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Fork Lift Injuries Overview

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Introduction
No matter what kind of job you work at, it is highly likely that workplace safety is a top priority, and for good reason. Jobs that are more dangerous, such as construction or factory work, require an even stricter code of conduct and safety training requirement. A common vehicle that is seen on almost any construction site or large warehouse is a fork lift. Millions of fork lifts are in used in construction sites and industrial settings around the country. Given their number, it is not surprising that forklift accidents account for thousands of severe injuries and a large number of deaths each year in the United States. The rise of injuries and deaths due to fork lift accidents has caused companies and employers to take fork lift safety much more seriously.

These types of initiatives should be applauded, because they are essentially equipping workers with the type of knowledge that can save lives. However, many times this training is not enough, and fails to provide comprehensive information and understanding of safety and injuries due to forklifts.

Fork Lift Injuries
A fork lift is an indispensable piece of equipment in manufacturing, construction and warehousing businesses. Also known as a lift truck, a high/low, a stacker-truck, trailer loader, or a side loader, forklifts are designed to lift heavy or awkward objects. It helps transport these loads with ease, be it a pallet of books and boxes, to a large amount of building materials. Operating a fork lift is not difficult to learn, but does take some training, therefore requiring certification before an employer will let a worker use one.

There are many different injuries that can occur during the operation of a fork lift; most of them are brought on by some sort of accident taking place within the working space of the employees. A person might accidentally cross paths with a moving fork lift before the driver can pull back. Alternatively, the driver might stop the fork lift so abruptly that he or she causes the contents to spill off and potentially hit a bystander. There are also documented incidents where a fork lift operator did not turn the machine off properly, and when he or she exited, the fork lift rolled on top of the person, crushing him or her and pinning them underneath. There is also a chance of the lift tipping over if the load is too heavy, causing the driver to fall out and become injured. Another common occurrence is for a driver to go off the edge of a loading dock, becoming trapped or falling out of the driving area.

Coping
It is important that you determine how the accident was caused. Was there anything wrong you did that caused the accident? Did it happen due to negligence on the behalf of an employer or faulty equipment? Was your employer or manager notified about a possibility of something happening and did nothing to resolve the situation? All of these are valid questions to ask following a traumatic workplace injury. If you come to the conclusion that you did not make the mistake and it was the result of unsafe working conditions, then there might be the potential for a lawsuit, especially if your injury is so severe that you may never be able to work again. You can file a lawsuit against your employer or the manufacturer of the lift to get the compensation you deserve.

Legalities
If you plan to file a lawsuit following your injury, you should act as quickly as possible; there is only a certain window of time for you to take action, and acting quickly may mean better results. Contact a lawyer in your area who specializes in machinery injuries, personal injuries, or worker's rights. They will have the tools you need to gather evidence, file paperwork, and everything else needed for this complicated and lengthy procedure. Your lawyer should discuss your options with you, tell you your rights, and start acting quickly to ensure you get what you deserve.