Hernando County Injury Lawyer :: Hudson Man in Critical Condition Following Forklift Accident Near Hernando Beach Boat Ramp

October 16, 2013

A 54-year-old construction worker was airlifted to a bay area trauma center and is listed in critical condition following an accident at a Hernando Beach boat ramp.

On Thursday morning around 8 a.m., Hernando County deputies and Hernando County Fire/Rescue were called to a private boat launch located just north of the Hernando Beach boat ramp regarding an industrial type accident.

According to deputies, several men were completing work on a private boat launch, north of the Hernando Beach boat ramp.

Witnesses claim the men were working on and measuring the left wheel stop of the boat launch. A boat forklift was apparently being used to complete some of the measurements.

As the driver of the forklift approached the seawall, the forklift fell into the water, according to witnesses. When the forklift fell into the water, it struck a male worker who was standing on the dock. The man was knocked into the water and pinned between a chain link fence and the forklift.

The operator of the boat forklift was identified as a 54-year-old Hernando Beach construction worker.

The victim was flown by helicopter to a bay area trauma center where he remains in critical condition.

Job site injuries are often the result of heavy equipment. In a majority of cases, the equipment was defective or being used or maintained improperly. Forklifts are pieces of heavy machinery that are generally involved in workplace accidents.

Forklift accidents usually result from insufficient training, defective equipment and dangerous working conditions.

Most forklift accidents involve the following:

• Items falling off the forklift
• The forklift striking other employees
• The forklift tipping over
• Shifting loads

When forklifts are handled or maintained by untrained employees or operated in a reckless fashion, everyone in the vicinity is placed at increased risk of serious injury. The contractor of the job site is responsible for making sure that all equipment is handled safely and that only trained professionals are allowed to use it.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a forklift accident, a Hernando County Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help protect your best interests. We know just how severe the injuries associated with forklift accidents can be, which is why we are committed to ensuring that you receive the medical care and financial compensation needed to make a full recovery. We have the necessary resources to properly investigate forklift accidents and identify all responsible parties. To schedule a free consultation with us, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us locally at 352-666-2121.

Photo credit: U.S. Pacific Fleet / Foter / CC BY-NC