El Segundo
Forklift Accident Attorneys

Forklifts are an essential tool in a variety of industries across El Segundo and California. But they can also be quite dangerous and are involved in many accidents each year. According to MHEDA, “In 2021-2022, there were a total of 40,513 forklift-related incidents resulting in days away from work, job restrictions, transfers, and fatalities. There were 24,960 DART (days away from work, job restriction, or transfer) cases; 15,480 of those cases are categorized as DAFW (days away from work).” This resulted in an estimated 143 fatalities.

Forklifts are top-heavy and difficult to operate. Adequate training and routine maintenance are essential to keeping workers safe. When Cal/OSHA regulations are not being strictly followed, this is when accidents happen. If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident, help is available. The El Segundo forklift accident attorneys at Samer Habbas & Associates are here to help. We are committed to getting accident victims the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Our team can investigate the unique facts of your case and let you know how much compensation you may be entitled to. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 727-9300.

Common Locations Where Forklifts Are Likely To Be Used in El Segundo

El Segundo has a diverse blend of warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial hubs. Forklifts are routinely used at these locations and many more across the city. What follows are some of the specific businesses where workers and pedestrians are likely to encounter forklifts.

• Shipping & Logistics/Warehousing: Maersk Warehousing & Distribution has large facilities that rely on forklifts to move cargo and freight.

• Manufacturing & Aerospace: Boeing Satellite Systems, Trio Manufacturing, and Teledyne Controls all use forklifts to move the large industrial and aerospace components that they work with each day.
• Consumer Goods & Electronics: Several businesses maintain warehouses and product handling facilities in El Segundo, including Mattel and Belkin International.
• Medical & Technology: Forklifts are also used to handle all of the heavy medical equipment manufactured by companies like Karl Storz Endoscopy.
• El Segundo Farmers’ Market: It is common for forklifts to be used to transport large shipments of food. This is one area where pedestrians are likely to encounter forklifts as they shop and stroll.
• Old Town Music Hall: This is a historic theater & film house that hosts live shows and other events. Forklifts are essential in transporting all of the equipment used in these shows.

Businesses that use forklifts have a legal obligation to prevent foreseeable sources of harm. Accidents tend to involve drivers that are inexperienced. Drivers must be trained and have the proper certifications. This is especially important at locations where forklifts are an essential part of daily operations.

Why Forklift Accidents Can Be Dangerous

Forklifts can be particularly dangerous because these machines are both extremely heavy and powerful. Despite their relatively small profile, they can weigh several tons and are able to transport massive loads. Their high center of gravity makes them prone to tipping over. This poses an accident risk to operators as well as bystanders. In particular, forklifts are likely to be involved in several types of accidents.

• Crush Accidents: Forklifts can crush workers if they tip over or roll. This is particularly common if operators are ejected from their seats.
• Falling Loads: Even if a forklift does not make contact with someone, people may still be injured by loads that fall from these devices.
• Direct Collisions: Warehouses and other large industrial sites have a number of blind spots, particularly around corners and near aisles. If forklift drivers are not careful, they could easily run into a pedestrian.
• Crush Accidents: Workers are at risk of being critically injured if they are struck by a forklift and pinned against a fixed object like a wall.

Because forklifts are often used in busy locations such as warehouses, accidents can happen suddenly. Forklift operators should use an abundance of caution to prevent collisions. This begins by following safety guidelines. Forklifts should never be loaded beyond their intended capacity. These drivers should maintain situational awareness at all times and never travel faster than would be safe given the conditions they encounter.

Liability for El Segundo Forklift Accidents

There could be several liable parties for any forklift accident. Though, it is worth mentioning, many forklift accident cases are not pursued as negligence claims. This is due to the fact that many people injured by forklifts are workers. When a worker is injured in California, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This system operates through a no-fault insurance scheme. However, injured workers can also pursue damages through a third-party liability claim. Several parties could be liable through such a claim.

• Equipment Manufacturers: The company that manufactured a forklift could be liable for an accident if it was caused by some defect with the forklift itself. This may include situations where a forklift lacked safety features likely to prevent accidents.
• Maintenance Companies: Companies responsible for maintaining forklifts could be liable for an accident in cases where improper or negligent maintenance leads to a failure that causes an accident.
• Contractors: Warehouses and other businesses where forklifts are common are typically made up of a blend of different contractors and subcontractors. If the person who caused a forklift accident worked for a separate employer from the victim, this could create the basis of a civil claim.
• Property Owners: A property owner could be liable for a forklift accident through a premises liability claim. Pursuant to California Civil Code 1714, property owners can be liable for accidents when they fail to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.

