Los Angeles Fatal Forklift Accident
Andrew Guipanay Bagsiao, 86, died in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident after he was run over and crushed by a forklift whose operator was part of a crew working in the ambulance entrance of the former County-USC Medical Center in Boyle Heights, The Press-Enterprise reports. The fatal forklift accident occurred the afternoon of March 24, 2009. The forklift operator was not injured, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said.
I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Andrew Guipanay Bagsiao. Obviously, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers at this difficult time.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates there are about 85 forklift accident fatalities that occur each year. This number includes workers as well as pedestrians and bystanders. OSHA also estimates that each year in the United States, about 35,000 people are seriously injured in forklift accidents. Also according to the Industrial Truck Association, there are about 855,900 forklifts in the United States, so over 11 percent will be involved in some type of accident each year. Most forklift fatalities occur in manufacturing facilities and construction zones.
In this case, it is obvious that the driver of the forklift did not see Bagsiao. It seems from this news report that this accident may have been caused by the forklift driver’s carelessness or inattention to his surroundings. If it is determined that the accident was the forklift driver’s fault, both he and his employer could be held liable for the accident and fatal injuries to Andrew Guipanay Bagsiao. The victim’s family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney who will help them get the compensation they rightfully deserve.
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members of deceased victims are eligible to file what is known as a wrongful death claim. Such claims provide compensation to victim’s families to pay for medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of companionship and other damages. A skilled personal injury attorney will also be able to determine if there was a dangerous condition in the driveway where this forklift accident occurred. If that was the case, the property owner may also be held liable