What Are Common Warehouse Injuries in Texas?

While every job presents its fair share of risks to employees, few occupations are as dangerous as warehouse jobs. Warehouse injuries are extremely common.

According to the most recently available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, four out of every 100 warehouse workers suffered some type of injury in 2020.

At the Texas personal injury law firm of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we proudly represent injured warehouse workers, helping connect them with meaningful compensation.

The Dangers of Working in a Warehouse

Warehouse workers face a wide range of hazards every day they work. Some of the most common warehouse injuries stem from the following accidents:

Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are necessary in most warehouses. They allow workers to move, lift, and stack heavy objects. However, forklifts can also be incredibly dangerous.

According to the National Safety Council, there were more than 7,200 non-fatal forklift accidents in 2020 alone.

Falls

Many warehouse workers spend a lot of time near loading docks. While the four-foot drop from a loading dock to the ground may not seem dangerous, these falls often result in serious injuries.

Other common causes of warehouse falls include cluttered or slick floors, exposed extension cords, inadequate lighting, and uneven flooring.

Being Struck by an Object

Warehouses, by definition, store goods. Often, these goods are stacked high up in the air on pallets.

If a stack is not lined up properly or a pallet becomes compromised, the entire stack can fall on a worker, causing serious—if not fatal—injuries.

Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries

Working in a warehouse is physically exhausting. Over time, this work takes a toll on your body.

An overexertion injury occurs when the body’s soft tissues are damaged as the result of lifting or carrying heavy objects.

Repetitive stress injuries are similar; however, these injuries develop slowly over time, usually in relation to small, repetitive movements.

Exposure to Hazardous Material

Some warehouse workers deal with hazardous material that, if spilled, may cause a wide range of damage. In some cases, exposure results in immediately recognizable symptoms, such as burns or rashes.

In other cases, exposure to toxic chemicals causes serious problems down the road, such as cancer or organ damage.

Warehouse workers injured in an on-the-job accident can pursue a claim for financial compensation for their injuries.

Depending on the situation, injured warehouse workers can pursue either a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both.

What Are Your Rights as a Warehouse Worker in Texas?

Did You Suffer Warehouse Injuries at Work? We Can Help

If you suffered warehouse injuries due to your employment, reach out to the dedicated Texas personal injury lawyers at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP.

We draw on a solid and diverse body of experience and knowledge. Our attorneys are both skilled negotiators and seasoned litigators.

We are not afraid to take a case to trial, and we prepare every case as though it’s going in front of the jury. We take the time to evaluate and give an honest assessment of every case that walks through our doors.

To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a Texas warehouse injury lawyer today, contact us through our online contact form.