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Forklift Accident Kills One and Critically Injures Two Reports Cleveland Wrongful Death Lawyer

May 19, 2011

Cleveland, OH (Law Firm Newswire) May 19, 2011 – Death comes in many different forms. Wrongful death is even more devastating.

The Mellino Law Firm has Cleveland Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Attorneys

The Mellino Law Firm has Cleveland Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Attorneys

The young girl involved in this accident was in the wrong place at the wrong time; an accident that should not have happened in the first place but for the negligence of a forklift operator.

“The five-year-old girl killed in this accident was hitching a ride on a forklift, along with four other kids. It was intended as a lark, a fun thing to do for the kids. The jaunt was on a private road, and as the 22-year-old operator was moving along the road, it essentially caved in on him and the forklift rolled over down a 4-foot-embankment,” said Christopher Mellino. Mellino is a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer and wrongful death lawyer of the Mellino Law Firm LLC, in Ohio.

At the time of the accident, there were five children riding on the lift. Two of the victims were critically injured, one was in fair condition, two were unharmed and the fifth was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Of course, one of the first questions investigators at this accident scene would ask is why five small children were allowed to ride on a forklift? That’s hardly a responsible thing for an adult to agree to, given the fact the kids were so small,” Mellino said. “Other questions would be whether or not the lift was defective or poorly maintained, if the driver was under the influence or if the road they were on was poorly maintained or not fixed, despite the private road owner knowing the road was not safe.”

Wrongful death indeed comes in many forms, and in the case of the one 5-year-old girl, her family may wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the forklift operator. The other two critically injured children, with serious injuries, would be facing a long road to recovery. Their families may want to speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out their legal rights, how to file for compensation, what to expect should their case go to settlement or to court and what to expect in terms of compensation, given the nature and duration of their children’s injuries.

“These cases are never easy for anyone, particularly if a small child is involved. It is a terrible blow for the parents if the lose a child. It is a terrible blow for the parents when their child is gravely injured as well, largely because they have no idea how they will recover and whether or not they will be able to live a normal life after their recovery,” Mellino said.

When faced with a similar situation, make the first phone call for help to an experienced Cleveland wrongful death lawyer, who will ensure that justice is done and compensation is fair and equitable.

To learn more or to contact a Cleveland Medical Malpractice attorney or Cleveland malpractice attorney, visit http://www.christophermellino.com.

Mellino Law Firm LLC
200 Public Sq. Suite 2900
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Call: (216) 241-1901