Man Hurt in N.C. Forklift Accident Case Settles Lawsuit for $1.1 Million

Forklift trucks may be slow-moving but they are heavy and cause many industrial accidents in the workplace.

In a recent case a contractor who was injured when a forklift hit him and a 5,000-pound coil fell on him at a warehouse in the Raleigh area, settled a claim against the forklift operators’ employer for $1.1 million.

The worker suffered a brain injury, broken ribs and a shoulder injury and was hospitalized for several weeks, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly reported.

Brain injuries are very serious and can be permanent. The contractor was diagnosed with permanent cognitive deficits. He suffered memory problems and problems with organizational skills and impulse control. However, he was able to work again after a long and painful recovery.

The worker filed a lawsuit claiming the defendant’s employee negligently operated the forklift. “The defendant’s safety policies state that when operating a forklift with an obstructed view, the operator should drive in reverse or use spotters,” stated North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.

The defendant denied the claim, saying the forklift driver blew a horn for 15-20 seconds before the accident.

The case was settled before reaching court. The attorney for the plaintiff was Isaac Thorp of Raleigh. The claim included special damages of $100,000 and lost wages of $150,000.

All cases are different and we cannot guarantee the same result in your case. If you have been hurt in an industrial accident, call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077.