The experienced New York City construction accident lawyers at Block O’Toole are following a fatal forklift accident that occurred in the Flushing section of Queens, New York.
A mechanic working inside a Queens warehouse was crushed and killed by a forklift when the machine, which is used for lifting heavy loads, fell on top of the worker shortly before 11 am on Thursday October 3, 2013. The warehouse where this fatal accident occurred was operated by Raw Equipment Corp at 2800 College Point Boulevard in Flushing Queens.
Officials at the scene have initially indicated that the support holding up the forklift gave way and crushed the worker while he was making mechanical repairs. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation into the exact cause is underway. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that was close with the victim in this tragic accident.
Every year in the United States, thousands and thousands of people are seriously injured by forklifts. Of these injuries, OSHA estimates that 85 of these accidents will result in a death. All told, over 11% of all forklifts in the United States will be involved in some kind of accident each year. When you work in construction, you understand that there are very real risks that you engage in everyday and you also understand how hazardous a forklift can be. These lifts are prone to tipping over; platform malfunctions and awkwardly weighted objects that can easily fall from the forks.
These kinds of construction site accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries. Obviously, every worker risks death on a daily basis when they work with or near a forklift. When forklifts are improperly maintained or operators have not received the necessary training, the risk of accidents is greatly increased.
The construction accident attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP have unparalleled experience and expertise in construction accident cases as well as wrongful death actions. The firm is proud of their more than $700,000,000 in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured victims. Our trial attorneys work hard to ensure that the victims, and their families, of these horrible tragedies recover to the fullest extent possible under the law. Contact the experienced New York City construction accident lawyers Block O’Toole & Murphy to find out what legal options you may have. To learn more about the firm and our significant recoveries for our clients go to www.blockotoole.com.
Sources: http://nypost.com/2013/10/03/man-killed-in-freak-fork-lift-accident/, www.osha.gov/oshastats/