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Connecticut forklift accident lawyers · Established 1960
A Forklift Injury Can Change Everything.
We look carefully at what happened, the equipment involved and the impact on your life, then help you understand the options that may be open to you.
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Connecticut Forklift Accident Lawyer
Forklifts may prove critical in the warehouse environment, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. Commonly cited; Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) statistics indicate that accidents involving powered industrial trucks (such as forklifts) cause 85 deaths and over 34,900 serious injuries every year. If you have been injured in a forklift, contact our experienced, forklift attorney at McCoy & McCoy today.
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Forklift Injuries
Forklift accidents can result in a variety of injuries and chronic conditions, ranging from seemingly mild to severe or even deadly. All associated injuries cause their fair share of suffering for victims. Injured parties may experience painful symptoms not only in the immediate aftermath of the accident but also years or even decades later. Common injuries that our forklift injury firm has seen include the following:
- Amputations: Forklift accidents often involve tremendous crushing forces. When a worker’s arm, hand, leg, foot, or fingers become trapped beneath a forklift, pinned against shelving, or caught between heavy loads, the injuries can be so severe that emergency amputation is necessary. Even when surgeons are able to save the limb, victims may face multiple reconstructive surgeries, permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, reduced mobility, and years of rehabilitation.
- Crush Injuries: Because forklifts can weigh several tons, victims who become pinned beneath the machine or between the forklift and another object may suffer devastating crush injuries. These injuries can damage muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and internal organs, often resulting in permanent disability or life-threatening complications such as compartment syndrome.
- Degloving: Degloving injuries are among the most severe injuries seen in forklift accidents. They occur when the skin and underlying tissue are forcefully torn away from the muscle, tendons, or bone, often after a worker’s hand, arm, foot, or leg becomes caught between a forklift and another object or is crushed by heavy equipment.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, forklift accidents can be fatal. Workers may lose their lives after being crushed beneath an overturned forklift, struck by falling loads, pinned between equipment and fixed objects, or suffering catastrophic head or internal injuries. When a fatal forklift accident is caused by negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe working conditions, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Forklift Accidents
While some of the injuries outlined above are primarily associated with overuse, many occur due to serious accidents. Forklifts are far more dangerous than most users realize; their weight alone can lead to severe accidents above and beyond what might occur with other slow-moving vehicles. The following are among the most common forklift accidents that prompt injury:
Overturned Forklifts
A leading cause of forklift fatalities, overturn accidents may occur if forklifts turn corners too quickly or if heavy, uncentered loads disturb the vehicle’s balance. Overturns may also occur as forklifts travel forward or sideways down ramps. This could cause the load to tilt and make the entire vehicle unstable.
Falls
Forklift falls commonly involve order selectors. These are specifically designed to lift individuals so they can manually load and unload items. In 2017, OSHA’s Fatal Facts outlined a devastating case in which a warehouse worker was fatally injured by a seven-foot fall from an elevated platform. This fall was prompted by the all-too-common practice of placing the worker’s feet on the pallet while handling inventory on the highest shelf. OSHA recommends that workers be restricted from occupying raised pallets. Additionally, OSHA suggests that proper equipment is used for raising workers.
Forklift Crashes
If a machine begins moving unexpectedly or the area of operation is not properly cleared, people in the vicinity risk being struck or run over. In other cases, forklifts may run into other vehicles. Crashes involving stationary objects are no less dangerous. These collisions may cause items stored in the warehouse or the shelving itself to fall, potentially injuring or even crushing those standing below.
OSHA Background
OSHA FORKLIFT REGULATIONS
OSHA maintains strict requirements for forklifts, which are often referred to as powered industrial trucks. OSHA forklift regulations determine who is allowed to operate these vehicles and under what circumstances. Those under the age of 18 cannot legally operate forklifts, nor can those who are not properly trained and certified. Training and evaluation requirements are thoroughly explained in 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1).
OSHA STANDARDS
In addition to providing detailed guidelines regarding forklift driver eligibility, OSHA also provides fall protection standards. At the minimum, OSHA mandates that general industry workplaces provide fall protection for all elevations above four feet. Fall protection protocol could include the installation of guardrails, provision of personal protective equipment (at no charge to the employee), and, if necessary, the use of safety harnesses.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
While OSHA and workers’ compensation programs offer valuable guidance and an element of protection, those harmed in forklift accidents often require more extensive assistance. Workers’ comp does not grant victims damages for pain and suffering, nor does it deal with negligence. These matters are typically addressed in personal injury cases, which grant plaintiffs the opportunity to recover the full range of damages they’ve suffered.
Why You Need A Skilled Forklift Injury Attorney On Your Side
Accidents involving forklifts can have devastating consequences, resulting in severe injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a forklift accident, it’s essential to have a skilled forklift injury attorney on your side.
Our forklift injury attorney at McCoy & McCoy specializes in handling cases related to forklift accidents and can provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal process. We understand the complexities of these types of cases and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
With our expertise, our forklift injury attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having an experienced forklift injury attorney in your corner. Remember, time is of the essence, so don’t delay in seeking the legal advice and representation you need.
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Trusted Hartford Personal Injury Lawyers Specializing in Forklift Accident & Injury Cases
Were you injured in a forklift accident? Someone else’s negligence may be to blame for your current suffering. Not only could this neglect cause you pain now, but accident-related issues could also prompt grief in months and even years to come.
At this difficult time, you deserve quality representation from a forklift injury attorney who understands your situation and how it can best be remedied. Our passionate legal team boasts considerable experience in the niche practice area of warehouse injuries. We’ll make every effort to deliver the relief and justice you deserve.
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Angela Edwards
Brian Parrott
Frank McCoy Jr.
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Forklift Accident Attorneys Serving All of Connecticut
With offices in Hartford, Torrington, and New Haven, the Connecticut forklift accident lawyers are never far away. We know that after a forklift accident, you may not be able to travel. Our attorneys are happy to meet you virtually or in person at your convenience. We believe that distance or mobility should never be a barrier to securing high-quality legal protection.
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Our Hartford forklift accident lawyers are located near the XL Center and the Old State House, making them easily accessible to those coming from Hartford Hospital or St. Francis. 20 Church St, Suite 1720, Hartford, CT, 06103
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Conveniently located downtown, serving riders on Route 8 and the local trail crossings. 100 East Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790
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Our New Haven personal injury attorneys specialize in forklift accidents, overturned forklifts, and forklift falls involving order selectors. 233 Orange St, New Haven, CT, 06515.
A few questions you may have.
Is the first conversation free?
Yes. Your initial consultation is free. We can discuss what happened and whether we can help.
What should I bring?
Bring the information you already have, such as photographs, an incident report, and insurance correspondence. You can still call if you do not have everything.
Can we meet outside an office?
Tell us what works for you. Our firm serves clients across Connecticut and can discuss a convenient way to meet.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain where you stand, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost and with no obligation.
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