Curious about Forklift Accidents and finding the right Lawyer in Florida

A forklift is often the most dangerous piece of equipment that can be found in a typical manufacturing facility, warehouse, grocery store, or construction site. Although heavy, its small size makes it prone to falling over on uneven surfaces, and its speed can contribute to collisions with people and property. Proper maintenance and operator safety training are essential to minimize forklift accidents.


Forklift or Powered Industrial Truck safety training is a big issue and it should be; the monetary damages and loss of life that can result from accidents with forklifts are staggering. Payouts for forklift accidents have included $750,000 to a worker who injured his back and another payout for $2.5 million to a victim whose foot was amputated.

1. The forklift tipping over from overloading weight limits.

2. Employees or pedestrians being hit by forklifts.

3. The load falling off of the forklift.

4. Forklifts being used improperly to elevate people - being used as personnel lifts.

5. Forklifts accidentally being driven off loading docks.

6. Forklifts being used with a jib boom. Thus, the forklift is turned into a crane causing the load to swing and either hitting workers or causing the forklift to tip over.

7. Improper or poor forklift maintenance causing a malfunction of the brakes, steering, transmission, or hydraulic system.

8. Missing or malfunctioning safety devices can contribute to a forklift accident.

9. Lack of a roll over protection system which will prevent the forklift operator from being thrown or crushed in the event the forklift tips over.

10. Improper workplace design for forklift operation such as narrow or crowded aisles, a high level of foot traffic where the forklift is operated, vision obstructions, and other workplace conditions such as light and noise are all hazards that may contribute to a forklift accident.

11. Loss of forklift control by the operator.

12. Traveling too fast and causing the forklift to tip over.

13. Improper training.

I am a lawyer handling forklift accidents and injuries throughout the entire state of Florida, with a main office in Miami.  Have a question or need my services, send me an email, MDP@wadsworth-law.com.