A 38-year-old female port worker was struck and killed by a forklift on Monday morning at APM Terminals in Portsmouth, Virginia. A spokesperson with the port authority stated that the employee was working as a “slinger” – a guide to the crane operator – when the forklift struck her. She died shortly after sustaining serious injuries.
The Portsmouth Police Department reports that the man operating the forklift had his vision obstructed by containers when he struck the woman. Both the victim and the forklift operator worked for Ceres Terminals Incorporated. An investigation is still ongoing.
Employees who work jobs with a high level of physical risk need to adhere to equally high standards of safety. No action should be taken if a person’s vision is obstructed, or if an area is not totally clear of all obstacles. If a worker fails to take these necessary precautions, they can be held liable for the consequences of their actions.
If one of your family members has died as the result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact the experienced Virginia wrongful death attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman today to schedule your free consultation.
