Forklifts play an important role in warehouses and on construction sites, but only when you use them safely. A single mistake while operating one of these vehicles on the job can cause an accident that changes your life in an instant.
If a forklift accident at work hurt you, our skilled construction accident attorneys are here to help you move forward. Instead of trying to manage the claims process on your own, you could benefit from speaking with a Springfield forklift accident lawyer on our team.
Forklift accidents can occur in many different situations. Some incidents happen because someone makes a mistake, while others result from mechanical failures. Our Springfield forklift-related accident attorneys can help you pursue a claim for benefits in the following scenarios:
Your accident may have happened because an operator was driving at unsafe speeds or making reckless, sharp turns. Even experienced operators can cause serious harm when they fail to use proper caution around you.
Forklifts require regular inspections and upkeep, but not every employer maintains their equipment. When steering systems fail or brakes wear out, the lack of timely repairs can be the direct cause of your accident.
Cluttered floors, narrow aisles, and uneven surfaces make safe forklift operation much harder. Poor lighting can also reduce visibility, increasing your risk of being struck.
Forklifts have strict load limits, and exceeding those limits can cause the vehicle to tip over. Loads may also shift during transport, putting you at risk of injury.
Forklift operators often work near employees on foot. When communication breaks down, you may unknowingly enter danger zones and face serious harm.
Forklift accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries. These machines are heavy and powerful, so even a low-speed incident can lead to significant harm. Some of the injuries you may have sustained because of a forklift include:
In severe cases, death may also occur.
Any of these injuries could make you eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. Our Springfield attorneys help you understand your forklift-related claim and pursue the compensation you deserve after your accident.
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after a forklift accident, and our attorneys in Springfield could guide you through your options and the timeline you need to follow. If a forklift accident injures you, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
In most cases, under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 152 § 41, you have up to four years from the date you learned about your injury and its connection to your job to file a formal workers’ compensation claim. However, waiting too long can create problems. Evidence becomes harder to gather, so starting the process sooner is usually in your best interests.
There are also shorter deadlines for certain steps, especially the requirement to notify your employer that an accident occurred. You should provide that notice in writing, even if you believe they already know about the incident. Acting quickly and relying on our skilled legal counsel is the best way to protect your claim.
A forklift accident can change your life in an instant, but you may have options for pursuing compensation. Instead of paying for your medical care on your own, reach out to our team to talk with an experienced Springfield forklift accident lawyer about your next steps.
Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley
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