Forklifts and other modern equipment have made valuable contributions to the construction industry. These machines can carry heavy goods, sparing construction workers from sustaining possible back injuries due to lifting the loads themselves. Unfortunately, forklifts can also cause serious injuries if they do not receive regular maintenance or if the people using them do not know how to operate them correctly.
If you or a family member suffered harm due to construction machinery, an Elgin forklift accident lawyer could offer guidance on recovering damages for your losses. The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. have extensive experience with construction site accidents and could help you evaluate whether to proceed with a legal claim.
Common Types of Forklift Accidents in the Elgin Area
To prevent accidents, forklift operators must receive proper training and exercise care when using the machinery. For example, before turning a forklift, operators need to ensure that passageways are wide enough, check any blind spots, and determine how much of a radius they need. Drivers also need to warn bystanders of their presence. Unfortunately, when operators do not take these necessary precautions, the following types of forklift accidents could occur:
- Heavy loads falling off of the forklift and striking construction workers or bystanders
- Forklift operators falling from the forklift onto the ground
- Forklifts driving into and striking construction workers or bystanders
- Improper loading of forklifts leading to unbalanced cargo, which could cause the machine to tip over and injure the operator and bystanders
- Forklifts striking live wires, leading to electrocution and burn injuries
Because forklifts can cause such severe damage in accidents, those injured should contact a seasoned attorney in their area to help recover compensation.
Possible Defendants in a Forklift Accident Claim
In order to maximize recoverable damages for an injured Elgin resident, a skilled forklift injury lawyer at our firm would first thoroughly investigate the accident. This process would involve visiting the site and speaking with any eyewitnesses to the forklift accident, as well as people with general knowledge of the construction zone. The diligent lawyers at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer have a deep understanding of the construction industry and over thirty years of experience handling forklift accident claims in Elgin. We can use this knowledge to help injured victims explore every conceivable avenue of recovery.
The Forklift Operator or their Employer
Additionally, if a forklift operator was careless in their driving, a victim could pursue a claim against that negligent operator. If the operator made a mistake due to inexperience or lack of proper training, a claimant could seek damages from the operator’s employer. The forklift’s owner could also be held liable if the accident occurred due to improper storage, inspection, or maintenance of the machinery.
The Forklift Manufacturer
If the forklift hurt somebody due to a mechanical error, our skilled attorneys could investigate to see if the accident occurred due to an inherent defect in the forklift or improper maintenance, inspection, and repair. In other cases, if the forklift was inherently defective, an injured claimant and their legal representative could file a lawsuit against the machine’s manufacturer. Our legal team could help ensure that all of the legally responsible parties are held accountable for a forklift accident victim’s injuries and ensuing damages.
Contact an Elgin Forklift Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Claim
If a construction machinery accident caused you or a loved one serious harm, reach out to an Elgin forklift accident lawyer at our firm as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, our team of dedicated attorneys could stand by your side and help assert your legal rights. Call today for a free consultation.
