Forklift Accidents are Causing Serious Injuries Throughout North Carolina

Forklift Accidents and Serious Injuries in North Carolina

At the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys have represented injured workers throughout North Carolina for over 25 years. That includes those who have been injured in workplace forklift accidents.

Forklift trucks come in various sizes and operate in different capacities. The one thing they have in common is they are used for material handling warehouse equipment. This means most, but not all, forklift accidents occur in warehouses.

The latest statistics by the National Safety Council reported 8,140 non-fatal workplace-related forklift injuries were recorded in a single year — the highest in over a decade. Tragically, over the same period, 79 people were killed in forklift accidents throughout the country.

If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a forklift accident in North Carolina, there is little solace in knowing you are not alone. However, knowing your legal rights and options to pursue a workers’ compensation claim may provide the details you need to make informed decisions about your claim. We can help.

What are the Main Causes of Forklift Accidents and Injuries in North Carolina?

Forklift trucks are powerful, heavy machinery, with many models weighing in at over 9000lbs, which is nearly twice as much as a standard-sized passenger vehicle. Forklifts are constantly operating in warehouses and other workplaces throughout North Carolina. When negligence is a factor, serious injuries can result from accidents involving their use.

The most common causes of forklift accidents and injuries in North Carolina and across the nation include, but are not limited to:

• Crushed by a forklift.
• Falls from forklifts.
• Forklift mechanical failures.
• Loads falling off forklifts and hitting or crushing people.
• Pedestrian collisions.
• Rollover accidents.

What are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Forklift Accidents in North Carolina?

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the most common types of forklift truck-related injuries were:

• Amputations.
• Bruises and contusions.
• Cuts and lacerations.
• Fractures.
• Internal injuries.
• Sprains, strains, and tears.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Traumatic orthopedic injuries.
• Wrongful death.

If you or someone you love has been injured or tragically lost their life in a workplace forklift accident, contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte today for help with your claim.

Do You Need to Be Certified to Operate a Forklift in North Carolina?

Only trained and competent operators are permitted to operate a powered industrial truck, or forklift, they must certified to meet the requirements of the OSHA standard. The standard requires employers to develop and implement a training program based on the general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicle(s) being used in the workplace, the hazards of the workplace created using the vehicle(s), and their general safety.

Forklifts can be extremely dangerous when not handled correctly or by well-trained operators. North Carolina employees can access their local OSHA Certification and Training programs required by Federal Law for forklift operators in the U.S., and access a Guide to Forklift Operator Training, and Forklift Inspection Programs, as required by the North Carolina Department of Labor.

Once operators are certified, forklift safety is a critical issue in warehouses and other workplaces.

If you have been injured in a forklift accident caused by an uncertified operator, or a negligent employee or contractor, our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your claim.

Contact Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina

Our dedicated workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to forklift operators and other employees who have been injured by calling 704-376-1616 or contacting us online.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.