New Braunfels Forklift Accident Lawyer
Forklifts are essential on many job sites, but they also present serious risks. If you were injured in an accident involving a forklift, whether as the operator or someone nearby, you may be dealing with medical bills, time off work, and a difficult recovery. You might also be wondering whether the accident was actually your fault or if the equipment failed you.
An experienced New Braunfels forklift accident lawyer can provide answers to your questions and concerns. These cases are often more complex than they appear, and you may still have a valid claim even if you were operating the forklift when the accident occurred. A skilled construction injury attorney can review what happened and help determine if someone else may be legally responsible.
Options for an Injured Forklift Operator
Sometimes, it is the person driving the forklift who ends up injured. Perhaps they misjudged a turn or did not see an obstacle in their path. They might have been trying to work quickly or under pressure. It is easy for individuals to assume that they are to blame, but that is not always true, and their role in the accident is only part of what happened.
In many cases, underlying issues contribute to accidents. Perhaps the forklift was improperly maintained. Maybe the injured person’s employer provided insufficient training or expected them to work in unsafe conditions. Even if the injured person made a mistake in the lead-up to their forklift accident, a New Braunfels attorney can ascertain whether others also share responsibility, and whether the employee still has a claim.
Can a Defective Forklift Cause an Injury?
Sometimes, despite workers driving carefully and following safety procedures, forklifts can suddenly malfunction. The brakes or steering might fail, or the lift could unexpectedly drop. In cases like these, the equipment may be to blame and not the person operating it.
A forklift manufacturer or maintenance company could be held responsible if the machine was defective or not serviced correctly. In these cases, a person from New Braunfels who is injured in a forklift mishap may be able to bring a third-party personal injury claim by consulting an attorney. This type of claim can provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation typically offers.
What Are the Signs That a Forklift May Have Been Unsafe?
While not always obvious, several signs indicate bigger potential issues in a forklift. These include:
- Jerky movement or unresponsive controls
- Brake or lift failure
- Malfunction during normal use
- Reports of issues from other workers
These details may be important indicators that equipment failure was at least partly responsible for a person’s injuries. A New Braunfels lawyer can help collect records, inspect the equipment, and determine if the forklift itself was to blame for the incident.
Understanding the Legal Options
After a forklift accident, it is normal to feel confused about what to do next. Workers’ compensation is often the first source of help for people who were injured at work, but it has limits. It will not fully cover lost wages or compensate for pain and suffering. If someone other than the injured person’s employer was responsible for the accident, they may have a right to pursue additional compensation.
A forklift accident attorney in New Braunfels can explain the difference between workers’ comp and a personal injury claim, as well as what may apply in individual cases. Claimants do not need to have all the information straight away—just a willingness to ask the right questions and follow the legal process.
Call Today To Talk to a Forklift Injury Attorney from New Braunfels About Your Case
If you were injured in a forklift accident, do not assume the blame or settle for less than you deserve. Whether the accident was partly your fault or due to faulty equipment, a New Braunfels forklift accident lawyer can review the facts and help you understand your legal rights.
Reach out today for a consultation and to find out what options you may have going forward.
