Chicago Forklift Accident Lawyer
A forklift accident can cause serious injuries to forklift operators and any bystanders in the area. If you have been injured in a forklift-related accident, speaking with a lawyer who understands the laws governing these accidents is essential.
The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you understand your rights and protect your best interests. Contact our legal team toll-free at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation today.
Our Chicago construction worker injury lawyers will work with you to ensure that you recover compensation for your forklift-related injuries.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated 85,000 people are injured annually in forklift-related accidents.
Forklifts are common in warehouses, industrial settings, and construction sites, but this heavy machinery can only be safe if you operate them safely. Forklift-related accidents cause dozens of deaths and hundreds of crushing injuries annually involving warehouse and construction workers.
The elevated load being carried by a forklift can fall off and injure someone. In addition, a manufacturing defect can cause workers to be injured if they are not adequately protected.
Did you or a loved one get hurt in a forklift crash? If so, it is vital to speak with a Chicago forklift accident attorney as soon as possible.
Forklift Injury Statistics
A forklift operator who was not properly trained on how to prevent accidents can be deadly.
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, forklifts are involved in around 95,000 accidents yearly.
Out of these accidents, approximately 33,000 result in forklift injuries, and over 100 people are killed annually due to forklift accidents.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
Some of the most common causes include:
- Forklift operator error: Mistakes made by forklift operators are the number one cause of fork truck accidents and can result from inexperience, distractions, or fatigue.
- Inexperienced or untrained workers: Proper training for forklift operators is essential to maximize safety when using a forklift or when unfamiliar with the equipment.
- Environment: Poor weather conditions or obstacles in the work area can also lead to forklift tips or rollovers. Often the forklift driver failed to follow safety protocols.
- Defective equipment: The injured party can pursue compensation from the forklift manufacturer in a third-party injury claim when the equipment or component is defective.
Serious Injuries Resulting from Forklift Accidents
Common injuries resulting from forklift mistakes include:
- Amputations
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
Safety Measures to Prevent Forklift Accidents
Some of the most critical safety measures to prevent forklift crashes include:
- Requiring employees operating fork trucks to be trained and certified in safe forklift operation
- Ensure that the fork truck is appropriately maintained and in good working order
- Teaching safe operating procedures and limits
- Limiting the use of forklifts to authorized personnel only
- Chocking/tying down the load to prevent shifting
Workers' Compensation Providing a Financial Relief to Accident Victims
Workers' compensation is a financial benefits system for warehouse and construction workers injured or ill due to contributing factors at work. State governments regulate workers' compensation insurance coverage paid by employers to protect the injured employee, ensuring compensation for medical expenses and lost wages until they can return to work.
In all states, workers' compensation is a no-fault system, meaning the injured worker is entitled to all benefits without proving negligence or responsibility for their damages.
Filing a Forklift Accident Lawsuit
Were you hurt in a fork truck crash? If so, you should speak with a Chicago personal injury lawyer to determine whether or not you have a case.
In many cases, the manufacturer of the faulty product, in this case, a fork truck may be liable for your physical injuries. In some cases, the employer may also be responsible if they did not provide proper training or were aware of a dangerous condition and did not correct it.
Forklift accident claims could involve a third party. A third-party injury claim is a legal action against other people and entities responsible for the accident, such as forklift manufacturers selling defective equipment.
A Forklift Accident Lawyer Can Offer You Legal Assistance
Have you been hurt in a fork truck crash? If so, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a Chicago forklift accident lawyer.
Your attorney can help you file a forklift personal injury claim against the responsible party or other parties legally liable for your workplace injuries. Often, a forklift accident lawyer can help you obtain fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Holding the At-Fault Party Liable in Fork Truck Crashes
A forklift manufacturer may be liable if one of its products causes a forklift injury due to negligence. Individuals and companies other than the worker, co-worker, or employer might have caused the accident.
Potential clients in a third-party claim might include:
- Contractors and vendors
- Forklift and equipment rental companies
- Subcontracted dock worker
- Equipment manufacturers
Average Settlement in Forklift Accidents
The amount of money a person can receive in a fair settlement will vary depending on the severity of their forklift injuries and other factors.
Legal Options After the Death of a Loved One in a Forklift Accident
If someone else's negligence caused the death, the surviving family members may pursue a legal claim for damages.
Should you lose a loved one in a fork truck crash, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to learn about your legal options.
A Chicago personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid legal claim and can guide you when filing a lawsuit.
If you succeed in your forklift injury claim, you may recover damages for losses suffered, such as outstanding medical bills, burial expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Hiring a Chicago Forklift Accident Lawyer to Pursue a Forklift Accident Lawsuit
Were you hurt in a fork truck accident? The Chicago accident injury lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have many years of collective experience handling these cases and can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact our law firm today toll-free at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form for a free consultation.
Our forklift accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don't have to pay us any attorney fee for our legal services until our legal team wins your case.