Forklifts are powerful machines that weigh thousands of pounds, and they’re used in tight spaces full of people. When something goes wrong, the injuries are usually serious. Whether you were driving the forklift or walking nearby, Philly Injury Lawyer can help you get your benefits and find everyone responsible.
How Forklift Accidents Happen
- Tip-overs, often from turning too fast, uneven floors or overloaded forks
- Pedestrians struck in aisles, docks and parking areas
- Falling loads from forks or high shelves
- Falls from loading docks when trailers pull away
- Crush injuries between the forklift and racks, walls or trucks
- Mechanical failures, such as bad brakes, steering or masts
Workers’ Comp for Forklift Injuries
If you were hurt at work, workers’ comp should pay your medical care and part of your lost wages, no matter who was at fault. Crush injuries that cause permanent loss of use of a hand, arm, foot or leg may also qualify for specific loss benefits. See the benefits chart.
Who Else May Be Responsible
- The forklift manufacturer for a design or manufacturing defect
- A maintenance or rental company that didn’t fix a known problem
- A trucking company whose driver pulled away from the dock too early
- A staffing agency or warehouse operator, depending on who employed you
See Workers’ Comp and Third-Party Injury Claims.
Protect the Evidence
Ask that the forklift not be repaired or put back into service until it’s been inspected. Get the make, model and unit number if you can. Video from warehouse cameras is often deleted quickly, so call us right away.
Hurt in a Forklift Accident? Call Us
Call (215) 735-4800 for a free consultation. We Win or It’s Free®.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn’t trained to drive the forklift?
You’re still entitled to workers’ comp. Lack of training may also point to other problems we should look into.
Can I sue the forklift manufacturer?
If a defect caused or worsened your injury, yes. That claim is separate from workers’ comp.
I was hit by a forklift driven by a co-worker. Can I sue them?
Usually not, but you’ll still get workers’ comp, and others like the manufacturer or another company on site may be responsible.
Pennsylvania Law in Plain English
Forklift injuries are covered under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act. OSHA’s powered industrial truck rules require training and safe operation, which can be key evidence in a case against another company.
