Common Forklift Injuries

Common forklift injuries can result in missed work time, medical expenses, and other financial losses. When people get hurt in forklift accidents in Illinois, they can turn to us for legal assistance.

Our Chicago forklift accident law firm will help you navigate the legal process of obtaining compensation, whether it comes through a forklift accident workers’ compensation claim or a third-party injury lawsuit.

The Most Common Injuries Sustained in Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents can be extremely dangerous because they often involve a significant amount of weight. There is a reason why operators must be certified before using forklifts. 

Here are some common forklift injuries that occur in Illinois workplaces, including warehouses, construction sites, and distribution centers:

• Crush injuries: Can happen when a forklift rolls over or when someone gets pinned between the machine and another surface
• Fractures and broken bones: The injuries are common when forklift accidents involve tipping equipment or fallen loads
• Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A worker who is ejected or hit by falling objects from an elevated load could suffer serious injuries to their head
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: If a forklift runs someone over or ejects the driver, they could experience devastating back injuries
• Lacerations and amputations: Contact with forklift components or secured pallets may cause lacerations or worse
• Internal organ damage: A high-impact collision or getting run over can lead to serious internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains): Muscles, ligaments, and tendons may be damaged when lifting objects improperly or engaging in sudden movements
• Psychological trauma: In serious or fatal accidents involving forklifts.

Forklift accident statistics between 2021 and 2022 reveal that approximately 24,960 cases resulted in workers missing time at work, changing their job duties, or being transferred. The median number of days away from work due to forklift accident injuries was 22.

The most common types of forklift injury claims in these forklift accidents were contusions, soreness, chronic pain, sprains, strains, and tears.

Injuries to Bystanders and Non-Forklift Operators

Many injuries that occur in warehouse forklift accidents do not affect the operators. Often, the injured party is another warehouse worker, a loader, or a site visitor. These types of incidents typically occur when a forklift is driving in reverse or when a load falls off the fork.

This is why operators must obtain their license to drive these vehicles. Accidents can occur for numerous reasons, so drivers must exercise caution and remain attentive to their surroundings and load capacities. 

Common Forklift Accidents Leading to Injuries

Forklift accidents can cause serious workplace injuries in various commercial environments in Illinois.

Here are some of the most common causes of forklift accidents that could lead to workers’ compensation claims or third-party lawsuits:

• A forklift tips forward or rolls over because it was overloaded
• An unsecured load falls over and hits either the forklift driver or another nearby individual
• Pedestrian collisions occur when the operator is unaware of passersby in the loading area
• A forklift collides with another object, such as a product shelf, a piece of equipment, or a vehicle
• A forklift driver falls from the seat
• A mechanical failure, such as the brakes, leads to an accident
• A worker gets caught in the moving parts during forklift operation
• The area is not well-ventilated, leading to emissions poisoning from the forklift’s exhaust
• The driver is operating the forklift at too high a speed, resulting in a collision
• The driver operates a forklift in an unauthorized area, putting others at risk who would otherwise be safe

The cause of the accident will be a crucial factor for any legal action. This is why reporting the incident immediately and following proper procedures is wise, so you can prepare for future claims. 

The Importance of Forklift Operator Training and Forklift Safety Guidelines in Preventing Injuries

Forklifts must adhere to strict standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These restrictions encompass all aspects of forklift operation, including design specifications, safety rules, speed limitations, loading capacities, forklift operator training, maintenance requirements, and fuel handling. 

All these guidelines are designed to keep everyone safe when a forklift is being used. If an employee fails to follow speed limitations or loading procedures, they may be placing themselves and others at risk, especially in busy industrial jobsites settings.

An experienced forklift accident lawyer will help you understand how forklift violations may have caused your serious injuries to establish liability.

Seeking Compensation for Forklift Injuries

Serious forklift accidents can have devastating consequences for injured victims. Whether you are the driver, a nearby employee, or a pedestrian, improper forklift use could lead to physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

Fortunately, you can seek compensation for forklift injuries in Illinois. 

Workers’ Compensation

If you are an employee who has been hurt on the job, you will likely file for workers’ compensation benefits. This is a type of insurance that employers are required to carry to support workers who are injured or become ill while on the job. You can receive benefits such as lost wages, medical bills, disability, and employment retraining costs. 

To file a forklift accident workers’ compensation claim, you must report your forklift injuries to the employer as soon as possible. Gather evidence of the accident, such as witness statements, photos of the scene, or surveillance footage. 

Then, you can file your claim through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission website. Be sure to respond to all queries regarding your claim status. 

If you have a complex case that involves common forklift injuries, you may need a legal team to help you secure workers’ compensation benefits. IL Work Injury Lawyer will represent your interests and ensure you receive fair benefits based on your economic losses.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you are not an employee and you suffered forklift injuries, you can seek compensation through a forklift injury lawsuit. This is also possible if you are an injured worker who was hurt by a third party. For an Illinois forklift injury claim, you must prove negligence to recover economic or non-economic damages.

When you pursue a personal injury claim, working with experienced lawyers will give you the best chance of success. These attorneys will help you build a strong legal claim by gathering evidence, investigating the incident, consulting experts, negotiating with insurance companies, and even representing you in court if necessary. 

Proving negligence in this type of case will require four elements:

• Duty of care – The defendant had a level of responsibility to prevent the incident
• Breach of duty – The defendant violated their duty of care
• Causation – There is a causal link between their actions and the accident
• Legal damages – You suffered economic or non-economic losses as a direct result of the accident

Your attorney will play a major role in establishing negligence. You can rely on their expertise in gathering proof of your injuries and legal damages.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel

Forklift accidents can be confusing for injured victims to navigate. Whether you are the forklift driver, another employee, a customer, or a passerby, you have the right to seek compensation if you have been injured in a forklift accident. 

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we have decades of experience helping clients who have suffered due to forklift accidents. Whether your injuries were caused by an elevated load falling from the fork or a driver operating the machine at high speeds, our team knows what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve. 

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not owe anything unless we secure a settlement on your behalf. Additionally, our firm offers a free consultation, allowing you to ask questions about your claim and the legal process. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation regarding your forklift accident in Illinois

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Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld

Content legally reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld The information on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld, founder and managing partner of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. With extensive experience representing injured workers across Illinois, Mr. Rosenfeld is dedicated to helping workplace accident victims pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. His extensive legal knowledge and commitment to client advocacy ensure that the information provided is accurate, reliable, and aligned with current legal standards.

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