Compensation for Loading Dock Forklift Accidents in Illinois

Loading dock forklift accidents, such as those that may happen in Bolingbrook warehouses or Chicago restaurants, can result in life-changing injuries. Our law firm aggressively negotiates on behalf of forklift crash victims, ensuring they receive a fair settlement that covers both current and future needs. Contact us today for a free consultation about your rights. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

$990,000: Valerie, a construction worker, was struck by a Lake View dock worker operating a forklift without the proper credentials, resulting in spinal cord damage.

$750,000: Ray, a truck driver, was injured at a Gold Coast loading dock while unloading his trailer, suffering broken bones and a head injury.

Why Choose Us for Your Case

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our credentials speak for themselves. We have secured over $490 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients, with a 98% success rate across over 5,000 cases. We have an A+ BBB rating and a 10/10 AVVO rating, underscoring our commitment to aggressive legal advocacy.

Common Types of Loading Dock Accidents Involving Forklifts

We handle a wide variety of dock separation accidents, including:

• Pedestrian collisions
• Forklift driving off the vacant dock
• Trailer creep due to forklift operations
• Load tipovers during high stacking
• Falls from defective dock plates or ramps
• Crush injuries between forklift and trailer or dock wall
• Falls when the truck driver pulls away from the dock
• Trailer tip-overs and falls
• Failure to secure trucks while loading or unloading

What Causes Forklift Crashes on Loading Docks?

Common causes of forklift crashes at loading docks include:

• Early departure due to poor communication
• Missing safety measures like wheel chocks, vehicle restraints, and safety barriers
• Untrained forklift operators
• Missing dock levelers and ramps
• Speeding and aggressive pullout 
• Unsafe work environment with poor hazard communication
• Malfunctioning lift trucks or material handling equipment
• Slick and uneven dock surfaces
• Blind spots and lack of spotters
• Poor lighting 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Failing to Prevent Loading Dock Accidents and Injuries?

Potentially liable parties include:

• Negligent employers who did not provide adequate safety measures or training
• Third-party delivery drivers or subcontractors
• Property owners, property management companies, and warehouses
• Forklift manufacturers for equipment failure
• Loading dock equipment manufacturers, such as broken levelers and ramps

What Injuries Are Common in Forklift-Related Loading Dock Accidents?

Forklift accidents can result in severe injuries, including:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions, head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries, particularly in falls
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Ankle, leg, wrist, pelvic, and rib fractures
• Internal organ damage

What Damages Can Dock Separation Accident Victims Recover in Illinois?

You have several potential claims you can file depending on the circumstances. Many businesses are required to provide workers’ comp benefits for forklift employees, which would compensate you for medical bills and a portion of your lost wages.

In addition to medical bills and lost wages, third-party forklift injury lawsuits can compensate you for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death forklift accident claim. This will cover expenses incurred prior to death, as well as funeral and burial costs, grief, and loss of companionship. 

What Is the Average Payout for Loading Dock Forklift Crashes in Illinois?

The average payout for a forklift injury is $1,296,329, with a median of $732,658. Your payout will depend on injury severity, liability, available insurance, and overall damages. 

Example Cases

Timothy McDonald was standing on a Chicago loading dock when a forklift operator backed over him, breaking his leg and ankle. He was awarded $3,600,000.00 in a mediated settlement.

Rolandas Buckiunas was operating a forklift in Romeoville, helping to unload merchandise. The truck’s early departure led to his falling and the lift crushing his leg. He settled for $970,000.00. 

How Common Are Loading Dock Forklift Collisions in Chicago?

Since 2020, forklift injury statistics have revealed 11 incidents at the state and federal levels in Chicago. 

Where Do Dock Separation Accidents Occur Most Often in Illinois?

Common locations include:

• Bolingbrook distribution centers
• Amazon warehouses in Chicago
• Costco loading docks in Schaumburg
• Gold Coast construction sites
• Big box grocery stores in Oak Park
• Home improvement stores in Evanston

What Laws Govern Loading Dock Forklift Injury Claims in Illinois?

Workers’ Compensation: This provides medical and income benefits to employees, and it is a no-fault system (820 ILCS 305).

Premises Liability: Property owners can be liable if they did not provide adequate safety measures for invitees (740 ILCS 130/).

Product Liability: Equipment manufacturers can be held accountable for unsafe products (735 ILCS 5/2-21).

Joint Tortfeasor Liability: The law allows you to hold multiple parties accountable for injuries (740 ILCS 100/).

Wrongful Death: Surviving loved ones can sue for funeral and burial expenses (740 ILCS 180/).

OSHA Forklift Loading Dock Safety Guidelines

According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, you should always follow these guidelines when operating forklifts near loading docks:

• Maintain a safe distance from the loading dock.
• Keep workspaces clean and clear of obstructions.
• Paint the loading dock edge to improve visibility.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For employer insurance claims, you have three years from the date of injury or two years after your last paycheck, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6(d)).

Common Defenses in Illinois Forklift Accident Cases at Loading Docks

We will use evidence like site inspections, surveillance footage, OSHA standards, and expert testimony to counter all defenses, which can include:

• The employee didn’t follow the safety guidelines
• Forklift operator was acting unsafely
• Forklift was tampered with post-sale
• Plaintiff was outside of pedestrian safety barriers

How to Strengthen Your Loading Dock Forklift Injury Case

• Immediately report the incident to your supervisors.
• Document the scene, including the loading dock layout and any warning signs.
• Seek immediate medical attention at the closest emergency room.
• Do not discuss the incident on social media or with third parties.
• Preserve evidence, such as boots, clothing, and PPE.

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

Our Chicago forklift injury lawyers will assist you with every aspect of your case, including:

• Investigating third parties and equipment manufacturers
• Filing and appealing claims
• Consulting with forklift, truck, and loading dock safety experts
• Aggressively negotiating for full and fair compensation
• Litigating in Cook County courts if insurers fail to pay

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win. Contact our Chicago workplace injury lawyers today for your free consultation.