Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Factories, stores, and warehouses in New York often use forklifts to organize and move goods quickly and easily. Unfortunately, forklift accidents can happen when the operator is not properly trained on how to use the equipment. Issues can also arise when the equipment malfunctions.
If you or someone you know has been injured at work, seeking legal assistance could help you pursue compensation for your losses. At Shulman & Hill, our New York City forklift accident lawyers are proud to help clients with accident claims.
During a free legal consultation, we will listen to your story. You can count on our New York City workers’ compensation lawyers to investigate your case and determine how we can help you pursue a compensation claim. We have over 200 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Why Hire Our Forklift Accident Lawyers in New York City?
Hiring our team after you or a loved one sustains forklift injuries can improve your chances of making a full financial recovery.
Our team knows how to handle the workers’ compensation system after an accident, and we’re ready to get to work for you by:
- Giving you fast answers to your legal questions
- Explaining what you should do after an accident
- Gathering evidence to build your claim
- Keeping accurate records of your losses
- Explaining how to file your claim
In some cases, we can help injured workers step outside New York’s workers’ compensation system. You could take this step if a third party (someone other than your employer) caused your accident.
Our New York City personal injury lawyers are here and ready to review the facts about your accident right now.
Causes of New York City Forklift Accidents
There are many common causes of forklift accidents, including:
- Drivers who are not well–trained. If the driver of a forklift does not know how to operate it, an accident is likely.
- Speeding. Sometimes a driver is rushed and will need to drive quickly to meet deadlines. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and can lead to a major accident.
- Operating with an elevated load. This impairs the driver’s vision and makes it harder to control the equipment.
- Insufficient space. If the workplace is not designed for a forklift, this can cause accidents and lead to injury.
- Loads that are unbalanced or not secure. If the load being carried is unbalanced, it can cause problems for the driver. The load must be secure and balanced so that it will not fall off or knock the lift out of balance.
- Mechanical failure. If a forklift is not working properly and the issues are not caught during inspections, it can cause an accident.
- Improper turning. A forklift can turn a little bit differently than other vehicles. If the driver is inexperienced and cannot maneuver well, the result can be an accident that injures someone.
- Giving rides or riding on a forklift. This may seem like a harmless thing to do, but joyriding on a forklift can often lead to serious injury.
We can investigate the specific causes of your accident when you turn to us for help.
Lift Truck Accidents and Workers’ Compensation
Many forklift accidents happen on construction sites, in warehouses, or at other job sites. If you got hurt in a construction accident or another on-the-job accident, you may seek compensation through the workers’ comp system.
This system provides injured workers with a way to get funds to pay for all of their medical bills and a percentage of their lost income.
Note that New York will not allow you to file a lawsuit against your employer to seek additional compensation. However, you may qualify to sue a third party in some cases.
How Much Compensation Can You Get After an Accident?
If you are in a forklift accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses that are related to the accident. Each case is different, and the amount that you may receive for your injuries, pain, suffering, and time off work may depend on a variety of factors.
For example, if you are injured but only have a few medical bills and miss just a few days of work, your compensation may be much less than it would be if you were severely injured and spent considerable time out of work recovering.
If you lost a loved one due to a forklift accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Families may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses and loss of support.
We Fight for Your Recovery
Our team at Shulman & Hill can work with you to fight for a fair amount of compensation that is reasonable for your case. We can analyze all aspects of your case to determine the full extent of your losses.
Here are some of the factors to consider:
- How the accident occurred and who may have been at fault
- Whether anyone else was injured in the accident
- How severe your injuries are
- The amount of time you missed from work (including the time you anticipate you will miss in the future)
- The nature of your required medical treatment
- The amounts of your medical bills and other bills directly related to the accident
- The wages you were earning before the injury
After investigating your case, we will gather evidence to show why you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Injuries Caused by Forklift Accidents
Some of the most common injuries associated with forklift accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Crush injuries
It’s crucial that you get medical care quickly for the severe injuries caused by lift trucks. Our forklift accident attorneys in New York City can tell you more about what to do after your accident.
What Should I Do After a Forklift Accident?
After a forklift accident, the first thing you need to do is report the injury to your team leader or manager. The accident and injuries should be reported as soon as possible to create a paper trail and ensure all details of the accident are understood by those involved.
Although you may be tempted to report the incident verbally while you seek medical attention, stress the importance of filling out a written report to your employer. Once you have done so, get a copy of this report.
Additionally, confirm that your doctor writes a detailed note that documents:
- Your visit
- The manner in which the accident occurred
- The extent of your injuries
Follow all treatment and therapy recommendations to help yourself heal. In the future, both doctors’ notes and injury report documents could prove crucial to the outcome of your case.
Speak Cautiously After an Accident
It is extremely important to refrain from admitting any fault for the accident. Our NYC forklift accident attorneys can discuss whether or not you are partially at fault before pursuing compensation.
Although you may wish to go it alone, insurance companies are out to protect their bottom line and can try to capitalize on your mistakes when it comes to accepting fault. A forklift accident attorney can help you avoid these mistakes and strengthen your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim for Compensation
Our team at Shulman & Hill can step in to provide the assistance you need after an accidental injury. Our New York City forklift accident attorneys will take you seriously and get to work on your claim today, so reach out now.
