Defective Forklifts

Construction Accidents Caused by Defective Products

Forklifts are used on virtually all construction sites and allow workers to move heavy loads from one spot to another with little physical effort. These machines are responsible for reducing the incidents of many neck and back injuries caused by heavy lifting. However, defective forklifts have also contributed to a large number of construction accidents.

Many forklift accidents can be attributed to a lack of proper training, carelessness or negligence. However, a forklift is a large, complex machine that uses sophisticated principals of physics to transport loads, therefore, any defect in design or manufacturing can cause serious consequences the operator may not be prepared for or trained to handle.

Injured by a defective forklift? A single manufacturing or design defect may affect the stability and workability of a forklift, leading to a catastrophic accident. In a case such as this, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the forklift to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, future medical care, loss of earnings and more. Find out if you have grounds for a claim by contacting a product liability lawyer at our law firm.

Forklift Safety Design Features

Our defective product lawyers are experienced in dealing with cases related to forklifts, including the safety standards that should be in place to ensure the reasonably safe operation of this piece of heavy machinery.

For a forklift to be used safely and effectively it must include the following safety features:

• The forklift must have an overhead guard that prevents a load or an object placed on a higher rack from toppling over on the operator.
• The overhead guard must be wide enough to protect the operator and must not interfere with the operator's maneuverability or sight.
• Backrest extensions must be large enough to protect the operator from any load or portion of the load falling on him.
• All manufacturers are mandated to install operator restraint systems in new forklifts. Older forklifts that do not have operator restraint systems should be fitted with these.

Forklift manufacturers are also required to install new safety mechanisms on their machines as they are developed.

Working with a Product Liability Lawyer

Negligence in the design or manufacturing process can easily lead to the production of a forklift that is unsafe to use, even by an experienced operator. If you would like to talk to a skilled professional about your right to take legal action after an incident involving a defective forklift, an attorney at Arnold & Itkin may be able to assist you. We handle product liability cases for clients throughout the U.S. and have an impressive track record of success in handling injury-related claims and lawsuits.

Contact a product liability attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation regarding your defective forklift case.