Representing Accident & Injury Victims

FOR OVER 15 YEARS
Handling Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation and Criminal Defense Cases

Get the Legal Help You Need

Contact Us for a Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Compassionate and Dedicated Legal Team

40+ Years of Combined Legal Experience

90% Trial Success Rate

Your Atlanta Forklift Accident Lawyers

Atlanta Forklift Accident LawyersA forklift is used to make work easier. Still, even with proper training, using a forklift poses a potential danger. Many factors can increase the prevalence of accidents when using this machine. Preparation is always better than cure. Because of this, you must know your rights if you find yourself in a forklift-related accident. Here are some essential points to keep in mind:

Causes of Forklift Accidents in the Workplace

There are many reasons why forklift accidents happen in the workplace. Some of the most common include:
  • Lack of Training: An employee not appropriately trained in operating a forklift can cause severe accidents. Employers should adequately train employees on how to use the forklift, such as properly loading and unloading the materials.
  • Unmaintained Equipment: If a forklift is not maintained correctly, it can cause mishaps. Owners should regularly inspect forklifts to ensure they are in good working condition.
  • Inadequate Safety Measures: The workplace must have adequate safety measures to prevent accidents. There should also be proper signage in place to warn employees and visitors of the possible dangers.
  • Overloading: One of the most common causes of forklift accidents is overloading. When a forklift is overloaded, it can tip over, which can cause serious injuries. It is crucial to ensure the load is not too heavy for the forklift before attempting to lift it.
  • Speeding: Forklifts should be driven safely, and operators should always be aware of their surroundings. If a forklift is driven too fast, it can be challenging to control, leading to accidents.
  • Reckless Driving: Forklift operators should never drive recklessly. This includes operating the tool while under the influence of a prohibited substance (i.e., alcohol or drugs). Employers must prohibit operators with clear signs of intoxication inside the workplace.
 

What You Should Do After a Forklift Accident

If you are involved in a forklift accident, here are the next steps that you should take:
  • Call 911: The first thing you should do is call 911. Doing this ensures you will get examined after a medical emergency. After receiving medical attention, you must report the accident to your supervisor or proper authorities. This will help them investigate the accident and determine what went wrong.
  • Gather Evidence and Information: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene if you can. This will help to document what happened. Getting the name and contact information of the forklift operator and the manufacturer is crucial.
  • Talk to Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, it’s vital to get their statements. They may have seen what happened and can provide valuable information. Make sure to get their contact information as well.
  • Look for a Forklift Accident Lawyer: Lastly, speaking to an experienced forklift accident lawyer is a step you don’t want to miss. They will help you understand the legal process and build a strong case.
 

Who Is Liable in a Forklift Accident?

Many different parties can be liable in a forklift accident, and the responsible party will depend on the negligence and circumstances of the accident.
  • The Forklift Driver: If the forklift operator was at fault for the accident, they could be held liable. Negligent forklift drivers are often the primary defendant in most cases.
  • The Forklift Owner: The owner can be held liable if they did not properly maintain the forklift. This includes when the forklift was overloaded or had a mechanical defect.
  • The Employer: If the employer did not provide proper training to the forklift operator, they could be held liable. Employers can also be held responsible if they fail to provide a safe work environment.
  • The Manufacturer: The manufacturer could also be held liable if the forklift was defective. This includes if the forklift manufacturer failed to design the tool efficiently or if it had a manufacturing defect.
 

You Need a Reliable Team of Atlanta Forklift Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one suffered from a forklift accident, speaking to an adept forklift accident attorney is essential. We will fight for your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Book your free consultation with us by calling (770) 746-7909. You may also opt to use our online contact form to reach our legal team.

Don’t Wait, Act Now

Protect Your Rights and Future

Why Choose
Hines Law Firm?

We’re Committed to Your Success

Experienced Atlanta Attorneys

Experienced Atlanta Attorneys

Proven Track Record

Proven Track Record

Personalized Legal Strategies

Personalized Legal Strategies

Compassionnate and Dedicated Team

icon-10

Compassionnate and Dedicated Team

Over 40 Years of Combined Experience

Over 40 Years of Combined Experience

90% Trial Sucess Rate

90% Trial Sucess Rate

Our Legal Process

How We Fight For Your Rights

PRACTICE AREAS

Our Results

Millions Won For Our Clients
0 +
Years of Experience
$ 0 M
in compensation
$ 0 M
Personal Injuries
$ 0 M
Criminal Defense
$ 0 M
Workers’ Comp