Staten Island Forklift Accident Lawyer

Forklifts might seem safe when compared to other pieces of industrial equipment. Compared to a crane or a bulldozer, a forklift is small and can be easier to operate. While they might not be as large as other pieces of heavy machinery, they can still be every bit as dangerous.

If you or a loved one were injured in a forklift accident, our team at Shulman & Hill is ready to help. We are a law firm in Staten Island, an area where construction accidents are all too common, and we understand the complex issues associated with injuries that involve pieces of heavy equipment.

Staten Island Forklift Accident Resources

Incidents involving forklifts resulted in more than 8,000 nonfatal injuries in 2019. There were also 79 work-related deaths involving forklift accidents that same year.

Forklift accident injuries can have a significant impact on the injured worker’s life. Seemingly minor mistakes could leave a person injured and unable to work for months, or even result in a permanent disability.

Hiring a Staten Island forklift accident attorney can be greatly beneficial if you were injured in one of these accidents. A large law firm like Shulman Hill will have experienced lawyers who will be able to help you file a workers’ compensation claim and potentially a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your losses.

Types of Forklift Accidents

As a forklift accident law firm in Staten Island, the attorneys from Shulman & Hill have helped clients injured in a number of different types of forklift accidents. The following are some of the more common types of forklift accidents:

• Forklift falling from a dock or trailer
• Worker or pedestrian struck by a forklift
• Forklift rollovers
• Forklift fell between a dock and trailer
• A forklift dropped a heavy load unexpectedly
• Operator ejected from a cab
• Mechanical failures

Any one of these incidents can result in a severe injury. With financial losses easily reaching into the many thousands of dollars, victims should consider hiring an attorney to help them pursue compensation. If you need a lawyer in Staten Island, the team from Shulman & Hill can help you navigate every step of your claim.

Causes of Forklift Accidents in Staten Island

There are numerous factors that can contribute to the occurrence of a forklift accident. The following are some common issues:

• Excessive speed
• Traveling with an elevated load
• Improper accelerating and stopping
• Improper turning
• Poor communication with co-workers
• A lack of safety warnings
• People riding on the forks
• Improper parking
• Narrow or crowded workspaces
• Obstructions in the path of the forklift
• Ramps and floors with varying surfaces
• Improperly packed loads
• Faulty or damaged pallets
• Poor maintenance
• Insufficient operator training

These are just a few of the possible causes of forklift accidents, any one of which can lead to devastating injuries or death. Some of the injuries these accidents result in may be relatively minor, but others can have a lifelong effect on the victim. Some of the injuries include scrapes and bruises, lacerations, sprains, dislocated joints, bone fractures, head or spinal cord injuries, limb amputation, and damage to internal organs.

The Aftermath of a Staten Island Forklift Accident

No one expects to be injured when they go to work. These accidents happen suddenly and they can cause emotional trauma along with pain and physical injury. If you are in a forklift accident at work, you need to do what you can to protect your health and your safety. Along with that, you also need to think about what you can do to protect your right to recover compensation once you receive immediate medical attention.

The first and most important step is to seek medical care and have any injuries treated. Even if you do not notice any immediate symptoms, you should still see a doctor since some injuries are not obvious right away, particularly if you hit your head. This can help you catch any injuries early on and improve treatment outcomes. When filing a claim for compensation, it will be important to have evidence that you sought medical help right after your accident.

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, report the incident to your employer. Early documentation can also ensure that the incident is recorded accurately.

How a Forklift Accident Attorney Can Help

Once you are safe, contact a Staten Island forklift accident lawyer. With an attorney, you can be assured that your rights will be protected. Your lawyer can investigate the claim and represent you in any court proceedings that may stem from the incident.

An attorney can help review the full extent of your damages, particularly your medical expenses. Injured workers can typically claim compensation for any medical treatment required as a result of the accident, including immediate care, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and more.

Forklift accident victims can also seek compensation for lost income. Your injuries, if severe, may restrict you from performing your job duties. If you are temporarily unable to work for a time, you will not have been able to earn a steady paycheck.

If the insurance carrier refuses to pay, your attorney can present your claim to a workers’ compensation judge. If you are pursuing additional compensation from a negligent third party, your attorney can also represent your case in trial. At Shulman & Hill, our goal is to recover the compensation you may be entitled to.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

Shulman & Hill has a team of experienced Staten Island forklift accident attorneys who have helped numerous clients just like you recover compensation. Our team understands how these accidents can affect your life and we will be by your side throughout the entire process.

Schedule a free legal consultation today to learn more about how we can help.