Forklifts, sometimes referred to as powered industrial trucks, are essential for construction, warehousing, and manufacturing operations in South Carolina.
When used and maintained properly, forklifts can boost productivity and reduce employee injuries. However, the size, power, and limited visibility for the driver also pose safety risks to workers, especially when trucks are operated unsafely or have design or manufacturing defects.
Forklift and other motor vehicle accidents result in higher workers’ compensation claim costs than any other accident type. According to the National Safety Council, these claims cost on average over $90,000, with medical costs averaging over $50,000 while other costs related to indemnity (lost wages, mileage, etc. making up the rest). Other losses, such as pain and suffering, aren’t covered by workers’ compensation, but additional relief may be available through a third-party lawsuit.
Forklift accidents are serious, and they demand serious representation. During a free consultation, our South Carolina construction accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm will listen to you and advise you about what actions may be taken to safeguard your rights.
To get started with a free case review, call Joye Law Firm or contact us online today.
Joye Law Firm Fights for Forklift Injury Victims
Forklift drivers take on a range of responsibilities, including securing the cargo they load. For one driver, this routine task turned disastrous. After unloading his forklift onto a tractor-trailer, he attempted to place a locking bar at the back of the trailer, a process he had previously raised concerns about. He had warned that the notches meant to secure the bars were inadequate, but despite assurances that the issue was being addressed, no changes were made. Tragically, a locking bar dislodged and struck him in the back of the neck, causing a catastrophic injury.
When Attorney Sarah Khouri from our Columbia office took on the case, she immediately referred her client to an independent spine surgeon, who recommended urgent surgery, countering the workers’ compensation insurance doctor’s recommendation for more conservative treatment. Attorney Khouri also had to fight back against the insurer’s attempts to blame the injury on a preexisting condition. Drawing on her background as a former insurance defense attorney, she proved the injury was directly caused by the on-the-job incident. Thanks to her advocacy, her client secured a $175,000 workers’ compensation settlement, along with full coverage of his medical expenses and ongoing weekly TTD (temporary total disability) benefits.
This case is just one example of the types of serious forklift-related injuries our team at Joye Law Firm handles. While we are proud to have helped this client secure the benefits he deserved, it’s important to remember that every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. To find out how we can help, contact our team for a free case evaluation.
Types of Forklift Accidents
The root cause of forklift accidents often stems from significant blind spots, blocked views, long stopping distances, instability when carrying loads, inattentive pedestrians, operator error, and inadequate training. According to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,) 70 percent of forklift accidents could be prevented with proper safety measures.
Some of the most common forklift-related accidents include:
- Forklift overturns – leading cause of forklift-related deaths
- Fall from forklift – workers standing on forklifts or improperly secured loads
- Worker on foot struck by forklift – often due to blind spots or inattentive operators
- Victim crushed by forklift – especially common in warehouses and tight spaces
- Struck by falling material – poorly secured loads falling off lift trucks
