Workers can suffer serious and even deadly injuries when forklift safety precautions aren’t taken at construction project sites, warehouses, and shipping sites. If you’ve been injured in a forklift incident, you’ll need significant compensation to cover your medical bills, replace missed paychecks, and deal with any lasting effects of the accident.
However, pursuing financial remedies without the help of an experienced legal representative isn’t likely to end well. If you do choose to file a claim or lawsuit without a lawyer, there’s a good chance that you’ll make a mistake that costs you your compensation.
Consider hiring a Wayne forklift accident lawyer from Morelli Law to dramatically improve your chances of receiving damages. Our attorneys can work hard to build a strong case on your behalf and request a high-value payment from the insurance company or the guilty party.
What to Do After a Forklift Accident
Whether you’ve suffered a forklift accident injury at your warehouse job, while working on a job site, or in a different workplace environment, there are a few steps you should take. Here’s what you should do to protect your right to fair compensation:
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Seeing a doctor immediately after your accident is incredibly important for two reasons. First, getting checked out by a physician can help you get the treatment you need to recover from your injury and identify any health complications that aren’t immediately obvious.
It’s also important to seek medical attention soon after an accident because doing so will show the insurance company that your injuries are real and not made up for insurance money.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
Once you’ve received proper medical treatment, your next priority should be reporting the accident and your injuries to your employer. That’s because workers’ compensation laws limit the amount of time you have to notify your employer.
If you file an accident report with your employer any later than 90 days after the initial incident, you could be barred from receiving workers’ comp benefits. Telling your employer what happened soon can help you file a successful workers’ comp claim.
Hire a Wayne Forklift Accident Attorney
The next step is to hire an experienced forklift accident attorney in Wayne, NJ. A skilled lawyer can help you file a solid workers’ compensation claim and negotiate with your employer’s insurance provider until they offer a settlement that meets your needs.
If the insurer denies you the compensation you’re owed, your attorney can file an appeal or help you explore other legal options. If a work site manager, contractor, or another third-party contributed to your forklift accident by violating OSHA’s safety requirements, a Wayne attorney may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
While suing the employer is rare in a situation like this, a lawyer may also help you file a civil suit against your boss. Suing your employer is only appropriate if they intentionally caused your injury, they allowed their workers’ comp insurance to lapse, or if they lack the insurance that they’re required to carry.
Don’t Speak to Insurers Without an Attorney
You might think the insurance company has your best interest in mind, but they’re probably more concerned with protecting themselves and paying you as little as possible. Taking that into account, it’s important that you avoid speaking with insurers or giving them a recorded statement after a workplace accident.
If you do speak to an insurance adjuster, they could get you to say something that can be used against your claim. They may also try to get you to agree to an early settlement.
Compensation That a Forklift Accident Lawyer From Wayne Can Pursue
When an attorney from our firm takes on your case, their main goal will be to obtain the compensation you need to return to the financial situation you were in before the accident. They may also be able to seek damages to help you cope with the emotional effects and physical pain of your injuries.
Depending on the challenges you’ve faced and the type of claim you file, a forklift accident lawyer in Wayne, NJ, could obtain any of the following financial remedies on your behalf:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Ambulance and hospital costs
- Rehabilitative therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Death benefits, if your spouse or family member passed away in a forklift accident
You might be eligible to file a wrongful death suit if you lost a loved one in a forklift incident, construction accident, or another dangerous workplace situation. Contact a wrongful death lawyer to learn more about your legal options and the compensation you could receive from a civil suit.
Wayne Forklift Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Statute of Limitations for Forklift Accident Lawsuits in Wayne, NJ
According to N.J. Stat. §2A:14-2, you have two years from the date of your forklift accident to file a lawsuit against a guilty third party or your employer. Failing to comply with this filing deadline could stop you from getting the jury award you need to cover your medical bills and support your family while you recover from your injury.
To make sure your suit is filed before the state deadline, contact our Wayne forklift accident attorneys ASAP. Once you’ve joined forces with our team, we’ll be sure to manage our time efficiently and get your lawsuit filed in a timely manner.
Discuss Your Legal Options With an Experienced Attorney
If you’re dealing with a painful injury and the stress of missing multiple workdays, you’ll want to get advice from a seasoned attorney on what you should do to obtain fair compensation. A Wayne forklift accident lawyer from Morelli Law can assess your situation, provide the guidance you need, file a successful claim or lawsuit, and fight for the damages you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney from our firm. During your no-obligation case evaluation, a knowledgeable lawyer will meet with you to discuss your case and determine if you’re entitled to receive workers’ comp benefits or personal injury damages. If they agree to help you, you can be confident that your case is in excellent hands.