Lisa Hofmann Killed In Goodfield Forklift Accident

Wrongful Death - April 24, 2024

Lisa Hofmann, 40, of Pekin, Died After Industrial Accident Involving Forklift At CaseIH Facility In Goodfield

GOODFIELD, ILLINOIS (April 24, 2024) – A 40-year-old woman identified as Lisa Hofmann has tragically died in a forklift accident at the CaseIH facility in Goodfield.

Woodford County officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Lisa Hofmann was struck by a forklift under uncertain conditions.

Paramedics were called to the CaseIH facility in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Lisa Hofmann died from blunt force trauma sustained in the accident.

CaseIH has been described as an agricultural machinery manufacturer. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Goodfield Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are an essential piece of machinery for many different businesses. But they can also be very dangerous. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “From 2011 to 2017, 614 workers lost their lives in forklift related incidents and more than 7,000 nonfatal injuries with days away from work occurred every year. […] Forklifts were involved in 9,050 nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses with days away from work in 2017.” Companies should implement a number of measures in order to prevent forklift accidents.

• Operator Training: Companies should ensure that all forklift operators are properly trained and certified. Training should cover safe operating procedures and load handling.
• Maintenance: Companies should implement regular maintenance schedules on forklifts to ensure that they are in safe working condition.
• Safety Equipment: Companies can equip forklifts with safety equipment such as horns and lights to increase visibility.
• Supervision and Monitoring: Companies should ensure that their forklift operators are properly supervised and following safety procedures.

Forklift accidents can be complex events and may involve numerous legal considerations. Generally speaking, any person who is injured on the job in an industrial accident will have legal recourse through the worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation in Illinois operates through a no-fault insurance scheme. A worker will be able to get help regardless of who may have been at fault. The family of a deceased worker may also have legal recourse through a third-party liability claim.

A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. A third-party claim may be possible if the operator of a forklift worked for a separate company from the worker. The manufacturer of a forklift could also bear some responsibility through a third-party liability claim. A number of forklift accidents have been caused by faulty or defective forklifts. It is important that certain steps are taken after any workplace accident.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.
• A police report of the incident should be created.
• A thorough investigation by OSHA should be conducted.

Companies have a legal obligation to follow safety guidelines and OSHA regulations. These rule sets are in place for a reason. But far too often, companies seek to increase profit margins while cutting corners wherever they can. This is why it is so important to understand what factors may have contributed to an accident. In some situations, workers have to navigate job sites that are inherently dangerous and thus more prone to accidents.

Investigating Goodfield Forklift Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lisa Hofmann. Any person who may have more information about what took place should reach out to OSHA. There are many questions about what happened that still remain unanswered. It is our sincere hope that safety measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about a Goodfield forklift accident? Our team of workplace safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that businesses are doing everything in their power to keep workers safe. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.