Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A forklift accident can affect your health, your ability to work, and your family’s financial stability. At Shulman & Hill, we have recovered more than $1 billion for injured New Yorkers and served more than 26,000 clients since opening our doors in 2013.
With more than 200 years of combined experience, our team understands how workplace injury claims and personal injury lawsuits can overlap. We will handle your case while you recover from the accident. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Ramapo from our firm will review your options and explain what benefits or legal claims may be available.
In many cases, our Ramapo forklift accident lawyer can pursue workers’ compensation benefits while also investigating whether another company, contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer shares responsibility for the accident. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You. Contact us today to discuss your situation during a free consultation.
Our Ramapo Forklift Accident Attorney Will Lead Your Case
A forklift accident case often involves more than filing paperwork with an insurance company. Employers, workers’ compensation carriers, and other insurers may disagree about how the accident happened or how badly a person was hurt.
Our legal team investigates every part of the case. We gather evidence, speak with witnesses, review accident reports, and work with medical professionals to understand how the injury affects your life.
A Ramapo personal injury lawyer from Shulman & Hill can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling workers’ compensation claims
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Collecting medical evidence
- Calculating current and future losses
- Negotiating settlements
- Taking the case to court when necessary
Many forklift accidents happen at warehouses, construction sites, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and loading docks. We represent workers, contractors, visitors, and others injured in these incidents.
What Causes Forklift Accidents?
Many forklift accidents happen because someone failed to follow safety rules. Common causes include:
- Poor operator training
- Speeding through work areas
- Overloaded forklifts
- Unstable loads
- Defective brakes or steering systems
- Unsafe warehouse layouts
- Poor lighting
- Lack of warning signals
- Failure to maintain equipment
- Blind-corner collisions
- Falling materials
Some accidents involve a forklift tipping over. Others happen when a worker is struck by a forklift or crushed between equipment and another object.
Liability and Insurance Issues in Forklift Accident Cases
Determining who is responsible is not always simple. Workers injured on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. However, some accidents also involve third parties that may be legally responsible.
If the forklift accident happened while you were working, workers’ compensation deadlines may apply. New York generally requires injured workers to notify their employer about a workplace injury within 30 days.
In most cases, workers have up to two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. Missing these deadlines can affect your ability to receive benefits.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Delivery companies
- Warehouse operators
- Outside vendors
These cases may involve multiple insurance policies. Workers’ compensation may cover medical treatment and partial lost wages, while a separate personal injury claim may provide additional damages.
Our team of Ramapo workplace injury lawyers identifies every available source of recovery and handles communication with insurance companies that may try to minimize or deny valid claims.
Common Injuries That Happen in Work-Related Accidents
Forklifts are heavy machines capable of causing severe injuries.
Common injuries we see in cases include:
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Severe cuts and lacerations
Some people recover after a few months, but others can face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and enjoy daily life.
Recovering Damages After a Serious Workplace Injury
The damages available depend on the facts of the case and the type of claim involved.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability-related expenses
- Home modifications
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A serious forklift accident can create long-term challenges. A Ramapo catastrophic injury lawyer from our firm can work with medical and financial experts to understand the full impact of the injury and pursue damages that reflect those losses.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Forklift Accident
Some forklift accidents result in fatal injuries.
If your family lost someone because of a forklift accident, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
A Ramapo wrongful death lawyer from Shulman & Hill can help your family understand your legal options and seek damages through a wrongful death claim. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the final injury
- Lost financial support
- Loss of services provided to the family
We know no legal action can replace a loved one. Our goal is to help families pursue accountability and financial stability during a difficult time.
Challenges That Can Affect Your Ramapo Workplace Injury Case
Forklift accident cases often become complicated quickly. Insurance companies may argue:
- The injury existed before the accident.
- The worker caused the accident.
- The injuries are less serious than claimed.
- Medical treatment was unnecessary.
- Another party is responsible.
Evidence can also disappear if it is not preserved quickly. Surveillance footage, inspection records, maintenance logs, and witness statements may become harder to obtain over time.
Our forklift injury attorney in Ramapo conducts in-depth investigations designed to uncover the facts and protect valuable evidence before it is lost.
Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit in New York
New York generally gives injured people three years to file most personal injury lawsuits under NY CPLR § 214(5). Wrongful death lawsuits are generally subject to a two-year deadline under NY EPT § 5-4.1.
Some cases involve shorter deadlines, particularly when a government entity is involved. Missing a deadline can affect your ability to recover damages, so it is important to learn about the time limits that apply to your situation.
Call Shulman & Hill About Your Forklift Accident Case in Remapo
A forklift accident can affect your health, your ability to earn a living, and your future.
Whether your case involves workers’ compensation benefits, a third-party lawsuit, or both, Shulman & Hill will help with both types of cases. Many people are unsure where to turn after a serious workplace accident.
Questions about medical treatment, lost income, insurance coverage, and legal options can arise quickly. Our forklift accident lawyer in Remapo helps clients understand their rights, gather evidence, meet important deadlines, and pursue the benefits and damages available under state law.
New York, We Got You. Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.