Tempe Forklift Injury Lawyer

Tempe Forklift Injury Attorney

Tempe is experiencing substantial growth in the warehousing and manufacturing sectors. This region is sometimes called the Silicon Desert due to the expanding number of high-tech companies that have established operations there. With all this growth, the region is seeing an increase in the number of forklift accidents. A Tempe forklift injury lawyer can provide representation if you have been injured on the job.

Hire a Forklift Injury Lawyer in Tempe, AZ

The team at Arizona Injury Law Group has extensive experience representing forklift injury victims. Our skilled team can review your case and advise you on your options, such as pursuing a workers’ compensation or third-party claim.

The lawyers at the Arizona Injury Law Group have received numerous awards and have been recognized as Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law by the State Bar of Arizona. Our lawyers value communication and work to deliver personalized service to our clients.

Common Forklift Accidents

Forklift injuries can occur due to an operator error, such as speeding, distracted driving, lack of training, or foolery. Other causes can include environmental hazards like obstacles, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces. Load issues are another common cause, especially if the load is unstable or overloaded.

There were 40,513 forklift-related incidents resulting in days away from work, job restrictions, transfer, or death from 2021 to 2022.

Forklift accidents often result in property damage and potentially serious injuries to the operator and pedestrians. Common accident types include:

• Collisions with a pedestrian. Carelessness, fatigue, or inattention on the part of the driver can lead to hitting a pedestrian. It can be beneficial to tape off the facility floor to indicate forklift traffic and pedestrian traffic paths.
• Forklift rollovers. Activities such as turning too quickly or on an incline, uneven loads, and driving on an uneven surface can cause a rollover. Operators should check the forklift data tag to ensure the machine is not overloaded.
• Falling loads. The main causes of a falling load are bent forks, damaged or loose loads, or moving too quickly. Loose and damaged items should not be moved until they are properly secured. Falling loads can injure the operator and pedestrians.
• Blocked sight. A tall load can block the operator’s sight. Other causes can be driving with the forks elevated or failing to check blind spots. The operator should only travel in a direction that has clear sight lines with the forks low to the ground.
• Mechanical failure. Common examples of mechanical failure include damaged or worn tires and brakes, and leaks that create a stopping or slipping hazard. Pre-shift inspections are essential to preventing accidents and detecting problems.
• Crushed or pinned by the forklift. A pedestrian can be pinned or crushed between a forklift and another stationary object. An operator should always be aware of their surroundings and should never drive next to a pedestrian and a fixed object.

Common Forklift Injuries

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the most common types of forklift injuries and their prevalence:

• Bruises and contusions 22%
• Soreness and pain 19%
• Sprains, strains, and tears 19%
• Fractures 17%
• Cuts and lacerations 7%
• Multiple traumatic injuries 4%
• Amputations 1%

If you are injured in a forklift accident on the job, it is important to immediately see a medical professional to be evaluated. The Honor Health Medical Center provides emergency care and is located at 1500 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281.

After seeking medical care, you should inform your employer that there was an accident, and you were injured. It is prudent to start gathering documentation related to the accident, including the medical report from your visit. It can also be prudent to hire a forklift injury lawyer at this early stage to ensure your rights are protected.

A forklift injury can lead to financial costs, including medical expenses, lost earnings due to an inability to work, and emotional costs like trauma, stress, and anxiety.

FAQs About Tempe, AZ Forklift Injury Laws

What Is a Fair Amount to Ask for Pain and Suffering?

The unique circumstances of each case are instrumental in determining what a fair amount for pain and suffering is in a forklift injury claim. The severity and type of injury will typically impact the value. Injuries such as spinal issues, fractures, head injuries, and those involving scarring will usually see greater payouts.

Issues such as long-term pain, permanent disability, and chronic conditions will increase the amount. Other factors, including how the injury impacts your daily life and emotional distress, could also be considered.

Who Has the Right of Way on a Forklift?

Pedestrians have the right of way on a forklift. Forklift traffic should be kept separate from pedestrians whenever possible. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends installing convex mirrors in all blind aisle intersections and posting plant speed limits.

Drivers should slow down, stop, and use the horn wherever the view is obstructed, such as corners or intersections. Drivers should also look in the direction of travel and signal to pedestrians to stay clear of the machine.

What Is the 3-Foot Rule for Forklifts?

The 3-foot rule for forklifts indicates a danger zone that should exist around a forklift, and observing it helps prevent injuries and accidents. All individuals should keep at least three feet away from the forklift. This clearance gives the operator enough space to safely maneuver, and pedestrians are provided with a buffer against sudden stops, turns, and shifting loads. Operators should also keep a distance of at least three feet from shelving, walls, and other equipment.

Who Is Responsible for Reporting an Incident or Accident in Arizona?

In Arizona, the injured employee and the employer share the responsibility for reporting an incident or accident. The injured employee has one year to file a claim, but should report the incident as soon as possible. The employer has 10 days to inform the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If the incident involves a fatality, it must be reported to the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) within eight hours.

Contact a Tempe Forklift Injury Lawyer Today

The attorneys at the Arizona Injury Law Group have extensive experience recovering compensation and a deep understanding of forklift injury laws. Our experienced team can discuss the options for compensation based on your unique case. Please contact the office to see how we can help.