Columbia Forklift Accident Lawyer
Forklifts are essential machinery needed for construction sites and warehouse work. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous for untrained or negligent workers. Missouri workers’ compensation laws require that businesses with five or more employees carry workers’ compensation benefits for employees.
Construction employers with one or more employees must carry insurance for anyone who sustains injuries while on the job. Therefore, when you are injured on a forklift on the job, a hardworking construction accident attorney could help you collect the benefits you need and deserve. Call our seasoned Columbia forklift accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Chris Miller to begin your claim.
What Causes Forklift Accidents?
Forklifts are a vital piece of heavy machinery needed to transport material and move heavy loads on construction sites, warehouses, or other distribution centers. The most common forklift accident causes include the following:
- Inadequate forklift operator training
- Poor maintenance of forklifts
- Failing to follow safety procedures when reversing
- Improper turning, braking, or accelerating
- Operation and movement of the forklift with a raised load
- Erratic forklift operation
An experienced attorney in the Columbia area could help determine why the forklift accident occurred and collect the benefits needed for your medical and injury-related expenses.
Common Injuries Following Forklift Incidents
Companies must ensure that all forklift operators are thoroughly trained to avoid accidents in the workplace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a lack of operator training is a significant cause of workplace fatalities, often due to crushing injuries.
Adequate training that includes advising workers of the risks of working with forklifts is crucial to preventing life-threatening or fatal injuries. When working with heavy machinery, you should receive proper training and obtain a certification before being able to operate the machinery alone.
Missouri Workers’ Compensation Benefits
After suffering injuries in a forklift accident, employees can collect benefits while unable to work. Missouri workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you can collect benefits regardless of how your workplace injury occurs.
Carrying insurance also shields companies from civil lawsuits after workplace accident injuries. According to the direction of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, workers—or their families in the case of accidental death—can collect compensation for medical bills, temporary or permanent disabilities, and survivor benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits to Cover Lost Wages
You may have several options for recovering lost wages when your doctor determines you cannot return to work until you recover, including:
- Temporary partial disability
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Permanent total disability
A physical evaluation will help the insurer determine the benefits you are entitled to. A capable forklift accident lawyer in Columbia could help you throughout the claims process and ensure you collect the benefits you are entitled to under the law.
Meet With a Seasoned Forklift Accident Attorney in Columbia Today
Suffering injuries in a forklift accident is not only painful but also a stressful and overwhelming situation, likely leaving you unable to work during recovery in most cases. Fortunately, Missouri workers’ compensation laws require construction companies with over one employee to carry benefits, meaning you are protected regardless of the type of injury you sustain.
While most workers are eligible to collect benefits after suffering injuries in a forklift accident, that does not mean the process is quick or straightforward. Call our Columbia forklift accident lawyers for more information or help to collect benefits.