Forklift accidents can be devastating and even deadly. In 2010, a construction worker was killed in a forklift accident in Jackson, Mississippi. The accident happened along Interstate 20 where crews were working to rebuild a bridge. The forklift accident victim perished after being run over by the forklift. One year later, a Mississippi corporation in Cleveland, Mississippi was lobbed penalties of over $46,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration due to an employee’s death in a forklift accident. OSHA cited 19 safety violations, including failure to ensure the forklift operator was wearing a seatbelt, not conducting sufficient inspections on the forklift, and allowing forklift modifications to be made without the manufacturer approval. The forklift victim apparently died when the weight shifted on the forklift, causing it to turn over and crush the victim.
Each year, approximately 85 fatal forklift accidents occur. Another nearly 35,000 forklift accidents happen, resulting in serious injuries to employees. An additional 61,800 non-serious injuries occur due to forklifts. It is estimated by the Industrial Truck Association that over 850,000 forklifts are in operation across the U.S. This means that approximately 11 percent of all forklifts will be involved in an accident, ranging from fatal to non-serious, each year. As forklifts have an average life of eight years, this calculates to 90 percent of all forklifts being involved in an accident at some point during their useful life.
Forklifts are used in numerous industries and any employee who operates one of these massive machines could potentially experience injury or death. The majority of forklift accidents occur in the following fields:
- Mining
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail Trade
- Transportation
- Wholesale Trade
Fatal forklift accidents can occur under a wide range of circumstances, but the most common causes of fatal forklift accidents include:
- The victim is crushed between the vehicle and another surface
- The victim is run over by the forklift after it tips
- The vehicle tips, crushing the victim
- The victim is struck by falling material on the forklift
- Two vehicles crush the victim
- The victim falls from the forklift platform
In Mississippi, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This no-fault insurance system is intended to provide compensation for employees who are injured in the workplace, while in the course and scope of employment. For many accidents occurring in the workplace, workers’ compensation will be the primary or only means of recovery. Workers’ compensation benefits can include reimbursement for medical expenses, a portion of wages lost due to time off work, and compensation for any permanent disability or extended time away from the workplace.
In addition to workers’ compensation, employees may sometimes have additional avenues of recovery, as in the case of a defective forklift causing the accident. Your workers’ compensation attorney will evaluate your accident and determine your legal rights.
Barrett Law PLLC: Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Fighting for the Rights of All Victims of Workplace Forklift Accidents
Forklifts are massive and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. When a forklift malfunctions or an employee is not adequately trained in the operation of these vehicles, serious injury and even death can occur. All employees injured in the course and scope of employment in the state of Mississippi are entitled to receipt of workers’ compensation benefits. Obtaining the full benefits to which you are entitled, however, can prove challenging. If you have been injured in a forklift accident, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help. For decades we have assisted injured workers through the sometimes complex workers’ compensation system, ensuring our client’s medical bills, lost wages, and disabilities are compensation. For aggressive, dedicated, and knowledgeable assistance with your workers’ compensation action, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.