Mobile Forklift Accident Attorney

Billions Obtained Since 1958 by Top-Rated Attorneys

Forklifts are a commonly used piece of industrial equipment, and are also a common cause of industrial accidents resulting in property damage, injury, or even death. Forklifts must be handled with utmost caution for the surrounding workers. When a forklift operator or maintenance person is negligent, serious injuries can occur.

At Cunningham Bounds, our award-winning forklift accident attorneys in Alabama can fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. Our firm was founded in 1958 and has since become one of the top personal injury firms in all of Alabama. Thousands of clients have obtained the results they deserve with the help of our firm. In fact, we have obtained numerous hundred-million dollar verdicts and settlements due to our meticulous investigation and preparation, coupled with our powerful advocacy.

Call (251) 299-0101. Speak to a skilled Alabama forklift accident lawyer for representation.

What is a Forklift Accident?

A forklift accident refers to any incident involving a powered industrial truck that results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage. Forklifts are heavy machines capable of lifting and transporting large loads, but they can become extremely dangerous when improperly operated, poorly maintained, overloaded, or used in unsafe environments.

Forklift accidents commonly occur in:

• Warehouses
• Construction sites
• Manufacturing plants
• Distribution centers
• Loading docks
• Retail stores
• Ports and industrial facilities

Because forklifts weigh thousands of pounds and often operate in busy work environments, even a minor mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries. Victims may include forklift operators, nearby workers, pedestrians, contractors, or customers.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents can happen in many different ways. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents in Mobile workplaces include:

• Forklift Tip-Over Accidents: Forklifts can overturn when carrying unbalanced loads, turning too quickly, operating on uneven surfaces, or exceeding weight limits. Tip-over accidents can crush operators or nearby workers.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Workers walking near forklifts may be struck if the operator has limited visibility or fails to follow safety procedures. Pedestrian forklift accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.
• Falling Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo may fall from elevated forks and strike workers below. Heavy materials falling from forklifts can cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and fatalities.
• Forklift Collision Accidents: Forklifts may collide with walls, shelving units, machinery, vehicles, or other forklifts. These crashes can injure both operators and nearby employees.
• Crushing Accidents: Workers may become pinned between a forklift and another object, such as a loading dock, pallet rack, or wall. Crushing injuries are frequently severe or fatal.
• Loading Dock Accidents: Forklifts operating near loading docks face risks involving falls, unstable trailers, and collapsing dock plates.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Most forklift accidents are preventable and occur because of negligence or unsafe working conditions. Common causes include:

Inadequate Training

Forklift operators must receive proper training and certification before operating industrial equipment. Employers who fail to train workers properly may be held responsible for resulting injuries.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

Driving too fast, taking sharp turns, or operating carelessly increases the likelihood of collisions and tip-overs.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Unbalanced or overloaded pallets can shift unexpectedly and cause forklifts to overturn or drop materials.

Poor Maintenance

Mechanical failures caused by poor maintenance can lead to brake failures, steering problems, hydraulic malfunctions, or tire blowouts.

Unsafe Work Environments

Crowded aisles, slippery floors, poor lighting, and inadequate signage can create dangerous conditions for forklift operation.

Lack of Safety Procedures

Employers who fail to enforce OSHA safety regulations may expose workers to unnecessary risks.

Fatigue or Distraction

Operators who are tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may cause serious accidents.

Common Forklift Accident Injuries

Forklift accidents frequently result in serious and life-changing injuries. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Crush injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations
• Burns
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

Some victims require extensive surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. In severe cases, injuries may permanently affect a person's ability to work and maintain their quality of life.

Workers' Compensation & Third-Party Claims

Many forklift accidents occur on the job, which means injured workers may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation in Alabama generally covers:

• Medical expenses
• Partial lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation

However, workers’ compensation does not always fully compensate victims for their losses. In some cases, injured workers may also pursue a third-party personal injury claim.

When Can a Third-Party Claim Apply?

A third-party claim may be possible if someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, such as:

• A negligent subcontractor
• A property owner
• A forklift manufacturer
• A maintenance company
• Another driver or outside contractor

Unlike workers’ compensation claims, third-party lawsuits may allow victims to recover compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Full lost income
• Loss of future earning capacity

Our Mobile forklift accident attorneys can determine whether both workers’ compensation and third-party claims may apply in your case.

Speak with an Alabama Forklift Accident Lawyer for a Free Consult

If you have been injured in a forklift accident, you may be able to make a personal injury claim to help compensate you for your injury and losses. At Cunningham Bounds, LLC, we are known to employ trial lawyers who get results. One of our attorneys is also a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an elite group of the top 100 plaintiff lawyers in the nation. With decades of collective experience, our attorney team can effectively fight for an outcome that is tailored to your needs and circumstances.

Contact Cunningham Bounds. Explore your legal options by scheduling your free consultation.