Virginia Forklift Accident Attorneys

Advocating for Injured Workers in Alexandria

For workers injured in forklift accidents, the whole ordeal can be both physically and financially draining. It is likely that you will have to miss work and receive medical help to fully recover. This can lead to unnecessary stress and debt, but fortunately, there is a way to be compensated for what happened.

Our forklift accident attorneys at The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC can help you file a legal claim through the civil justice system to have the at-fault party, whether that is your employer or another negligent person or company, answer for what happened. If your claim is deemed valid by the court, you could be compensated for any related damages, which can greatly help you recover from your injuries and afford the medical treatment you need.

OSHA Forklift Regulations

Forklift accidents are largely avoidable, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place to prevent them and protect workers. Outlined in 29 CFR 1910.178, these regulations are known as the Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) regulations.

Although very detailed, PIT regulations mainly focus on points that will go a long way toward keeping workers safe. For instance, they require that forklift drivers undergo formal and practical training, as well as refresher trainings every three years. Training must also be specific to the site in which the forklift operator is working. In addition, these regulations mandate that seatbelts must be worn at all times and govern how often forklifts must be inspected.

With more than 600 workers losing their lives from 2011 to 2017 in forklift-related accidents and over 7,000 forklift-related injuries occurring every year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is no wonder why OSHA is so concerned with PIT regulations.

Establishing Negligence in a Forklift Accident Claim

The most common causes of forklift accidents include the following:

• Defective equipment
• Insufficient daily inspections
• Workers run over or struck by forklifts
• Workers struck by falling objects/materials
• Inadequate or improper site-specific operator training
• Tipping due to oversized/unbalanced loads
• Workers stuck between two vehicles or a vehicle and a surface

Negligence is likely involved in each of these scenarios. For example, if a forklift operator is improperly trained, the employer is liable because they had a responsibility to train them and ensure that they did not endanger other people on the job site. In the case of defective equipment, the manufacturer of that equipment can be held accountable for designing, manufacturing, or selling a product that caused someone to get hurt.

To establish negligence, you will need to prove that another party owed you a standard of care, failed to fulfill that obligation, and caused you injury. Since at-fault parties often attempt to deny responsibility, it is wise to work with a forklift accident lawyer in Virginia who will hold your best interest at heart and fight to win you compensation.

Potential Compensation Available to Claimants

The compensation potentially available to you via a legal claim hinges completely on what damages you incurred as a result of the accident. If you win your claim, you will most likely be compensated for any medical costs related to your injury. You may also be recompensed for any time missed from work, lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional distress, among others.

Common injuries that people seek compensation for include but are not limited to:

• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Orthopedic injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Short- or long-term disability

When a loved one has been killed as a result of a forklift accident, surviving spouses and family members often seek compensation for damages related to their tragic loss through a wrongful death claim.

Work with Acclaimed Lawyers

Our nationally renowned team at The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC wants to represent you in your claim and protect your rights. We have won many verdicts and settlements for our clients throughout our more than 75 years of combined legal experience by taking a client-centered approach. Our staff and attorneys speak both English and Spanish, and we offer free initial consultations.