Forklift Injuries At NY / NJ Construction Sites

Forklifts are very handy for moving materials around construction sites. They can also be dangerous when operators lack proper training. Accidents can happen when other workers don’t keep clear of forklifts. Design defects make some forklifts unsafe. Prime contractors, subcontractors, property owners and others have a duty to ensure forklift safety. If you got hurt by an unsafe forklift, you could be entitled to money for your injuries. Talk to the NY / NJ forklift injury lawyers at the Ginarte firm.

Our construction accident lawyers have 150 years of combined experience. We are one of the largest firms in the NY / NJ metro area that focuses on construction injuries. Ask us how we can help you. Call 1-888-GINARTE now. Call today for a free consultation. We collect fees only if you win your case. If you prefer, fill out our online contact form.

Don’t let delay bar your claim. Contact the Ginarte firm now and let us get started. You can also visit our local offices in Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton and Perth Amboy.

How NY / NJ Forklift Accidents Happen

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 100 workers are killed by forklifts during a normal year. Another 20,000 or so people suffer serious injuries in forklift accidents each year. Overturns are the most common cause of death in forklift accidents. Many things can cause a forklift to tip over. An improperly secured or positioned load can lead to instability. If a load is too heavy, the forklift can fall over. Forklifts can also tip if a turn is too fast or if the forklift is on an incline. Forklift operators should receive training on these issues, but they often don’t.

Speed is a major factor in NY / NJ forklift accidents. Going too fast can cause a forklift to roll over. Speeding can also cause collisions with other workers on foot. Nearly one in five forklift deaths involves a worker on foot. Forklifts and foot traffic should be separated at a site if possible. Forklift drivers must be careful at intersections and near blind spots. All workers should be trained on how to avoid getting hit by a forklift.

Both forklift drivers and other workers are at risk of getting hit by a falling load. Operators must not overload the forklift and must make sure loads are stable. Falls from forklifts are another hazard. Only the driver should ride on the forklift unless there is a passenger seat. Forklifts should never be used to hoist people unless there is an approved lifting cage.

Kinds Of Injuries From Forklifts

The type of forklift injury depends on the type of accident. Here are some common injuries that can result from forklift tip-over accidents and falling loads:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI);
• Crushing injuries;
• Deep cuts and bleeding;
• Broken bones;
• Internal injuries; and
• Death.

Here are some of the injuries possible with falls from forklifts and forklift collisions:

• Knee, ankle and foot injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia;
• TBI;
• Crush injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Sprains; and
• Hairline and compound fractures.

You should seek immediate medical help anytime you are involved in a forklift accident.

Workers Who Can Get Hurt By Forklifts

Whenever a forklift is in use at an NY / NJ construction site, all of the workers in the area are at risk of an injury. This is a list of some of the construction workers who might get hurt by a forklift:

• Forklift operators;
• Heavy equipment operators;
• Mechanical workers;
• Delivery drivers;
• General laborers and helpers;
• Carpenters;
• Site supervisors;
• Framers;
• Window installers;
• Plumbers;
• Masons;
• Drywall hangers;
• Demolition workers;
• Electricians;
• Metal workers;
• Plasterers;
• Welders;
• HVAC installers;
• Flooring and carpet installers;
• Painters;
• Elevator specialists;
• Insulation installers;
• Roofers, and others.

Expenses From Forklift Injuries

For some victims, a forklift accident will cost them their lives. A construction worker’s death can leave the family without means of support. Victims who survive their injuries will often face months or years of medical treatments and rehab. Doctor’s bills alone can cost thousands of dollars. Some people will be disabled for the rest of their lives. A lifetime of lost pay can easily amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. These costs show how important it is to pick the right law firm. The NY / NJ forklift accident lawyers at the Ginarte firm have the skills and experience to help you get all of the cash you deserve for your injuries. Talk to them today.

Forklift Accidents And New York Law

NY law guarantees a safe place to work. Property owners, prime contractors, subcontractors and others have a duty to make sure the jobsite is safe. This includes forklifts and the way they are used on the job. If proper forklift training wasn’t provided or if the forklift wasn’t maintained, New York labor laws could provide you a way to recover your damages. In some cases, the forklift might have a design or manufacturing defect. A product liability lawsuit could help you get money from the manufacturer or others in that case.

Recovering For Forklift Injuries In New Jersey

New Jersey uses the theory of negligence rather than labor  statutes, like those in New York. In an NJ construction accident case, you must show that someone did something wrong to cause your injury. You might be able to sue, for example, the delivery company whose forklift driver did something unsafe. OSHA rules are a good basis for this type of lawsuit in New Jersey. Breaking an OSHA rule can show that someone was negligent. The Ginarte firm often works with experts and investigators to figure out how an accident really happened.

Hurt By A Forklift? We Are The Right Firm For You

Our NY / NJ forklift injury lawyers are ready to hear about your case. Call the Ginarte law firm now. Dial 1-888-GINARTE. You can fill out our online form if you prefer. Call today for a free consultation. We receive compensation only if your case is won. Our attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd, LLP, are ready to put their experience to work for you.