Forklifts are a common source of accidents at construction sites, warehouses, factories and other industrial settings. If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, it is important to consult with an experienced Ohio workplace accident lawyer.
At Bashein & Bashein, our attorneys have significant experience handling cases involving forklift accidents and other workplace accidents. We can help you explore all avenues of compensation, to help you obtain the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills, wage loss and other hardships.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated Cleveland forklift accident lawyer.
Choose Our Forklift Accident Lawyers for Your Claim
- For decades, the lawyers at Bashein & Bashein have represented injured people across Ohio. With over $450 million recovered for our clients, we will fight diligently to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
- Our firm specializes in complex workers’ compensation cases, including forklift accidents. We will leverage our skills, knowledge, and resources to build a compelling case in your favor.
- We understand how painful forklift accidents can be. Our firm will handle your claim from start to finish so that you can focus on treatment and recovery.
Have You Been Injured I A Forklift Accident?
Forklifts are powerful machines designed to lift and carry hundreds of pounds of cargo. When forklifts are not safely operated or maintained, people working around them can suffer catastrophic injuries and even wrongful death.
We handle a wide range of forklift accidents, including those involving:
- Forklifts dropping cargo on workers
- Forklifts tipping over
- Forklifts colliding with workers or other vehicles
- Defective forklift components
- OSHA violations involving forklifts
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations into forklift accident cases and will work aggressively to help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
We can help you with all aspects of your workers’ compensation claim as well as a personal injury claim if your accident was caused by a negligent third party (not your employer or a fellow employee).
Common Injuries in Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents can be very painful for workers, leading to medical expenses and time away from work to heal from their accidents. In some cases, these accidents are sadly fatal. In 2020 alone, forklift accidents led to 78 work-related deaths and 7,290 injuries that involved days away from work.
Some of the most common injuries in forklift accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Amputated or mangled limbs
- Nerve damage
- Back and spine injuries
- Illness due to forklift exhaust
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio
The majority of people injured in forklift accidents are forklift operators or work around them daily. If you were involved in a forklift accident while on the job, you may be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim.
In Ohio, employers with at least one employee are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. The policy covers medical expenses, wage replacement, and other eligible benefits if a worker is injured while performing his or her job duties.
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio, it is important to take the following steps after your forklift accident:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible and save your medical records. Let your doctor know that you suffered an injury at work. You can see any doctor who is approved by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
- Next, report your accident to your employer as soon as possible and inform the BWC of your accident. Your employer will either provide you with the required First Report of an Injury, Occupational Disease, or Death (FROI) form or complete them on your behalf.
- Within 28 days after submitting your FROI form, the BWC will decide whether or not you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You can file an appeal after this stage if necessary.
When Can You File a Lawsuit After a Forklift Accident?
Ohio’s workers’ compensation laws protect employers from litigation in the event of a workplace injury. This means that you cannot usually file a lawsuit against your employer for a forklift accident. However, you may be eligible for litigation if a third party’s negligence caused your injuries, such as a co-worker or contractor.
For example, if one of your co-workers operates a forklift while intoxicated and crashes into you, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against him or her. If a mechanical defect caused your accident, you could pursue litigation against the manufacturer of the defective forklift.
An attorney from Bashein & Bashein can help you identify whether filing a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit is right for your case. We will carefully investigate your accident to identify your optimal path to financial recovery.
Was Your Accident A Result Of An OSHA Violation?
It is not uncommon for forklift accidents to result from violations of OSHA standards and regulations. Our attorneys explore accident scenes and other forms of evidence to uncover OSHA violations to bolster our clients’ claims.
Contact Us
Contact Bashein & Bashein at 216-771-3239 or toll-free 800-771-4457 for a free initial consultation with one of our firm’s knowledgeable Cleveland forklift accident lawyers.