Jersey is a fast-paced economy, and forklifts are all around the place. Unfortunately, that can also lead to accidents and injuries, but an experienced attorney can help victims recover compensation for any damages caused by a forklift accident.
Forklifts can become dangerous when the operator is not properly trained or when they overload. And the injuries resulting from an accident can go from moderate to catastrophic. Victims who want to pursue damages need to consider several instances before even starting a legal process. Our attorneys explain your options.
Forklift Accidents and Workers Compensation in Jersey City
Most of the forklift accidents in Jersey City happen at the workplace. That is the reason why many victims feel confused about their legal options. Forklift accidents fall into the category of personal injuries, but workers’ compensation suits can be classified on a broader spectrum, so the legal approach is different.
Personal injury accident cases need to follow the statutes of limitations and follow an insurance or legal process. While for worker’s compensation claims, you should present your complaint to your manager or employer within 30 days of the incident.
However, finding out how and to whom to present a claim doesn’t seem a priority for many victims that just got a catastrophic injury. That is why talking to a jersey forklift attorney is so important since they can direct your claim to the right place.
Forklift Accident Lawyer in Jersey City
A forklift accident attorney can guide you through the complexities of the legal or workers’ compensation systems. So if you are a forklift operator and suffer a forklift accident at work, you may not be entitled to pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
That only depends on your employer’s situation. If they offer workers’ compensation coverage, they are protected against legal liability. On the other hand, if your employer does not offer workers’ compensation benefits, you can file a personal injury claim for damages.
Jersey City Forklift Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Who Is Liable for a Forklift Accident
An experienced attorney can help you get damages, even with workers’ compensation. That is because they can look closely at your case and find other parties that can share liability, for instance:
- Contractors
- Team architects
- Manufacturers
- Site owners
- Subcontractors
- Engineers
If your workplace did not follow OSHA’s Powered Industrial Truck Safety Program it may be possible to pursue damages from the third party and a workers’ compensation claim against your employer. First, however, it is necessary to talk to an experienced attorney to determine if your case qualifies.
Can I Sue for My Forklift Accident Injury?
Many injuries from a forklift accident can change a victim’s life and even sink an entire family into debt. That can be alarming due to the treatment costs for some particularly severe injuries.
- Back injuries. One of the most common forklift-related injuries, back injuries, can result from lifting heavy loads or twisting the back while operating a forklift. That can cause strains, sprains, or herniated discs, leading to long-term pain and disability.
- Foot and leg injuries. Workers operating forklifts risk foot and leg injuries such as fractures, cuts, and bruises. That can happen when they are run over by a forklift or hit by it while on the clock. These injuries can be painful and may require a long time to recover.
- Hand and arm injuries. Operators can suffer from hand and arm injuries by getting fingers or hands caught in the moving parts of the forklift or by being hit by falling objects. That can result in lacerations, fractures, or even amputations, causing permanent damage to the victim’s body.
- Head injuries. Forklift-related accidents such as tipping over, colliding with other equipment, or being hit by falling objects can cause head injuries. These can range from concussions to skull fractures, resulting in long-term brain damage.
- Neck injuries. Forklift operators risk neck injuries due to sudden stops or collisions. That can lead to neck strains, whiplash, or other soft tissue injuries, causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Shoulder injuries. Workers lifting and carrying heavy loads, reaching for objects, or experiencing sudden stops while operating a forklift can suffer shoulder strains, sprains, or dislocations. The consequences of that are long-term pain and suffering.
- Chest injuries. Workers can suffer from chest injuries by getting pinned between the forklift and other objects or by being hit by falling objects. Chest fractures, bruises, or even internal injuries are common, as are other injuries that can lead to long-term health complications.
- Eye injuries. Workers operating forklifts are at risk of eye injuries caused by debris or dust flying into the eyes or being hit by flying debris. Personal injuries such as corneal abrasions or blindness can come from this, requiring medical attention and potentially causing permanent vision loss.
- Hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud engine noise and equipment during forklift operation can cause permanent hearing loss, affecting workers’ quality of life and forcing them to use hearing aids or other interventions.
- Psychological injuries. Forklift-related accidents or witnessing a co-worker’s injury can lead to psychological injuries such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions can affect workers’ mental health and may require medical attention or counseling.
Treatment costs for most of these injuries can grow unpayable for someone who cannot return to work. So many victims are trapped in a destructive cycle of debt and unemployment. That is one of the most important reasons to talk to a forklift accident lawyer right after any accident.
Forklift Accident Attorney in Jersey City
A forklift accident attorney can examine your case and show you your legal options. They can also help you gather information and the evidence you need to present a strong case against insurance companies or in a courtroom.
Our forklift accident attorneys in Jersey City can offer you a free consultation to explore your legal possibilities. They can also work on a contingency basis, so you do not have to pay a dime upfront. Contact our Jersey City office and get the legal support you deserve in a difficult time.