Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are an essential tool for transporting and lifting heavy objects weighing thousands of pounds. But they also have the potential to be extremely hazardous. Forklift operators may not only be putting themselves at risk, but can put others in the workplace at risk. If you’ve suffered harm, you may have a claim for a forklift injury settlement—and you may be able to collect workplace lawsuit pre-settlement funding to help with your immediate needs.

Forklift Accident Statistics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, there are approximately 110,000 estimated forklift accidents each year, with roughly 80 percent of these accidents involving pedestrians. Injuries aren’t the only risk: There is roughly one fatal forklift accident in the United States every three days. In fact, forklift accidents are one of the most common workplace injuries, and one in six of all workplace deaths in the United States are directly related to forklift accidents. 

OSHA also reports that approximately 70 percent of all forklift accidents could have been prevented if proper safety protocols were followed. If the negligence of another person resulted in your injury, you may be seeking forklift accident compensation. 

Causes of Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are powerful machinery, and they need to be used and maintained properly. Some reasons for forklift injury settlements are:

• Mechanical problems: Forklifts need to be regularly inspected, and aging forklifts require routine maintenance. Failing to properly service or maintain forklifts, or failing to replace them when needed, can lead to dangerous mechanical problems.
• Lack of training and oversight: OSHA requires that all forklift operators be certified and trained, including knowing how to back up, turn, brake, and park safely. Management should also ensure forklifts are assigned properly and operators follow the rules. 
• Improper loads: Forklift training should also include learning how to balance and elevate loads. Unbalanced or overweight loads, or traveling with a load elevated, are common causes of forklift accidents.  
• Dangerous environments: Cluttered floors, bumpy surfaces, ramps, poor lighting, narrow aisles, dust and other vision obstructions, and even loud noises can all contribute to forklift accidents.
• Disregard of rules: Sometimes even properly trained operators disregard the rules. Speeding, abrupt turns, and horseplay or stunts will all give you a good case for a forklift accident lawsuit.

Types of Forklift Accident Injuries

Many forklift injury settlements are the result of severe harm that leaves the victim unable to work, and even minor injuries can have a long recovery time. According to the National Safety Council[1], some of the most commonly reported types of forklift injuries include:

• Broken bones: Fractures are the most common injury, accounting for 29% of injuries. Workers can get caught between, under, or inside them, the forklift can roll or tip over, or it can hit a pedestrian. The most commonly reported injured body parts were fingers and feet. 
• Bruises: Bruises are the second most common injury, making up 17% of injuries, and have similar causes as broken bones. 
• Sprains and strains: Workers can be caught as they’re stepping on or off the forklift, leading to ankle, foot, and knee injuries. Sprains and strains are common, at 15% of injuries. 
• Traumatic injuries: Objects striking workers, falling loads, falling off a forklift, or being hit by the forklift can all cause traumatic injuries. These are less common, but can give you an excellent case for a forklift injury settlement.  
• Amputations: If you’re struck by a forklift or crushed under an overturned forklift, it can cause such severe injuries the limb can’t be saved. Luckily, these make up just 3% of injuries.

Forklift Injury Settlements and Lawsuits

Forklift accident injuries can be extensive and long-term. If you’re unable to return to work as a result of your injuries, whether temporarily or permanently, you may be stressed out financially. While your forklift accident lawsuit makes its way through the courts, bills can pile up. And, while you may eventually be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, there may be a level of uncertainty about when you’ll finally receive your settlement. 

Your attorney is doing his or her best to get you the maximum settlement, but it can be a time-consuming process. By getting you cash now, pre-settlement funding lets you pay the bills and can help you hold out for a higher forklift injury settlement.

What Is Pre-Settlement Funding for a Forklift Accident Lawsuit?

Pre-settlement funding is an advance on your expected settlement amount. We’ll calculate your expected forklift accident compensation, then provide you with a portion of that amount. When you receive your settlement, you pay us the previously agreed-upon amount. 

How Long Does It Take to Get Forklift Injury Pre-Settlement Funding?

Pre-settlement funding for forklift accident lawsuits is designed to be fast and easy. Just apply through our website or over the phone. We’ll contact your attorney, then send over a purchase agreement if you’re approved. Once you sign it, you could receive the funds in as little as 24 hours.

What Are the Requirements for Pre-Settlement Funding for Forklift Accident Lawsuits?

To secure pre-settlement funding, you’ll need to be represented by an attorney on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you do. You need to have a strong claim, and you need to have already filed or soon be filing your lawsuit. Unlike a loan, you won’t need to submit proof of employment, and we won’t check your credit.

How Much Money Can You Get Through Forklift Injury Pre-Settlement Funding?

Pre-settlement funding is calculated as a percentage of your expected forklift injury settlement: We typically provide up to 12.5%, but usually provide around 10%. We’ll evaluate your case and determine your expected settlement amount based on information from your attorney, the strength of your claim, and insurance policy limits.

How USClaims Can Help with Your Forklift Injury Settlement

If you’re waiting to receive your forklift accident compensation, but you need money now, pre-settlement funding could be the solution. We offer funding for many situations in which a forklift accident might occur, including pedestrian, workplace, and construction site injury pre-settlement funding. We only get paid if you win, and we offer low, capped rates. Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.

Sources

1. “Forklifts.” Injury Facts, injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/safety-topics/forklifts/.