Man Could Lose Leg After Forklift Accident at Masonic Home in Union City
A man was seriously injured Thursday while operating a forklift at the Masonic Home in Union City, officials at the Union City Fire Department reported. According to reports in the Oakland Tribune, the forklift rolled over the man and landed on his leg. The victim was not identified and was described as a man in his early 30's. He was flown by helicopter to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. The Oakland Tribune reported that the man is expected to survive but could possibly lose his leg.
Forklift Accidents
Forklifts, with an average weight of 9,000 pounds, are potentially very dangerous. Forklifts are turned by moving the rear wheels, and have a much smaller turning radius than a car. This also makes them much easier to tip over while being turned. Drivers must be especially careful when accelerating, stopping or turning, as these maneuvers could cause the vehicle to top over or lose the load. Other serious forklift accidents can occur when operators fall from forklifts and become pinned under the equipment, or are struck by a forklift.
Workplace Accident Liability
When companies neglect to train employees about the dangers of forklifts, or train them insufficiently, forklifts are especially dangerous. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, estimates that 70% of all workplace accidents could be avoided with proper training and safety procedures. If the man injured in this accident was not properly and sufficiently trained in the use of the equipment he was using, his employer may be responsible for his catastrophic injuries, including all medical expenses related to the injury, current and future lost earnings, and the pain and suffering he endured as a result of his injury. In this situation, the family of the man injured would be well-advised to speak to a California workplace injury attorney about the unique legal issues of this May 6th accident and the man's legal rights to compensation.
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