Houston Forklift Injury Lawyers

Every person and accident is unique and requires legal representation and counsel tailored to their needs. Our team at Hilliard Law understands how challenging and confusing the legal process can be and will guide you through the proceedings. We have the tools and experience to provide clients with some of the best possible legal representation for their claims. With 40 years of experience, Attorney Robert Hilliard understands what it takes to recover the compensation clients deserve.

Electrical wires, heavy concrete, and other materials create a dangerous environment for workers on construction sites. One of the most common tools used on construction sites is a forklift. Workers use these to lift and move materials over short distances. While there are rules and regulations when using a forklift, injuries can still occur from someone’s negligence. 

In Texas, the growing population demands new infrastructure and buildings to house residents. While construction workers are essential to building our society, many suffer severe injuries from negligent individuals. If someone’s behavior causes severe injuries, you have the right to legal counsel. Our Houston industrial accident lawyers at Hilliard Law have the resources and experience to protect you and fight for your rights. We will do everything we can to provide you with the best possible results and recover the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Forklift Accidents in Houston, Texas

Whether you’re working on an electrical panel or carrying heavy materials, a forklift comes in many different shapes and sizes. The cause of your accident may depend on the use of the machine. Consider the following examples of common causes of forklift accidents:

• Improperly secured loads
• Equipment malfunction
• Overloading
• Operator error
• Arm collapse
• Snapping cables
• Swing radius
• Navigational hazards
• Unstable cargo loads

It’s essential to determine the cause of the accident to determine who is responsible for your injuries. In order to have a solid claim, you and your forklift accident lawyer in Houston must present evidence that the individual or parties involved caused your injuries.

Who May Be Liable for a Forklift Accident in Houston, Texas?

While it’s not uncommon for workers to come into contact with dangerous equipment and materials, employees still have a right to a safe work environment. The employer, manager, property supervisor, and manufacturer are responsible for providing safe working conditions, functioning equipment, and the necessary operational training. 

Within a construction site, every individual is responsible for some piece of a project or task. If a person disregards their responsibility, severe injuries may occur. If a worker is operating a forklift without an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification and causes an accident, they may be subject to serious consequences for their behavior. 

Factors to Include When Calculating Your Forklift Accident Damages

The aftermath of a forklift accident can drastically change your life. From enjoying time with family and friends to performing your daily tasks, a severe injury can result in irreversible harm. You have the right to recover the damages you suffer in the accident, so it’s vital that you understand what exactly you may recover from a forklift injury claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to any compensation verifiable through monetary documents like receipts and bills. Also known as special damages, these can include:

• Medical and treatment bills
• Lost income or wages
• Property damage or lost property
• Other financial losses due to the accident

Keeping accurate records of your documented losses plays a major role in a forklift accident claim. While collecting the information may be challenging on your own, especially while you are recovering, a forklift accident lawyer will act on your behalf and organize the documents you need as evidence. 

Non-Economic Damages

Not all your losses have documents proving their existence. Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses, often without physical paperwork or documentation. These general damages come from the emotional toil and loss of experience resulting from the injuries of the accident. Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Loss of society and companionship

While non-economic losses are often harder to prove, they still greatly affect your daily life and happiness. A highly-qualified forklift accident lawyer will recognize their significance and do everything to recover the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Punitive Damages

When an accident results from unimaginable and extreme negligence, a judge may award punitive damages to punish and make an example of the action. These damages are meant to prevent others from acting in the same manner.

You deserve to recover the physical, emotional, and financial losses you incur from a forklift accident. While monetary compensation may not fully encapsulate your losses, it can relieve stress and provide a smooth recovery. Speak to your Houston forklift accident attorney about what damages you may be entitled to recover.

Call (361) 882-1612  or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation today.