Forklift Workplace Injuries in St. Louis

While any employee faces some degree of risk on the job, certain industries are more dangerous than others. Construction workers, warehouse employees, and other industrial workers who frequently use heavy machinery and tools are at a significantly higher risk of injury in the workplace than others. Statistically, forklift accidents and injuries are some of the most devastating work-related incidents.

The Dixon Injury Firm represents workers who have sustained life-altering injuries in forklift accidents. Our St. Louis forklift accident attorneys are prepared to help you and your family through the finer points of a workers’ compensation case and seek the full benefits you are owed. This could include compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, as well as wage replacement benefits and vocational rehabilitation reimbursement.

To learn more, give our St. Louis worker’s compensation lawyers a call at (314) 208-2808 or CONTACT us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Forklift Accidents Happen

As useful as they are, forklifts are extremely dangerous. These vehicles can weigh up to five tons, move at 20 mph, and cause serious, catastrophic injuries or fatalities when safety protocols are not followed. Employers and workers should ensure that proper safety standards are implemented and followed in order to avoid forklift accidents and injuries in the workplace.

However, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents account for nearly 35,000 injuries and 100 deaths every year. A lot of these forklift accidents are entirely preventable. OSHA recommends that companies prioritize extended training programs, which could prevent nearly two-thirds of all forklift accidents.

Some of the most common forklift accidents include:

  • Workers struck by a forklift in operation
  • Falling off a forklift
  • Overturned forklifts
  • Electrocution
  • Crush accidents
  • Secondary accidents, such as a forklift operator knocking over shelves, leading to injury

These and other forklift accidents are commonly caused by:

  • Improper training and/or supervision
  • Negligent forklift operation
  • Safety standards violations
  • Failure to implement safety protocols
  • Overloaded carrying capacity
  • Poor forklift maintenance
  • Defective forklifts/forklift parts

The St. Louis forklift accident attorneys at The Dixon Injury Firm work alongside victims and families to help make sure they are compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Just as importantly, these cases are meant to reassess safety measures to ensure that similar accidents never happen again.

Workers’ Compensation for Workers Injured in Forklift Accidents

Workers’ compensation generally covers employees who are injured in forklift accidents. If a worker agrees to workers’ compensation, he or she typically waives the right to sue his or her employer for negligence. In exchange, workers receive compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs without having to prove who was at fault or even that negligence contributed to the accident.

If you were injured in a forklift accident, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This might include compensation for:

  • All medical expenses related to treating your injuries
  • Transportation costs to and from medical appointments
  • Temporary partial or total disability benefits
  • Permanent total disability benefits
  • Vocational rehabilitation expenses

Note that workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. If, however, a third party’s negligence contributed to or caused the forklift accident, you may be entitled to seek such compensation by filing a third-party work injury claim against the at-fault person or party. This could include a coworker, the manufacturer of a defective forklift, or others.

Why You Need a Forklift Accident Attorney

Although you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, actually obtaining those benefits is not always easy. You may find that your claim is unjustly denied or that your payments are delayed. If this occurs, it is absolutely critical that you seek qualified legal counsel. An attorney can help you fight back against unjust and unlawful insurance company tactics and help you recover the benefits you are owed in a timely manner.

At The Dixon Injury Firm, our St. Louis forklift injury lawyers have extensive experience navigating complex workers’ compensation claims. We have successfully secured more than $50 million on behalf of our clients, including countless injured employees throughout the state of Missouri. We are available to take your call at any time and can provide you with the guidance you need to move forward with your claim.

If We Don’t Recover Compensation for You, You Don’t Pay

Because we offer contingency fees, you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket fees when you choose to work with our firm. Instead, our attorneys only collect fees when they successfully recover compensation for you. These fees are paid using a portion of your total recovery. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.

The Dixon Injury Firm
9666 Olive Blvd #202,
St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone:(314) 208-2808

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