In a state that’s booming with industrial innovation and always has construction, there’s no shortage of forklifts. However, safety and proper licensing are essential to avoid severe and lifelong forklift injuries.
If you were injured while operating a forklift or struck by a forklift, our Brooklyn forklift accident lawyer at Morelli Law Firm can help you pursue justice and compensation from the negligent parties. We have the experience necessary to ensure your rights are protected and that you have the financial means to return to your life.
Common Forklift Injuries We Can Recover Compensation for
Forklifts are heavy and large vehicles, so when riding one or if you’re in the vicinity of one, you could sustain catastrophic injuries that will affect you for the rest of your life. If you sustained any of the following injuries in a Brooklyn forklift accident, our lawyers can recover compensation for you:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Accidental amputation
- Organ damage
- Neck injuries
After a forklift accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may have invisible injuries that may show symptoms later on. A forklift accident lawyer in Brooklyn can evaluate your case for free and determine if you have a valid forklift accident case.
Why Do Forklift Accidents Happen?
According to Forklift Academy, one of the most frequent causes of forklift accidents is that people don’t have the proper training or certification. When someone without experience tries to operate a forklift, they’re likely to cause an accident resulting in severe injuries.
Another cause of forklift accidents is people speeding while operating the machine. Although OSHA states that there’s no determined speed, the organization recommends that you ensure that, based on the conditions of the environment, the driver should be able to stop the forklift safely.
Who Can Be Responsible for My Injuries?
When a forklift accident happens, three parties could be responsible. Our Brooklyn forklift accident attorneys can help you file against the following negligent parties:
The Forklift Operator
Whether the person operating the forklift is a coworker or a construction worker, you have the legal right to hold them accountable. In addition, forklift operators should have the proper licensing and experience to operate safely.
But even if the operator has the requirements necessary to operate the forklift truck, they could still injure you. They could be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted while driving, or driving too fast for their environment.
Employer
Another party our forklift accident attorney in Brooklyn can help you file a personal injury claim against is your employer if your forklift accident occurred at work. Employers have a duty to ensure that employees use equipment safely.
If your employer fails to provide forklift training and your coworker hurts you, you can hold your employer and coworker accountable. We can help you file a personal injury claim against both parties.
Forklift Manufacturer
The forklift manufacturer is the final party you could hold accountable for your pain. While forklift accidents are often due to human error, manufacturers also make mistakes during production, which can cause accidents later when people use the forklift.
Common manufacturing defects of forklift trucks are overheating due to a broken radiator, defective tires, hydraulic system issues that interfere with lifting objects, and brake malfunctions. If your forklift accident was a result of a defect, a forklift accident lawyer in Brooklyn can file a product liability claim and win the compensation you qualify for.
Brooklyn Forklift Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Statute of Limitations for a Forklift Accident Case
If your injuries resulted from a work-related incident, according to N.Y. Workers’ Comp. Law § 28, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim against your employer.
However, if you were involved in a Brooklyn forklift accident but it was due to someone else’s negligence, and the accident wasn’t work-related, you have three years from the forklift accident date to file a personal injury claim.
A forklift accident attorney in Brooklyn can help you clarify laws applicable to your accident and determine the type of claim you need to file. However, regardless of which claim you need to file, you should file it as soon as possible.
Deadlines for filing are strict; if you wait too long to file, you’ll lose the ability to recover any compensation. However, with the help of an attorney at Morelli Law Firm, you can file your claim on time, making you eligible for compensation.
Damages We Can Help You Recover After a Forklift Accident in Brooklyn
Our lawyers understand your frustration after suffering injuries in a forklift accident. Our firm’s forklift accident lawyer in Brooklyn can help you recover compensatory damages. We’ll help you recover economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover the wages you would have earned during your recovery period.
- Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and trauma you experienced due to the accident.
- Property damage: If the forklift accident caused damage to your personal property, such as your car or other belongings, you might be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Disability and disfigurement: If your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible party for their negligent or reckless behavior.
You could be eligible for additional compensation if your injuries are especially severe. And if the negligent parties or the insurance company tries to deny you of damages you rightfully deserve, we’ll defend you to ensure you get the full compensation amount. In addition, your lawyer can answer any questions you have during a free consultation.
Contact Us to Speak With a Brooklyn Forklift Accident Lawyer Today
At Morelli Law Firm, our team is ready to help you recover compensation after you’re injured in a forklift accident in Brooklyn. The losses you suffer after your accident are important to us, and you can be confident that our Brooklyn forklift accident lawyer will fight for you to receive a fair settlement.
Call us or fill out the contact form on our website for a free case evaluation for your injuries today.