What is the most common type of lift truck accident? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2011 and 2016, 614 lost their lives in forklift accidents, along with over 7,000 people who suffered injuries that were not fatal over that time period. The National Safety Council reports that 78 people died, and 7,290 people sustained injuries due to forklift accidents in 2020.
Many problems have contributed to forklift accidents in the past, including people operating forklifts:
- While impaired
- At excessive speed
- Without looking where they are going
- In unsafe manners (such as transporting other employees on the lift platform)
- On uneven terrain
Mechanical failures of the forklift can cause forklift accidents as well. Although it is not always possible to isolate one specific cause for every forklift accident, statistical data over the years can identify the types of accidents that occur most often.
Page Contents
The Most Common Type of Lift Truck Accident
What is the most common type of lift truck accident? Forklift Rollovers rank among the most prevalent workplace accidents involving a lift truck.
A forklift rollover is more likely when the forklift or the load is not balanced. For example, if:
- the load is not situated correctly on the lift
- the lift is on an incline
- the lift changes direction suddenly
The forces on the lift can cause it to tip over. A lift truck accident can damage the equipment, destroy inventory, and cause injury and disability.
What Kind of Injuries Occur Due to Lift Truck Accidents?
Lift trucks involve heavy loads that can become unstable, leading to various injuries.
Injuries from Falls
A forklift operator involved in a rollover could fall from the cab, sustaining injuries when they strike the floor.
Crush Injuries
The forklift operator or another employee nearby could become injured when a part of the forklift or its load pins them to the ground.
Injuries from Falling Objects
An unstable lift can knock objects off of shelves, drop heavy items, or spill containers, causing injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and face.
Head Impacts
Traumatic injuries to the head and neck are common causes of long-term disability and impairment. Lift truck accidents can easily expose workers to impact trauma, including whiplash, closed head injuries, lacerations, and fractures.
Is “What Is the Most Common Lift Truck Accident” the Right Question?
The most relevant question for workers is not “what is the most common type of lift truck accident,” but “how do I handle it when a workplace accident happens to me?”
Attorneys and other advocates for injured people understand that every injury case is unique.
What Happens If I’ve Been Injured in a Lift Truck Accident?
When you have suffered an injury, time is crucial. If you experienced an accident, have a recovery plan in place. As a lift operator or working in proximity to lift trucks, do not wait for an accident to strike—have a support network in place and know your rights.
Seeking Medical Attention After a Lift Truck Crash
Prioritize your health and safety and the safety of your fellow employees when you are involved in a lift truck accident. You will have a more challenging time advocating for yourself if you sustain a debilitating injury.
Furthermore, insurance companies are more likely to pay a claim if you can document that you received prompt medical attention and that the injuries you sustained resulted from the lift truck accident.
Filing a Worker’s Compensation Claim
You might be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits if your injury occurs during work. Starting the claims process will help you seek the financial support you need to pay medical bills and take care of life’s necessities.
It is never too early or too late to get support as you rebuild your life.
Get Legal Help from the Brain Injury Law of Seattle Today!
Brain Injury Law of Seattle has years of experience in legal cases involving traumatic brain injuries, including workplace injuries from forklift accidents. We understand the needs and anxieties of hardworking people who suffer from workplace accidents. Let us help you get your life back on track.
What is the most common type of lift truck accident? When you consult with an attorney at Brain Injury Law of Seattle, the only one that matters is yours. Call our office or use the contact form on our website for a consultation with a brain injury attorney. Contact us today!
We look forward to helping you during your recovery.
