Gilbert Forklift Injury Lawyer

Gilbert Forklift Injury Attorney

A forklift accident can cause life-changing injuries. If you were injured at work due to a forklift, workers’ compensation insurance may provide the benefits needed to help you recover while you heal, but the system can be time-consuming and confusing. An experienced Gilbert forklift injury lawyer may be able to help by providing you with the guidance you need to successfully get through the claims process.

The team of attorneys at Arizona Injury Law Group PLLC has extensive experience in workers’ compensation and personal injury law. With almost 70 years of combined experience helping workers, we have a deep understanding of the time and attention each case needs to get the optimal outcome.

Forklift Accident Cases

Maricopa County has one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, with large manufacturing businesses expanding or relocating to take advantage of the pro-business climate. With this expansion in manufacturing comes an increased potential for injuries at the worksite.

A recent OSHA report shows that between 35,000 and 62,00 injuries involving forklifts occur every year in the country. There are many different reasons for these accidents, and many result in serious injuries. In 2017, 9,050 forklift injuries were severe enough that employees had to take time off from work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Forklifts can be dangerous machines, which is why U.S. safety laws require employers to provide the proper training and maintenance. Although training is required, many forklift accidents result from a lack of training. Some of the main types of forklift accidents include:

• Forklift overturns and flips
• Pedestrians being struck by a moving forklift
• Falling load injuries
• Falling off loading docks

These accidents can result in serious injuries such as:

• Broken bones. Broken bones are one of the most common forklift accident injuries. Limbs and extremities in particular. Any type of accident, such as falls, collisions, or being struck, can result in fractured bones.
• Contusions and bruising. Some minor forklift accidents may result in bruising or contusions.
• Traumatic brain injury. A fall from a forklift or being struck by one can cause a serious head injury.
• Amputations. If a person is pinned by a forklift or crushed between the forklift and another object, it may result in injuries so severe that amputation is necessary.

Workers’ Compensation Available to Arizona Workers

Every Arizona employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Arizona workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. If you are injured at work, you are not required to prove that your employer is at fault for the accident or injury in order to receive benefits.

This means that even if the employee is at fault, they are entitled to benefits. Arizona has a statute of limitations on filing a workers’ compensation claim. It must be filed within one year from the date of the injury, and it is the worker’s responsibility to file the claim.

When to Hire a Gilbert Forklift Injury Lawyer

The time to hire a forklift injury lawyer is immediately after your accident and once you are medically stable. If you have serious injuries, it’s even more important to have a Forklift injury attorney on your side in Gilbert, AZ. Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and an experienced attorney can help to:

• Ensure you file your workers’ compensation claim within the statute of limitations deadline.
• Guide you in understanding your rights.
• Investigate to determine if OSHA rules were followed in terms of site safety and employee training.
• Provide workers’ compensation proficiency. Your attorney can navigate Arizona’s no-fault system, prove your injury happened at work, and gather evidence such as medical records.
• File a third-party claim. If it’s found that someone’s negligence other than your employer was responsible for the accident, your attorney can file a separate personal injury suit.

FAQs About Gilbert, AZ Forklift Injury Laws

What Are the Consequences of Forklift Accidents?

The consequences of forklift accidents can be far-reaching. For the individuals involved, they can cause severe physical injuries such as broken bones and spinal cord injuries. These accidents can leave an employee with long-lasting emotional trauma for the victim and witnesses, and in some cases, they can cost workers their lives. Forklift accidents are also expensive. They can have significant financial impacts on a business due to workers’ comp, OSHA fines, and equipment repair.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for an Injury at Work?

The amount of compensation you can get for an injury at work in Arizona depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, your wages before the injury, and medical costs. The amount of future medical needs may also be a factor, along with Arizona state laws. There is no standard amount of compensation, but an experienced attorney can help you file a forklift accident claim to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does a Forklift Accident Cost?

The costs associated with forklift accidents for Arizona businesses can be significant. One serious accident can lead to fines for the employer, covering the cost of medical bills, workers’ compensation, and equipment repairs. There are also costs associated with loss of work time and decreased productivity, along with legal costs.

What Is the Main Cause of Injuries When Using Forklifts?

The leading cause of injuries when using forklifts is tip-overs and rollovers. Driving a forklift safely takes proper training and experience. If an operator drives too fast, takes a turn incorrectly, or drives with an uneven load, it can cause the forklift to tip over. These types of accidents result in crush injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken or crushed bones.

Contact a Gilbert Forklift Injury Lawyer Today

Forklift accidents can have devastating results for the employee and possibly their family. If you have been involved in a forklift accident, contact our team at Arizona Injury Law Group PLLC for a free consultation. Our attorneys have experience with forklift injury laws and understand how difficult it can be when you’ve been injured.

When working with us, you can expect clear communication about your case, attorneys who will take the time to understand you and your situation, and experienced attorneys who can effectively negotiate on your behalf.