Forklift & Equipment Accident Cases

Heavy equipment such as forklifts and cranes are powerful and necessary for commercial and residential construction. They are also used in other industries, such as various industrial industries including dock/port operations, warehousing, etc. However, crane, lift, and forklift accidents cause thousands of work injuries per year. These types of work accidents are most commonly caused by:

• improper handling (forklift overturns account for 25% of all forklift accident fatalities),
• contact/struck by a crane, lift or forklift,
• falls from cranes, lifts and forklifts.

Access our newly revamped Forklift Accident Law Library and access legal info, lawsuit info, FAQs and more.

Rights Of Workers Seriously Injured In Work Accidents

Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Not Enough

Workers’ compensation benefits are hardly enough to sustain families of injured workers. That’s because of the ultimate goal of the workers’ compensation benefit system. The goal is to get injured workers back to work as soon as possible. Therefore, there are multiple restrictions on both medical benefits and indemnity (lost pay). For instance, injured workers who suffer a temporary or permanent disability due to work related accident injuries will only receive a portion of their average weekly wage, as determined by statute. On average, injured workers in both PA and NJ will only receive roughly 2/3 of their average weekly wage. That’s hardly enough to keep a family afloat.

Tort or Injury Lawsuits for Work Injuries (Forklift & Equipment Accidents)

Many workers in PA and NJ are completely misinformed about their legal rights to obtain full compensation, including compensation for pain and suffering, for their injuries. This means bringing a lawsuit against other, non-employer parties whose negligent conduct led to a work accident. Work related equipment accidents like forklift accidents often happen due to:

• failing to follow manufacturer guidelines,
• failing to have safe operating procedures,
• violating OSHA regulations,
• insufficient or inadequate training,
• failing to require mandatory certifications,
• carbon monoxide poisonings related to operating heavy equipment in closed areas, and
• negligent maintenance/repair.

Liable parties often include employers, contractors and subcontractors. In addition, service/maintenance companies may be liable, or there may be a product liability claim for defective design of the equipment itself.

Workers who are seriously injured in Pennsylvania or New Jersey crane, lift or forklift accidents may be able to obtain financial compensation over and above workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, most seriously injured workers only make workers’ compensation claims and never seek expert advice as to whether there are other claims to be made. It is vital to speak to an experienced Pennsylvania and New Jersey workplace accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine liability of others. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, future medical bills/treatment and more.

In addition, in serious injury cases, spouses of injured workers may be able to make what are known as “loss of consortium” claims. These claims compensate spouses for hardships caused by an accident and resulting injuries. Loss of consortium claims are designed to provide compensation for changes in the marital relationship, including loss of intimacy, loss of comfort and loss of society.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Forklift Accident Lawyers

At the Philadelphia, PA and NJ personal injury accident­­ law firm of Laffey, Bucci & Kent, our experienced attorneys are committed to providing quality representation and individual attention to their clients and their clients’ families. Our highly rated Philadelphia, PA and NJ forklift accident lawyers and attorneys have many solid years of experience handling cases against contractors, subcontractors and product manufacturers in accidents involving heavy equipment like forklifts and cranes.

Our work injury lawyers are dedicated trial advocates who bring their aggressive and thorough styles to each case. They are recognized as talented trial lawyers. The firm’s three partners, Jeff Laffey, Paul Bucci, and Brian Kent, were named in the 100 Top Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by The National Trial Lawyers.

Our Philadelphia, PA and NJ forklift accident lawyers will meet with you and discuss:

• federal and state laws relating to forklift accidents,
• contractor and subcontractor liability law,
• OSHA regulations, and
• evidence of damages.

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt or killed in a forklift accident, contact our experienced, forklift accident lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.

Related Forklift Accident Posts From Our Work Accident Lawyers

• New Jersey Forklift Accidents at Work, A Look at Liability for Forklift Injuries (October 22, 2015) A legal discussion of who can be held liable for a forklift accident at work. From product/forklift manufacturers to contractors, multiple parties can be held liable. Injured workers, especially those who suffer career-ending injuries, should seek legal advice to identify potentially liable parties. Doing so increases the chances of ensuring financial security.
• What You Need to Know About Forklift Accident Lawsuits in Pennsylvania or New Jersey (June 3, 2012) Forklift accidents tend to occur at the following kinds of workplaces: warehouses, construction sites, factories, docks, piers, and terminals. While there are many causes for forklift accidents, the vast majority of forklift accidents happen due to forklift driver errors. These errors are almost always preventable. Under OSHA standards, forklift operators must undergo both initial training and subsequent training.
• How Forklift Accidents Can Be Prevented (January 23, 2013) Forklift overturn accidents remain one of the most dangerous kinds of forklift accidents; they account for roughly 25% of all forklift accident deaths. Learn more about safe forklift operations and the importance of proper visibility.