Forklifts are widely used in many companies throughout Texas and around the country. Whether in manufacturing areas or warehousing units, the machines are invaluable when workers need to lift and move heavy materials. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are inevitable when using forklifts. While most of these incidents involve damaged goods or minor injuries, some can take a deadly turn. A recent accident claimed the life of an employee as he was performing maintenance on a forklift at a plant in another state.
According to police reports, a 55-year-old man employed by a forklift company, was repairing a forklift at a food manufacturing and processing plant. Local police received a call regarding an accident at the facility. Employees from the plant discovered the man had been trapped under a forklift. The workers used another forklift to remove the machine that had fallen on the man. When first responders arrived, they determined that the man had suffered injuries to his head and body.
Emergency medical workers performed CPR on the employee. Despite their efforts, the man was unresponsive to rescue efforts and was pronounced dead. While an investigation of the incident is ongoing, police do not suspect foul play.
When workplace accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members should receive workers' compensation death benefits. A knowledgeable Texas attorney can help families be confident they receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. An experienced personal injury lawyer can also determine if survivors may be able to pursue additional litigation. A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against other companies that may have supplied defective products that contributed to the fatal accident. A favorable result in a lawsuit could provide compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages as deemed appropriate.