Philadelphia Forklift Accident Lawyer
Forklifts are used by workers in many industries throughout Philadelphia, including warehousing, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, shipping centers, and wholesale trades. These powered industrial trucks move heavy loads and heavy objects every day, and when a forklift accident occurs, the injuries can be severe or even fatal.
According to OSHA, nearly 100 workers are killed, and approximately 35,000 suffer serious injuries in forklift accidents each year in the United States. Many of these accidents occur in busy industrial environments, such as those found throughout Philadelphia.
I’m Larry Pitt. For more than 40 years, my law firm has represented injured workers across Pennsylvania. If you were hurt in a Philadelphia forklift accident, you may have legal options under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act and, in some cases, through a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH LARRY PITT
Contact a Philadelphia Forklift Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love was injured in a Philadelphia forklift accident, you may have legal options available to recover compensation.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
Call 888-PITT-LAW today for a free consultation.
Larry Pitt Won’t Quit.
Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Representing Injured Workers
If you were injured in a forklift accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault.
Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania provides:
- Payment of medical expenses and hospital bills
- Coverage for ongoing medical treatment
- Wage loss benefits for lost wages
- Specific loss benefits in certain cases
Workers’ compensation benefits do not cover pain and suffering. However, they are designed to ensure injured workers receive financial support after job-related injuries.
It is critical to:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible
- Notify your employer within 120 days to preserve your right to benefits
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you may file a formal petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
If you need a Philadelphia forklift accident lawyer to help you seek workers’ compensation benefits, contact our law firm for a free consultation.
Larry Pitt & Associates represents workers throughout:
- Philadelphia County
- Bucks County
- Delaware County
- Chester County
- Montgomery County
- Berks County
Call 888-PITT-LAW.
Types of Forklift Accidents in Philadelphia Workplaces
Forklift accidents occur for many reasons. Understanding the most common causes helps determine liability and whether additional compensation may be available.
Caught In / Between Accidents
One of OSHA’s “Fatal Four,” these accidents occur when a worker becomes trapped between a forklift and another object, such as a wall, pallet, or heavy machinery.
Tip-Over Accidents
Forklifts can tip over due to uneven weight distribution, improper loading, driving with elevated loads, or operating on uneven surfaces. Forklift operators and nearby workers may suffer spinal cord injuries, crush injuries, or fatal injuries in tip-over accidents.
Forklift overturns account for approximately 25 percent of forklift-related deaths.
Struck-By or Runover Accidents
Approximately 10 percent of forklift accidents involve workers being struck by or run over by forklifts. Poor visibility, operator error, failure to observe safety rules, and collisions with other vehicles contribute to these incidents.
Falling Materials
When heavy loads are not properly secured, materials can fall and cause severe injuries, including head injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Inadequate Training or Improper Operation
Federal OSHA regulations require proper training and certification of forklift operators. Lack of proper training and safety procedures increases the risk of workplace accidents.
Inadequate Maintenance
Mechanical failure, worn brakes, hydraulic issues, and oil leaks can lead to catastrophic accidents. Employers are responsible for ensuring forklifts are properly maintained.
Common Forklift Injuries
Forklift injuries can be life-changing. Common injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
Many forklift injury cases result in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and ongoing medical expenses.
In addition to physical pain and suffering, many injured workers experience emotional trauma and mental anguish following a serious workplace accident.
Third-Party Claims and Personal Injury Lawsuits
While workers’ compensation benefits provide limited compensation, you may also have the right to file a third-party claim if someone other than your employer was responsible.
Potential third parties include:
- A property owner
- A contractor or subcontractor
- A manufacturer of a defective forklift
- A maintenance company
- Suppliers or vendors
If a party’s negligence caused your forklift accident, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit seeking compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
A forklift injury lawsuit or other personal injury lawsuit may allow recovery for:
- Full lost wages
- Future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other damages caused by the accident
Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident.
What To Do After a Philadelphia Forklift Accident
If a forklift accident occurred:
Seek medical attention immediately.
Report the accident to your employer.
Gather information about how the accident occurred.
Collect witness contact information.
Take photographs of the scene if possible.
Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Avoid making statements to insurance companies before speaking with an accident lawyer.
Complex forklift accident cases may require expert testimony, including accident reconstruction specialists, to prove fault and establish damages.
What Our Clients Say
Why Hire a Philadelphia Forklift Accident Attorney
Forklift accidents often involve overlapping workers’ compensation and third-party personal injury claims. Choosing a lawyer who understands both areas of Pennsylvania law is critical.
At Larry Pitt & Associates:
- We focus on workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
- We protect the best interests of injured workers.
- We investigate thoroughly to determine if additional compensation is available.
- We negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.
- We prepare cases for court when necessary.
Most personal injury attorneys in Philadelphia work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
