Jacksonville Forklift Accident Attorney

Were You Injured in a Forklift Accident in Jacksonville, FL?

Construction sites are busy, dangerous environments, and forklifts are essential tools for moving heavy materials. Unfortunately, they also present serious risks when accidents occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our Jacksonville forklift accident lawyers fight for injured workers and their families to hold negligent parties accountable.

Contact our firm at (904) 295-1050 for a free consultation.

What is a Forklift Accident?

A forklift accident occurs when this heavy piece of industrial equipment is involved in an incident that causes injury or damage. Forklifts weigh thousands of pounds and can lift loads several times their own weight. When operated unsafely, poorly maintained, or used in hazardous conditions, they can cause devastating accidents.

Forklift accidents are not only dangerous for operators but also for nearby construction workers, pedestrians, and even bystanders. In many cases, these accidents result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents at construction sites can occur in many ways. Some of the most common include:

• Tip-Overs – One of the most dangerous types of forklift accidents, tip-overs occur when the forklift becomes unbalanced due to uneven loads, sharp turns, or unstable terrain.
• Struck-By Accidents – Workers on the ground may be hit by a moving forklift, resulting in severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or internal injuries.
• Falling Loads – If cargo is improperly secured or the forklift is overloaded, materials may fall and strike workers nearby.
• Forklift Rollovers – On inclines or unstable surfaces, forklifts can roll over, trapping or crushing the operator and others.
• Pedestrian Collisions – Forklifts often operate in busy construction zones where workers are walking nearby. Poor visibility and operator inattention can lead to devastating pedestrian accidents.
• Crushing Accidents – Workers may be pinned between a forklift and another object, leading to crush injuries and fatalities.

These accidents can cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and, in the most tragic cases, death.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Understanding the causes of forklift accidents can help determine liability and strengthen your legal claim. Some frequent causes include:

• Operator Error – Inadequate training, reckless driving, or ignoring safety protocols often leads to accidents.
• Improper Training – OSHA requires that forklift operators receive proper training, but some employers cut corners, putting workers at risk.
• Poor Maintenance – Faulty brakes, steering issues, and malfunctioning hydraulics can all contribute to accidents.
• Unsafe Work Conditions – Uneven ground, narrow pathways, cluttered worksites, or poor lighting increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Overloading – Carrying loads beyond the forklift’s capacity can destabilize the vehicle.
• Failure to Follow OSHA Regulations – Violating federal or state workplace safety standards often leads to preventable accidents.

Each case must be carefully reviewed to uncover whether negligence by an operator, employer, manufacturer, or another party played a role.

Who is Liable for Forklift Accidents?

Determining liability in forklift accidents is often complex. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be responsible, including:

• Employers – Construction companies may be liable for failing to provide proper training, safety equipment, or supervision.
• Forklift Operators – Negligent operation of the machinery may place responsibility on the operator.
• Equipment Manufacturers – If the forklift or its parts were defective, the manufacturer or distributor may be held accountable.
• Third Parties – Contractors, subcontractors, or other companies working on the construction site may share liability if their negligence contributed.

Our Jacksonville forklift accident attorneys at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. investigate every detail of the case to identify all liable parties and maximize potential compensation.

Compensation for Forklift Accident Victims

If you were injured in a forklift accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future care)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Rehabilitation costs
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)

While workers’ compensation may provide some benefits, it often does not cover the full extent of your losses. In many cases, additional claims can be filed against negligent third parties to secure greater compensation.

Why Choose Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.?

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand the devastating impact forklift accidents have on workers and families. Our legal team has years of experience handling construction site injury claims in Jacksonville and across Florida. We are dedicated to:

• Investigating the cause of the accident thoroughly
• Gathering evidence and expert testimony to build your case
• Handling negotiations with insurance companies
• Fighting aggressively in court when necessary

Our mission is to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward after a serious forklift accident.

Speak with a Jacksonville Forklift Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a forklift accident at a construction site, don’t wait to get legal help. Florida law limits the time you have to file a claim, and acting quickly gives your attorney the best chance to build a strong case.

Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.