If you sustained injuries in a forklift accident at your workplace, you have legal options that go beyond just workers’ compensation. A Houston forklift accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can help you pursue third-party liability claims. This means you can claim full compensation from the negligent parties whose actions caused your injuries.
Speaking with our construction accident attorneys should be one of your first priorities. Consultations are free with no obligations, so call our firm today.
Forklift Hazards in the Industrial Sector
The city’s thriving industrial economy, which includes petrochemical facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers, relies heavily on forklifts and powered industrial trucks. These machines, although essential, pose serious risks when operated improperly or when inadequately maintained.
Forklift accidents can result in injuries, amputations, head traumas, broken bones, and fatalities, and our attorneys have experience handling these cases in Houston. The combination of heavy machinery, tight spaces, and constant activity in industrial workplaces creates an environment where one moment of negligence can have devastating consequences.
Third-Party Liability in Forklift Accidents
Third-party liability cases provide substantially greater reparation than workers’ compensation. Other than your employer, the following parties may be liable for your accident:
- General contractors who controlled the worksite
- Staffing agencies that provided untrained operators
- Property owners who created dangerous conditions
- Other subcontractors whose negligence contributed to your accident
- Maintenance companies that failed to service the equipment properly
- Equipment manufacturers whose defective forklifts or parts caused malfunctions
Additionally, the state does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer in Houston is a nonsubscriber, our lawyers can help you sue them directly for negligence that caused your forklift accident, potentially recovering damages that far exceed typical workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
Most forklift accidents stem from preventable causes. Frequent factors that lead to accidents include:
- Poor visibility
- Cluttered work areas
- Exceeding load capacity
- Insufficient maintenance
- Operator error, often due to inadequate training
When third parties fail to meet their obligations, they should be held accountable. This is true whether it is a manufacturer, a contractor, or a maintenance provider. Pedestrian workers struck by forklifts often have strong claims, especially when third parties ignore or fail to meet worksite safety protocols, and our Houston attorneys can assist with these claims.
The Serious Impact of Forklift Injuries
Forklift accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries that permanently alter victims’ lives. If you are struck by a multi-ton machine, you could experience crushing injuries to limbs, requiring amputation. You could also suffer head and spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or traumatic brain damage affecting cognitive function.
Even minor accidents can result in broken bones, soft tissue damage, and chronic pain that prevents you from returning to your occupation. The medical expenses alone can be overwhelming, not to mention lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the emotional toll on you and your family.
The attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas can help assess your damages after a forklift accident in Houston.
Why Should You Speak to a Forklift Accident Lawyer?
Attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate third-party incidents, identifying all potentially liable parties and building compelling cases to maximize compensation. Our lawyers work with industrial safety specialists, mechanical engineers, and vocational professionals to demonstrate the full extent of your damages and prove negligence.
Our attorneys handle third-party claims and understand Houston’s industrial landscape and the specific regulations governing forklift operations and accidents in various industries throughout the region.
Taking Legal Action
Time is critical when pursuing a third-party claim. Physical evidence can be destroyed or altered, surveillance footage can be erased, and witnesses’ memories fade. Insurance adjusters for liable parties will move quickly to minimize payouts after your forklift accident in Houston, which is why you need an experienced attorney by your side immediately.
Speak With a Houston Forklift Accident Attorney Today
After suffering injuries in a forklift accident, workers’ compensation is not your only option. Contact Williams Hart & Boundas for a thorough evaluation of your case. We will identify all potentially liable parties and fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve. Call our firm today to consult with a Houston forklift accident lawyer.