Employees in Miami’s construction industry and warehousing sector know about forklifts all too well. Forklifts are industrial vehicles that lift and transport materials over short distances. A forklift has many other names — fork hoist, lift truck, forklift truck, and jitney. But, regardless of what you call them, forklifts can be the reason you’ll need help from a work comp attorney.

Workplace forklift accidents can cause the most catastrophic injuries and often death. So, it’s essential for employees using this equipment to exercise caution to avoid devastating forklift accidents. According to Injury Facts, forklifts caused about 78 work-related fatalities and 7,290 nonfatal injuries in 2020. The nonfatal injuries represent those who needed days away from work to recuperate.

If you work in any industry that uses forklifts, this article is for you. Here, you’ll understand all you need to know about workplace forklift accidents and injuries. You’ll also learn about workers’ compensation benefits for injured employees.

What Are the Common Types of Forklift Accidents in Miami?

The following are the primary causes of forklift injuries in a Miami workplace:

• Forklift Overturns or Tip-Overs

One of the most common forklift accident cases is a forklift overturn. This typically happens due to high speeds, uneven loading, potholes, uneven tire pressures, driving across slopes, etc.

• Struck-By Accidents

A forklift operator can run you over, especially when they can’t see you as they turn or reverse. While this type of forklift accident is not as common as the others, it causes catastrophic injuries.

• Crushed-By Accidents

Most of the fatal forklift accidents are crushed-by accidents. This refers to cases where the victim gets trapped between the forklift and a surface or two forklifts.

• Falls

Sometimes, an unsecured load can fall and crush the driver and other workers. This usually happens when the load is too much for the forklift to carry. The more the weight of the load, the more severe the injuries will be.

How to Avoid Forklift Accidents in the Workplace

Here’s how to avoid falling victim to forklift workplace accidents in Miami:

• Ensure that loads are stable and securely fixed
• Don’t attempt to jump out from the forklift if it begins to overturn. Instead, stay with the truck and lean on the farthest side from the ground.
• Ensure that you have the proper license and training to operate a forklift before you do
• Make proper use of seatbelts and other restraining devices when necessary
• Be extra careful on ramps or grades
• Always follow recommended speed limits
• Make proper use of horns at intersections or anywhere there are many pedestrians.
• Focus on the direction of your driving. If your forward view is obstructed, travel in reverse.

Common Forklift-Related Injuries in Miami

Employees in the manufacturing, transportation, construction, retail, and mining industries are at high risk of forklift injuries. The type of injuries employees sustain will depend on the type of forklift accident and other factors.

These are the most common forklift-related workplace accidents in Miami:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Head injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Amputations of limbs and digits
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Burn injuries

Can I Get Compensation for My Work-Related Forklift Injuries in Miami?

There are various avenues to get compensation for your forklift injuries in Miami. First, you can explore workers’ compensation that offers you financial relief regardless of who’s at fault in the accident. You may also sue a third party for causing your injuries.

For example, your forklift accident could result from a faulty design. You can sue the manufacturers of the vehicle for negligence in such cases.

Again, while your employers have immunity against injury lawsuits, you can sue them in some instances. For example, if your forklift injuries were intentional or due to their gross negligence, you might file a lawsuit against them.

In the end, forklift accident cases can be complicated. Only an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Miami can help you make the right decisions.

Speak With Our Miami Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Right Now!

Forklift accidents at the workplace are more common than you think. While they’re avoidable, they still happen and cause catastrophic injuries for affected workers. If you’re a victim of such an accident in Miami, you deserve all the relief you can get. Our Miami workers’ compensation lawyers will get you the compensation benefits you deserve.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys specialize in handling forklift accident cases in Miami. We have a proven track record of success in every case we handle. We want to ensure that you get all the financial relief possible to get back on your feet. Contact us today.