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Covington Forklift Injury Attorney

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Forklift Injuries and Workers' Comp

Forklifts are the most commonly used pieces of heavy equipment in many types of manufacturing, transportation and warehousing industries.

They are also commonly involved in serious or fatal work accidents. Forklift accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports as many as 62,000 work injuries involving forklifts occur each year in the United States, with about half of them resulting in serious injuries. On average, nearly 100 serious forklift injuries occur each day, and about 2 people per week are killed on the job by a forklift.

Those injured in a forklift accident are best served by seeking an immediate consultation with an experienced forklift injury lawyer in New Orleans, Covington or Raceland. Thorough investigation of all of the facts and circumstances of an accident, and a full determination of all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation, are critical to making a comprehensive claim for damages.

Forklift Work Accidents

Forklift injury lawyer Steve WankoAside from their common use in many types of businesses, forklifts are often involved in serious and fatal work accidents for a number of reasons:

  • They weigh up to 9,000 pounds before being loaded and can travel at nearly 20 mph.
  • They have front brakes and turn from the rear wheels, making them hard to stop and prone to swinging.
  • They are counterweighted in the rear to compensate for heavy loads, making them difficult to handle safely.
  • Loads can obstruct the view of operators.
  • Operators may not be properly trained and often work in close proximity to employees on the ground.
  • Shifting and unsafe loads can fall, creating additional hazards for employees.

Common causes of forklift accidents include unsafe operation, poor communication, speeding, overloading, improper backing or turning, inadequate inspection or maintenance, and dangerous or faulty equipment.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports top causes of injury include:

  • Employee struck by forklift.
  • Forklift tip over.
  • Falls from forklift.
  • Crushed by forklift.
  • Struck by forklift.
  • Struck by toppling load.
  • Driving off loading dock or elevated platform.
  • Caught between forklift and another object.
  • Falls after being struck by forklift.

A thorough investigation into all of the causes of a forklift accident is best done as soon as possible after injury occurs. Consulting an experienced work injury lawyer in New Orleans is the best thing you can do to protect your rights and the financial well-being of you and your family.

Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation benefits, including:

  • Lifetime medical benefits for care related to the injury, including rehabilitation and transportation costs.
  • Replacement of lost wages.
  • Permanent partial or total disability benefits.

These benefits should be made available to you regardless of fault. However, that does not mean your insurer will not work to reduce benefits or otherwise limit the cost of a claim. Challenging injuries as pre-existing conditions, limiting treatment or rehabilitation and premature return-to-work orders are all common tactics and may result in permanently reduced or eliminated benefits if not timely challenged by an experienced law firm dedicated to looking out for you at every stage of the process.

If you have been injured, call day or night for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 985-202-9907.

Forklift Injury Lawyer FAQ

A specialized forklift injury attorney, like those at our Covington-based law firm, can significantly aid your case. We provide expert legal advice, help in navigating Louisiana's workers' compensation system, and representation to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Our expertise in handling forklift injury cases ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.
In Louisiana, victims of forklift injuries may be entitled to compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Our Covington-based legal team specializes in securing maximum compensation for our clients, ensuring all financial and personal hardships due to the injury are addressed.
Absolutely, our Covington-based law firm specializes in handling complex forklift injury cases. With our extensive experience and knowledge of Louisiana's workers' compensation laws, we are equipped to tackle challenging cases, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you've suffered a forklift injury, reach out to us for dedicated legal support.

Additional Information in Covington, Louisiana

National Forklift Safety Day - Industrial Truck Association: A webinar focuses on the safe use of forklifts and the importance of operator training. It serves as a key platform for manufacturers to promote forklift safety.
Workers' Compensation Main Menu - Louisiana Workforce Commission: A comprehensive resource about workers' compensation in Louisiana, including updates and bulletins relevant to current legislation and policy changes. It is essential for understanding local workers' compensation rules and processes.
Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability Law Committee - American Bar Association: Detailed resource for networking with attorneys and understanding the broader aspects of workers' compensation and employer liability law.

Contact Louisiana Workers' Comp

Whether you have suffered an immediate injury or have endured a long-term disability or chronic illness, you deserve to have the support you need to recover. Our work injury attorneys will provide you with nothing less than compassionate understanding and exceptional legal counsel.
We’re eager to start advocating on your behalf.
CALL US (985) 893-6530
Wanko Workers' Comp Lawyers provides its service in New Orleans, Covington, Houma, Thibodaux, Mandeville and all across Louisiana
Covington Location
19295 N 3rd St #1 
Covington, Louisiana 70433
New Orleans Location
1140 St. Charles Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Thibodaux Location
407 West Third St
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301

Disclaimer: The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute an attorney client relationship. We are workers compensation attorneys serving the entire New Orleans area including Larose, Golden, Meadow, Thibodaux, Houma, Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Metairie, Belle Chasse, Elmwood, Boutte, Harahan, Destrehan, River Ridge, Raceland, Slidell, Kenner and all of Louisiana. We serve St. Tammany Parish, Livingston Parish, Orleans Parish, and Jefferson Parish.
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