Inadequate Forklift Maintenance

Forklift accidents often stem from equipment failures, which are frequently caused by inadequate forklift maintenance. In Maryland, employers are expected to ensure that all machinery, including forklifts, is properly maintained to prevent accidents and injuries. When a forklift is not regularly inspected or repaired, it can malfunction, leading to dangerous accidents. While employees who suffer injuries due to inadequate forklift maintenance are often precluded from pursuing personal injury claims against their employers, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help offset their losses. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys take pride in advocating for injured workers, and if you engage our services, we will help you seek the maximum benefits recoverable under the law.

Forklifts are complex pieces of machinery that require regular maintenance to function safely. Over time, parts such as brakes, hydraulic systems, and steering components can wear out, increasing the risk of malfunctions. Inadequate forklift maintenance can result in various dangerous situations, including brake failure, loss of steering control, or hydraulic leaks that affect the lift’s stability. These issues can cause serious accidents, including collisions, rollovers, or dropped loads.

Accidents caused by inadequate forklift maintenance can result in a range of serious bodily injuries. For example, malfunctioning brakes or steering can lead to a forklift tipping over or colliding with workers, potentially causing life-threatening harm. Fractures and broken bones are also frequent outcomes when mechanical issues, such as defective lifting mechanisms, cause heavy loads to fall on workers. Head injuries can occur when forklift malfunctions lead to falling objects. In extreme cases, workers may suffer amputations if their limbs become caught in faulty or poorly maintained forklift components.

Many people harmed at work due to inadequate forklift maintenance can recover benefits from their employer. To qualify for workers' compensation benefits in Maryland, an injured worker must be classified as an employee rather than an independent contractor. Additionally, their injury must occur in the course of performing duties related to the job, meaning that the incident should happen in the workplace and arise out of work that is within the scope of employment.

The benefits provided through Maryland’s workers' compensation system aim to assist workers in their recovery and offer financial protection. These include medical benefits that fully cover medical expenses related to the injury, such as doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitative treatments.

Workers can also receive disability benefits if they cannot work because of their injuries. Temporary total disability benefits, which are typically two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to a statutory limit, are awarded to employees who are unable to work at all. Temporary partial disability benefits, which are paid to employees who can work at a reduced capacity, aim to make up half of the difference between the employee’s pre-injury and post-injury wages.

If the worker suffers from a permanent disability, either partial or total, they may receive permanent disability benefits, which are based, in part, on the nature and severity of the impairment.

In cases where a workplace injury leads to death, the employee’s dependents may be eligible for death benefits, including continued wage replacement for a set period and funeral expense coverage.

Forklift accidents caused by inadequate forklift maintenance can result in serious, life-altering injuries. If you were hurt in a forklift accident due to mechanical failure, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and it is advisable to contact an attorney. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our skilled Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you obtain a just outcome, and if you engage our services, we will help you fight to recover the benefits you deserve. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we routinely assist people with workers’ compensation matters in Hyattsville, Rockville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, La Plata, Silver Spring, Waldorf, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, and all counties in the State of Maryland. You can arrange a confidential and free meeting by using our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.