads that are not properly balanced or secured can shift during transportation and cause vehicles to become unstable. Additionally, improperly secured loads that fall from forklifts can cause catastrophic injuries to nearby workers.

Lack of Communication

Lastly, inadequate communication between forklift operators and other workers is another factor that contributes to forklift accidents. Without clear communication, workers may unknowingly walk into the path of a moving forklift or stand too close to the operating equipment. It is imperative that both forklift operators and workers sharing jobsites signal their intentions and communicate hazards to avoid these potentially dangerous misunderstandings.

Examples of Locations Where Workplace Forklift Injuries Can Occur in Philadelphia

Forklifts help move materials and goods with efficiency and speed. They are valuable tools used in various industries. Accordingly, there are multiple examples of places where workplace forklift injuries can occur:

Construction Sites

Construction sites are common locations where workplace forklift injuries occur. Forklifts are frequently used to transport materials and equipment around sites. In many instances, accidents occur while construction workers are maneuvering these vehicles through uneven terrain and tight spaces. Further, the risk of forklift accidents increases on crowded construction sites where there are workers from multiple trades performing their tasks simultaneously.

Warehouses

Warehouses are another setting where forklift injuries regularly happen. Forklifts play a crucial role in the movement and storage of goods within warehouses. Warehouse accidents frequently occur in areas with confined spaces, high shelves, or narrow aisles. Further, they can involve collisions with workers, equipment, and other stationary objects.

Manufacturing Facilities

Forklifts are essential for transporting raw materials, components, and finished products throughout manufacturing facilities. The layout of manufacturing plants, with various workstations and machinery, presents possible hazards for forklift operators and nearby workers. Accidents may occur because of visibility issues, a lack of designated pedestrian walkways, or inadequate training procedures.

Retail Stores

Forklift injuries can also occur in retail stores that handle a high volume of goods. In these locations, forklifts are used to stock shelves, move merchandise, and transport goods from receiving areas to storage locations.

Accidents in retail stores are frequently caused by overloaded or improperly stacked pallets. Moreover, the risk of accidents may increase in busy retail environments where there is a steady flow of both customers and employees.

Shipping Yards

Shipping yards are environments where forklifts are integral to the movement and handling of cargo containers and goods. Many forklift accidents on shipping yards happen because of limited visibility caused by stacked containers. Further, the fast-paced nature of shipping yard operations can also create a substantial risk for forklift accidents.

Hospitals and Other Healthcare Facilities

Forklift accidents can even occur in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. These facilities may utilize forklifts for tasks such as transporting medical supplies, equipment, and waste materials.

The presence of patients, medical staff, and visitors adds complexity to the work environments in hospitals and can increase the risk of forklift accidents. Accidents in these settings may result from collisions with personnel or equipment. Alternatively, they may occur because medical supplies were improperly stored.

Railway Yards

Finally, many forklift accidents happen at railway yards where freight trains are assembled, disassembled, and loaded with cargo. Many of these accidents occur while goods are being transferred between trains and forklift operators are dealing with uneven terrain or limited visibility.

Call Our Law Firm for Assistance After Suffering a Forklift Injury at Work in Philadelphia

Seek guidance from our Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Specialists at Cardamone Law by dialing (267) 651-7945.