Anthony Alvarez, 38, of Modesto, Died in Warehouse Accident After Forklift Rolled Over
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA (May 12, 2026) – A warehouse worker identified as Anthony Alvarez was killed in a Modesto forklift accident while moving a large paper roll at a warehouse.
Modesto police officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Anthony Alvarez was operating a forklift and moving some type of large paper roll when his forklift tipped over.
The load on the forklift apparently shifted, thereby causing the accident. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
A total of 16 people responded to the scene. Despite life-saving measures, Anthony Alvarez died due to his injuries.
A full investigation into the forklift accident remains ongoing.
Liability for Modesto Forklift Accidents
Employers in California have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Employers should take several actions to prevent forklift accidents.
- Training: Employers should ensure that all forklift operators are properly certified and trained to handle the specific forklift they will be using.
- Separation: Employers should do everything in their power to separate pedestrians from areas where forklifts are being used.
- Maintenance: Employers should ensure that all of their forklifts are periodically inspected and well maintained.
- Load Stability: Employers should ensure that forklift loads are properly secured. Shifting loads are one of the leading causes of accidents.
When a worker is injured or killed in California, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse through workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is based on a no-fault insurance system. In addition to worker’s compensation, an injured worker or their surviving family members may 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.
Steps to Take After Modesto Forklift Accidents
A large number of people are killed or seriously injured every year in forklift accidents. According to the Chief Administrative Office of Los Angeles County, “nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents each year. The most common types of fatal forklift incidents are overturns; falls; and workers struck, crushed, or pinned.” What follows are some of the actions that should be taken after any forklift accident.
- OSHA Report: The OSHA report created after any workplace accident should be reviewed.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the physical evidence related to the accident should be preserved. This includes any forklift that may have malfunctioned.
- Medical Records: Any medical records related to the victim’s injuries should be preserved. They can help reveal how an accident took place.
- Independent Investigation: The family of any person who died in a forklift accident should seek an independent review by a team experienced in negligence claims.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be several sources of liability for any forklift accident. This includes the company responsible for manufacturing a forklift. They could be legally responsible for an accident through a product liability claim. Victims of forklift accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Modesto Forklift Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Anthony Alvarez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. A number of questions still need to be answered. When was the last time this forklift was maintained? Who was responsible for loading this forklift?
Do you need more information about a Modesto forklift accident? Our team of forklift accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that employers are doing everything in their power to maintain safe worksites. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se habla español.
