Compensation for Warehouse Forklift Accidents in Illinois

Representing Victims Injured in Forklift Accidents in Illinois Warehouses

Our the most common causes of forklift accidents”>award-winning forklift injury law firm in Chicago has earned over $490 million in settlements and verdicts across 5,000 cases, including those for warehouse forklift accidents. If forklift operators or other workers have ignored safety regulations and endangered you, contact us for a free consultation about your legal rights. 

Forklift Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

$11,000,000: Jose, a temporary employee, was crushed to death in a Humboldt Park distribution center. We held the warehouse staff accountable despite arguments that he was in a restricted area. 

$4,400,000: Operator Herman suffered from a crushed pelvis and legs when the rig tipped over. We showed that the Gold Coast facility did not provide adequate forklift operator training. 

Types of Cases We Handle

• Struck by forklift while walking
• Runover incidents during transportation
• Load drops
• Tipovers while riding
• Crush incidents
• Falls from docks due to collisions

What Are the Most Common Causes of Workplace Forklift-Related Accidents?

Workplace safety incidents are not always accidents; they are often a result of a breach of protocol. Causes of forklift injuries include:

• Lack of safety training
• Defective equipment
• Overloading or unbalanced loads
• Failure to communicate safety issues
• Lack of backup alarms or mirrors
• Reckless driving
• Lack of warning signs, pedestrian safety zones, or barriers
• Slick or uneven floors and ramps

What Are the Most Common Forklift Injuries?

When these accidents happen, victims are often left with extensive rehabilitation and disability, due to forklift injuries:

• Broken legs, ankles, and arms
• Crushing and compartment syndrome
• Amputations
• Concussions and head trauma
• Spinal cord damage
• Facial damage
• Burns from hazardous materials

What Is the Average Payout for a Warehouse Forklift Injury in Illinois?

The average payout for a forklift accident is $3,121,218, with payouts ranging from $120,000 to $13,045,776. Your compensation will depend on liability, evidence, insurance policies, and overall expenses. 

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Rolandas Buckiunas was unloading a tractor-trailer in Romeoville when the forklift tipped over. His leg was crushed and had to be amputated. The company’s insurance settled for $970,000.00. 

Donald Schiesher was waiting for his truck to be loaded when a negligent forklift driver shoved him with the rig, damaging his colon. He settled for $495,316.00 after arguing that with proper training and hazard communication, this incident would not have occurred.

How Common Are Forklift-Related Accidents at Warehouses?

OSHA requires all work-related incidents that result in serious injury to be reported. Since 2020, OSHA has received 27 reports of forklift-related accidents in Chicago, six of which were fatal.

Where Do Warehouse Forklift Injuries Happen Most Often in Illinois?

Common locations for these accidents include:

• Chicago industrial districts, such as Pullman, McKinley Park, and near I-55/I-290
• Amazon, FedEx, and UPS distribution centers
• Suburban distribution centers in Joliet, Elgin, Bolingbrook, Aurora, and Naperville
• Airport cargo hubs at O’Hare and Midway

What Laws Govern Injury Claims in Illinois?

OSHA forklift standards require that all operators have the appropriate training and certifications (29 CFR 1910.178). Illinois laws allow you to hold multiple parties accountable for accidents, including employees, companies, and manufacturers (740 ILCS 100/). 

If you are hurt at work, you may be eligible for reimbursement of lost wages and medical expenses through your employer’s insurance (740 ILCS 130/). 

Those who were not employed by the negligent business can sue under premises liability laws for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage (740 ILCS 130/). Wrongful death damages can also include burial expenses and grief (740 ILCS 180/).

Employees typically have 3 years after the accident or 2 years after the last payment to sue, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6(d)). Non-affiliated victims have two years to sue (735 ILCS 5/13-202). 

Who Is Legally Liable for a Forklift Accident in a Warehouse?

We can hold a variety of parties accountable for lack of training, risk mitigation, or upholding safety standards, including:

• Employers
• General contractors and managers
• Property owners
• Manufacturers
• Third-party vendors
• Delivery drivers

Common Defenses in Illinois Accident Cases

Defenses our skilled attorneys often see include:

• The victim was responsible under comparative negligence laws 
• Emplower provided proper training and safety equipment
• The equipment was not defective
• Plaintiff was unauthorized for that procedure

Our attorneys will lead with strong evidence, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, and expert testimony, to counter these defenses.

How to Strengthen Your Accident Case

It’s essential that you act quickly after these incidents, both to ensure your safety and improve your case. Follow these steps: 

• Visit the emergency room as soon as possible, even if you do not have severe injuries.
• Report the incident to your supervisor or the site manager.
• Preserve clothing, footwear, witness information, and accident scene footage.
• Do not speak to insurance agents or other third parties without your attorney.
• Contact a skilled law firm for a consultation. 

How an Illinois Industrial Accident Lawyer Can Help

We handle workman’s comp and third-party claims by investigating potential hazards, preserving evidence, filing complaints with regulatory agencies, and consulting with experts like doctors and safety consultants. Our team negotiates aggressively for a fair settlement and prepares each case as if we will go to trial, which gives you the best possible chance of a successful lawsuit. 

FAQs

How much does a work injury lawyer cost in Illinois?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only owe us if we win your case.

Who can file a forklift accident lawsuit in Illinois?

Potential plaintiffs include injured employees, bystanders, independent contractors, and surviving family members of a deceased victim. 

Can I sue if I’m receiving workers’ compensation?

You may still be able to sue if a third party, such as a manufacturer or subcontractor, was partially responsible for the accident. However, you cannot sue your employer while also receiving benefits. 

Book a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love was injured in a forklift-related accident, our Chicago workplace injury lawyers will fight for you. At IL Work Injury Lawyer, you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us for a free consultation.