Nogales Forklift Injury Lawyer

Nogales Forklift Injury Attorney

Some of the most dangerous accidents that can occur on a job site involve a forklift. Injured employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or receive a settlement from a third party. A Nogales forklift injury lawyer at Arizona Injury Law Group is committed to helping injured workers receive full compensation for their injuries. We help you navigate the often difficult and lengthy legal process with confidence.

The Danger of Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are essential tools in industries such as construction, agriculture, warehousing, and manufacturing. However, these machines can pose serious hazards. Capable of lifting thousands of pounds, they can cause life-altering injuries or even fatalities if mishandled or maintained improperly.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that the U.S. has approximately 1.5 million workers using forklifts at their place of employment. Of this group, nearly 35,000 serious forklift injuries occur each year. Arizona’s high usage of cross-border logistics for agriculture makes the state’s employees vulnerable to these types of injuries. Common causes of forklift accidents include:

• Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
• Improper operator training
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Overloaded forklifts
• Poor visibility or obstructions
• Improperly secured loads
• Unsafe workplace conditions

If your injury occurred in Nogales because of any of these factors, the team at Arizona Injury Law Group can investigate your accident, file a claim on your behalf, and pursue maximum benefits to help you recover.

Common Forklift Accident Injuries

Forklifts are large, powerful machines. Victims of forklift accidents may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation and may not even be able to return to work in some cases.

Common forklift injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Crushed limbs or traumatic amputations
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Lacerations and soft tissue injuries
• Wrongful death

Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims in Nogales, AZ

Arizona law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This program provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. An injured worker in a forklift accident can be eligible for medical benefits that cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions.

Workers’ compensation also offers temporary wage replacement while you’re unable to work, permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation if you need assistance with retraining or finding new employment if you can no longer perform your previous job. Death benefits support surviving loved ones if the accident results in your death.

In some cases, injured workers may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim. While workers’ comp prevents you from filing directly against your employer, you have a valid lawsuit against a third party if their negligence caused your accident.

Third-Party Negligence

Examples of third-party negligence include:

• Forklift manufacturers or maintenance providers
• Contractors or subcontractors on a shared job site
• Vendors or delivery drivers
• Property owners or landlords of the worksite

The knowledgeable Nogales forklift accident lawyers at Arizona Personal Injury Law Group can help you determine if you have a claim against a third party through a thorough investigation. By combining workers’ compensation benefits through your employer and third-party claims, you can maximize compensation for your injuries and losses.

What to Do After a Forklift Accident in Nogales

If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident, be sure to take the right steps to make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. These steps can help ensure your success:

• Seek medical treatment immediately, keep a record of medical reports, and follow all medical advice.
• Report the injury to your employer. Arizona law requires prompt reporting for workers’ compensation claims.
• File a workers’ compensation claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. The nearest office is located in Tucson at 2675 E. Broadway Blvd.
• Document everything, including records of your injuries, treatments, time off work, and communications with your employer.
• Contact the qualified Nogales forklift injury lawyer at Arizona Personal Injury Law Group, PLLC, to guide you through the process and protect your rights. Early intervention can help strengthen your claim.

FAQs About Nogales, AZ Forklift Injury Laws

What Three Things Does Personal Injury Coverage Include?

The three things personal injury coverage includes are medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical expenses cover the cost of treating injuries, including hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Lost wages generally compensate for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering. Pain and suffering address the physical pain and emotional distress that occurred because of the accident.

What Is the Bodily Injury Limit in Arizona?

As of the current Arizona law, the minimum bodily injury coverage limits are $25,000 per person who has sustained bodily injury. This rises to $50,000 for two people. These are only the required limits. The insured is highly encouraged to purchase higher limits for better protection since bodily liability covers medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlements for injuries, which can be much higher than this mandated limit.

What is the Number One Cause of Forklift Injuries, accounting for 42% of all Injuries?

The leading cause of forklift injuries is being crushed by a forklift tipping over. This is reported in 42% of all forklift accidents and often occurs due to improper operation, driving with an elevated load, speeding, sharp turns, or carrying loads that exceed the forklift’s weight capacity. Tip-over accidents are very serious, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.

The second most reported cause of forklift injuries involves pedestrian collisions, occurring in roughly 20% of forklift accidents.

What to Do in a Forklift Accident?

If a forklift accident occurs, immediately check for injuries and call emergency services. Ensure the area is safe by shutting down all equipment and clearing away any hazards. Report the incident to a supervisor or manager and document everything. Take photos, note conditions, and get witness statements to prepare for reports or claims. Be sure to seek medical attention, cooperate with investigations, and consult with a workplace injury attorney if necessary.

Contact Nogales Forklift Injury Lawyer Today

The experienced team at Arizona Personal Injury Law Firm, PLLC, holds a thorough understanding of state law regarding personal injury claims. Whether your accident occurred at a warehouse, shipping yard, or cross-border logistics hub, we can offer practical legal advice to guide you through the process of recovering compensation for your injury. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.