Charlotte Forklift Accident and Injury Attorneys

At Waple & Houk, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys know forklift operations can be extremely dangerous when not handled correctly or by well-trained operators. Once operators are certified, forklift safety continues to be a critical issue in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants throughout North Carolina.

Forklift trucks operate under many different circumstances and require their operators to be certified in their specific material handling purposes, which may include the necessary certifications for pallet jacks, reach trucks, order pickers, sit-down rider trucks, and rough terrain vehicles.

Despite certification, if forklift operators neglect safety or if uncertified individuals operate them illegally, accidents are inevitable. The National Safety Council disclosed that last year, there were over 8,100 non-fatal forklift-related injuries and nearly 80 fatalities in U.S. workplaces.

If you or a loved one has been injured or tragically lost their life in a workplace forklift accident in North Carolina, don’t wait to take action. Reach out to our dedicated Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation attorneys now. We’re here to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options so you can get the physical, emotional, and financial support you deserve to move forward. Contact us today to take the first step.

What Are the Top Reasons for North Carolina Workplace-Related Forklift Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities?

Forklifts are operating at all times in workplaces of all sizes throughout the state, including Walmart, Amazon, and other retail warehouses and distribution centers.

Unfortunately, when forklift accidents occur in North Carolina workplaces, they may impact more than the operator; they may also impact other employees working nearby.

Some of the top causes of forklift injuries and fatalities in North Carolina are:

• Rollover incidents
• Pedestrian impacts
• Crushing by forklifts
• Falls involving forklifts
• Loads falling from forklifts, causing injury or crushing
• Mechanical malfunctions of forklifts

Common Injuries from Forklift Accidents in North Carolina

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most frequent injuries resulting from forklift accidents include:

• Back and spine injuries
• Broken bones
• Bruises and contusions
• Cuts and lacerations
• Crushing injuries
• Fractures
• Internal injuries
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Traumatic orthopedic injuries
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

Do You Need to Be Certified to Operate a Forklift in North Carolina?

Yes, all employers in North Carolina are required to create and implement a comprehensive training program. This program should cover the fundamental principles of safe forklift operation, the specific types of vehicles used in their workplace, the potential hazards posed by these vehicles, and the general safety requirements outlined by OSHA standards.

Forklifts can pose significant dangers if not operated properly or if managed by inadequately trained individuals. Therefore, effective training is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.

If you are a North Carolina employee seeking to become a certified forklift operator, you should:

• Download a Guide to Forklift Operator Training and Inspection Programs to prepare for your certification requirements.
• Access your local OSHA Certification and Training programs for forklift operators, as required by the North Carolina Department of Labor.

If you’ve been hurt in a forklift accident due to an uncertified operator or a careless employee or contractor, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte are here to guide you. We’ll help you grasp your legal rights and explore the best options to achieve the optimal outcome for your claim.

Contact Our Experienced Forklift Accident Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina

If you have been hurt at work, it is critical that you obtain the full amount of workers’ compensation that you deserve. Contact our dedicated Charlotte forklift accident, injury, and fatality attorneys today to schedule a free consultation by calling or reaching out online. We are here to help.