Collecting Compensation for Injuries Caused by Loading Dock Accidents
The employees who work on loading docks face a high risk of injury when loading and unloading large trucks. Heavy equipment, heavy lifting, and large trucks pose risks that require careful preventive measures. Accidents can range in severity, resulting in minor injury, permanent disability, or death. Attorney Gilbert Fisher in Fresno, CA, helps the victims of loading dock accidents secure maximum compensation for their injuries. His practice focuses exclusively on workers’ compensation cases, and Mr. Fisher is prepared to help you file your claim. To schedule a free case review, please complete our contact form or call (559) 447-1210.
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Common Causes of Loading Dock Injuries
It is estimated that about 25 percent of warehouse injuries take place on loading docks. Injuries range from strains, sprains, and broken bones to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Common causes of loading dock injuries include:
- Slips and falls: Because loading docks are at an elevation, there is an inherent risk of falling. Workers can also slip on water, oil spills, and container leaks.
- Pallet or load tip-overs: Stacked loads can become unstable while in transit. When this happens, loads can fall onto a worker when the truck door is opened.
- Lifting injuries: While back injuries can happen anywhere in a warehouse, they are especially common on loading docks. This is often due to employees feeling rushed and not using proper safety precautions when lifting.
- Forklift accidents: Forklifts can fall off the edge of the loading dock, back over and crush workers, or tip over.
- Truck backing: Workers can be crushed by a truck backing into a loading dock.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Outside of alcohol, no other toxic agent causes more deaths than carbon monoxide. Workers can be exposed to carbon monoxide from truck exhaust.
- Noise pollution: Loud and sudden noises can cause immediate and lasting hearing damage. Exposure to excessive noise can also cause tinnitus.
With the help of an attorney, you are far more likely to collect the compensation necessary to rebuild your life.
Why You Need an Attorney
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards require employers to provide a safe work environment for their employees. This includes providing necessary safety gear, equipment, and training.
Even with OSHA standards and safety measures in place, accidents happen. If you suffer an injury on the job, the employer is automatically responsible. Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. However, there is no guarantee that you will be awarded the amount of compensation you truly need and deserve. With the help of an attorney who can file your claim and illustrate the true extent of your losses, you are far more likely to collect the compensation necessary to rebuild your life.
Contact Gilbert Fisher
Attorney Gilbert Fisher works exclusively on workers’ compensation cases and can help you receive maximum compensation for your injury. To book your free consultation, fill out our quick and simple contact form or call (559) 447-1210 today.
