Forklift Accident Attorneys

When there is no manufacturer negligence involved in the design or production of a forklift, you should be able to use them safely and confidently. In the event that a forklift is defective, however, serious injuries or even death can occur during operation. Unlike an automobile that has a metal frame to protect its drivers during an accident, some forklifts do not have surrounding structures, which presents a hazardous situation for those in an environment without any protection against collisions. Without the defense against a defective forklift, the operator can be exposed to severe injury or death from any of the following:

• Head injuries;
• Spinal injuries; 
• Broken bones;
• Neurological impairment;
• Cognitive disabilities;
• and permanent paralysis

Forklift drivers also risk being crushed or impaled by stationary objects in the operating environment, such as over-hanging shelves and other protrusions in the environment. These crushing injuries more often than not result in fatal injury or permanent disability. Even for those recovering from their injuries, the recuperation usually involves surgery, physical and/or cognitive therapy, ongoing medical treatment and prescriptions, and sometimes assisted living or mobility devices.

The forklift manufacturer will be liable for negligence and product liability defect claims if you have been injured or killed due to the failure to install an essential safety precaution or due to the lack of warning of known dangers. However, in the case that someone has been injured or killed while another individual was directly handling the forklift, the forklift operator would be held liable for the victim’s damages.

When someone's carelessness or negligence plays a role in how you got your injury, you may legally be entitled to compensation. The most common form of compensation for any damages caused by forklifts includes but is not limited to medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering. However, it might not always be as simple as taking those responsible parties to court. In some cases, you will need to prove that you are in the right to claim the awards for your damages; that's where we come in. 

Once your attorney gets your case, they'll hit the ground running. After they have reviewed your initial case information to ensure you are getting the proper compensation you need for your injuries, your legal team will begin gathering relevant documentation that will benefit your case. Documentation can include but is not limited to medical records or bills, insurance policies, police reports, and other important evidence. To further establish a strong claim, your attorney will also work with experts to gather all the facts about your case. Then, your legal team will attempt to reach out to the defendant's legal team to try and settle your case outside of court. However, if the negotiation at the table does not add up to what you really deserve, Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys won't stop. They will be more than prepared to bring the good fight all the way to the courtroom if need be. 

For over 35 years at Morgan & Morgan, it has been our firm's mission to get victims just like you to receive the justice they deserve after an accident. Don't wait to contact us.

Whether you need to move pallets, boxes, furniture, or heavy lumber, forklifts should be designed to move large amounts of heavy material quickly and easily. Unfortunately, as with all heavy machinery, there will always be a severe risk factor for injuries when companies and their manufacturers allow negligent behavior to take place when building these big machines. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed due to a defective forklift, we want to help you. For more information, please complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation form today.