It is also possible that liability could be spread among several different entities. Determining what parties could be held at fault for a forklift accident will require a careful review of the facts. This will necessitate examining maintenance records, equipment history, witness statements, and surveillance footage. By identifying all potentially liable third parties, there is a greater chance that victims will be able to receive full compensation for all of their injuries.

What to Do After an El Segundo Forklift Accident

Forklift accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries. This may necessitate that they take extensive periods of time away from work. Injuries may be so severe that they impair a person’s ability to perform everyday activities and hobbies. It is essential that any person injured in a forklift accident take certain steps to preserve their health and legal rights.

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries after a forklift accident seem minor, it is still best to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Medical records related to the accident should be preserved, since they can be valuable for insurance purposes and legal claims.
• Report the Accident: Workers should notify their supervisors as early as possible about what happened. All details related to the accident should be well documented.
• Document Evidence: Victims should take as many photos of the accident site as possible. They should also collect witness information.
• Legal Support: It is always a good idea to speak with experienced legal counsel after any forklift accident. An attorney can help preserve evidence and help you explore all of your legal options at no cost.

Time is of the essence after any forklift accident. Waiting to seek treatment or waiting to report any accident can create major roadblocks down the road. It is best to act with a sense of urgency. There is a tremendous peace of mind that comes with having an El Segundo forklift accident attorney handle your claim. They can ensure that deadlines are being followed, evidence is being properly preserved, and that your rights are upheld.

How Our El Segundo Forklift Accident Attorneys Can Help

When you or a loved one has been injured in an El Segundo forklift accident, having experienced legal counsel can make all the difference in the world. Our attorneys understand the complexities of workplace accidents and will fight hard to get you the best outcome possible. Here are just a few of the ways that we can help with your case.

• Investigation: Our legal team can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident scene and all the contributing factors that may have caused the accident.
• Liable Parties: Our legal team can conduct a thorough analysis of your case to help identify all potential liable parties. This is an essential component of maximizing the value of your legal claim.
• Negotiations: Insurance companies are known to engage in a variety of tactics to avoid paying fair settlement amounts. Our legal team will handle all negotiations and communication with insurance providers.
• Litigation: Most accident claims settle before ever going to trial. But if insurance providers are not willing to offer a settlement, we are more than prepared to take every case to court if that is what is required to get the best outcome.

Our team is committed to guiding clients throughout the legal process. We will keep you informed of what is going on at every step and explain your legal options to you clearly. With the support of our El Segundo forklift accident lawyers, you can remain focused on your own recovery while we hold the parties that harmed you legally accountable.

The Samer Habbas & Associates Advantage

If you’ve been injured in an El Segundo forklift accident, having an attorney who specializes in accident claims is essential. That is exactly what you get when you hire Samer Habbas & Associates. Our attorneys have decades of experience in helping people who have been injured, both in and out of the workplace. These are just a few of the factors that distinguish our legal practice.

• History of Winning: We have a long record of winning on behalf of our deserving clients. In fact, we have recovered over $380 million in verdicts and settlements for the people we’ve helped.
• Exceptional Results: We have recovered numerous 7-figure and even 8-figure verdicts and settlements for people injured in accidents.
• Client Focused: We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you with whatever you need. When you become our client, your concerns are our concerns and your problems are our problems.
• No-Fee Guarantee: We operate entirely on a contingency fee basis. There are no up-front costs associated with hiring our law firm. We get paid entirely from the opposing party if we are able to resolve your case.

We care deeply about helping every person who comes to us for assistance. Our law firm has witnessed firsthand how workplace accidents can upend a person’s life. To make matters worse, insurance companies will often try to take advantage of people at their lowest point. To us, this is completely unacceptable and must be met with a robust legal response.

Getting Legal Help With a Forklift Accident Claim

Being seriously injured in a forklift accident can be completely traumatizing. These accidents often affect several people. They can affect entire families, especially if a primary breadwinner is killed or becomes disabled. When these accidents happen, victims should consider all of their legal options with an experienced attorney. There are absolutely no costs associated with having an attorney evaluate your case.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an El Segundo forklift accident? Our El Segundo forklift accident attorneys can help you. Samer Habbas & Associates is committed to ensuring that accident victims get the most compensation possible. We will never push to settle a claim early if it is not in your best interest. Whether you just have legal questions or need a risk-free case evaluation, we are here for you. You are always welcome to reach us anytime at (949) 727-9300.

 Frequently Asked Questions