West Palm Beach Forklift Accident Lawyer

A forklift accident could leave you unable to work and in need of extensive, costly medical care. Our West Palm Beach construction accident lawyers can pursue the money you need to support yourself and your family for as long as necessary.

Negligent parties should not be allowed to get away with harming workers like you. Call GED Lawyers today and get a free consultation about the merits of your case. Our West Palm Beach forklift accident attorneys are there for you.

How Our West Palm Beach Forklift Accident Lawyers Pursue Compensation

Your first step will probably be to file for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are available to most, if not all, Florida construction workers. If your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, however, you have another, much more powerful tool at your disposal: a personal injury case.

Our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers can gather compelling evidence that shows you are entitled to file such a case, including:

• Testimony from your coworkers about the work environment
• The forklift itself and assessments from anyone who inspected, maintained, or repaired it pre- or post-accident
• Photos of the worksite, your injuries, and the forklift
• Any previous complaints about workplace safety, especially regarding the operation of heavy machinery
• Your employment history

Once we finish investigating your accident, we can approach the liable party’s insurance company and demand a fair settlement. If they agree to negotiate, our forklift injury lawyers in West Palm Beach can meet with them to draft a settlement agreement that meets all your needs.

If the insurer refuses to negotiate or to offer an appropriate settlement, we can take your case to trial. Our trial attorneys meticulously prepare to present our clients’ stories in court:

• Unlike most firms, we hold mock trials. This allows us to try out different arguments and anticipate how the defense might behave, all in a courtroom setting.
• We take care of everything for you, from submitting trial exhibits to delivering oral arguments in front of a judge and jury.
• If you and we agree that it is in your best interest to testify, we will help you figure out what to say and tell you what to expect.

Call GED Lawyers now to learn more during a free case review.

What Is the Difference Between a Personal Injury Claim and Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation is available to all employees, but it covers a relatively limited amount of damages. You can only recover two-thirds of your lost wages, and you must see medical providers chosen by your employer’s insurance company to receive free medical care.

By comparison, a personal injury claim lets you pursue compensation for everything you have lost—financially, physically, and mentally—because of your forklift accident, including:

• Medical costs and lost wages that workers’ compensation does not cover
• Other economic losses, including the cost of replacing any personal property that was damaged in the accident
• Physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Loss of enjoyment or quality of life, including the inability to live independently or enjoy time with loved ones

GED Lawyers has recovered over $100 million for our clients. You can depend on us to pursue maximum compensation for you and your family.

How Forklift Accidents Happen in West Palm Beach

Forklift accidents take many forms. The operator may accidentally hit or run over another worker, or they may get too close to the edge of a ramp or platform, causing the forklift to fall. The forklift could also crash into a structure or another piece of equipment.

There are any number of ways that accidents like these can occur, including:

• Lack of training. Workers should receive all of the training they need to safely carry out their job duties. If a worker is expected to operate a forklift, they should be properly certified first—and workers operating near a forklift should know how to stay safe around heavy equipment.
• Lack of protection. Protective gear like hardhats and safety features like seatbelts and handholds can prevent or minimize injuries.
• Lack of maintenance. It is vital to regularly inspect heavy machinery and to remove from service any forklift that has an issue or potential issue.
• Faulty vehicle parts. Sometimes, an inherent flaw in the machinery can cause a forklift operator to lose control, no matter how careful they are.

All of these accident causes involve negligence: if the individual or company responsible for the forklift or the workers had taken the time to ensure the construction site was safe, the accident would not have happened. These are exactly the kinds of situations that could justify filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

What You Can Do to Prevent Forklift Injuries

Many forklift accidents and other on-the-job injuries are preventable. You can do your part by following all safety regulations and procedures, and by promptly filing a safety and health complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Their nearest physical office is in Fort Lauderdale, but you can make your report online or over the phone.

Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, there is no guarantee that the people around you will do what they are supposed to. If someone else’s negligence causes you harm, GED Lawyers can review your options, take swift action, and push for the damages you deserve while you focus on feeling better.

After a Forklift Accident, Call Our West Palm Beach Lawyers

GED Lawyers has been assisting the wrongfully injured since 1995. We understand that this is one of the worst experiences you have ever had to go through. You deserve help from our West Palm Beach forklift accident lawyers so that you can pursue fair compensation without undue stress or strain. Call now and pay nothing until we win.