Pittsburgh
Forklift Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. Pittsburgh Construction Accident Attorneys
2. Accidents Caused by Forklifts and Heavy Equipment
3. Who Could Be Liable for a Forklift Accident in Pittsburgh
4. Compensation for a Forklift Accident
5. What a Forklift Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Do for You
6. Call Berger and Green for Help with Your Injury Claim

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Pittsburgh Construction Accident Attorneys

The nature of construction work makes it dangerous. Heavy equipment and machinery, unstable ground, loud noises, and other safety hazards can cause accidents. When you are hurt in an accident caused by negligence, you might be eligible to file a personal injury claim.

Forklifts are a type of machinery that is useful in construction work, manufacturing, and warehouse work. These helpful machines allow construction workers or warehouse workers to lift and move heavy objects easily. But forklifts are heavy-duty equipment that can hurt people if not handled properly.

Construction accidents or warehouse accidents occur all too often, but many of these accidents could be prevented. Safety policies and better safety practices can decrease the occurrence of accidents.

If you were hurt in a construction accident or forklift accident, a Pittsburgh forklift accident lawyer at Berger and Green may be able to help. Call (412) 661-1400 to reach our firm and learn more about how we can help you file a claim after an accident.

Accidents Caused by Forklifts and Heavy Equipment

If you work in manufacturing, construction, or retail, you may need to use a forklift. Retail stores have to keep their items in a warehouse before they hit the shelves, and manufacturers have to store items before they send them to various destinations. Forklifts and other types of machinery are vital for moving goods.

Sadly, while these machines are extremely helpful, they can also be dangerous. People can be struck or crushed by forklifts. They can be run over or impaled. It is important to take every safety precaution possible when operating a forklift or working near one.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are a few more examples of potential forklift accidents:

• Falls off of a moving forklift
• Falls off of a forklift’s elevated platform
• Being struck or crushed by a falling load
• Tip-over accidents
• Being struck by a moving forklift

If you have been hurt in a forklift accident, filing a claim could bring you financial compensation. You could be compensated for your injuries, lost wages, mental distress, and medical bills. A Pittsburgh forklift accident lawyer at Berger and Green can help you file your claim. Call (412) 661-1400 to reach our office and speak to our legal team about your options for achieving justice.

Who Could Be Liable for a Forklift Accident in Pittsburgh

Liability refers to who is legally responsible for an accident. Sometimes, the person who caused the accident is not the one who is liable for it.

For instance, even if you were hurt in a forklift accident while you were operating the forklift, you might not be liable for the accident. Perhaps you were not properly trained to use the forklift. In that case, your company may be liable for the accident, for your injuries, and for any damages that resulted from the accident.

To figure out who is liable for a forklift accident, your lawyer can help you investigate. We can gather evidence to potentially help you prove fault. Even if you were operating the forklift, you may still be eligible to file a claim. You should talk to our firm to find out more information about the personal injury claim process.

Some parties that could be liable for a forklift accident include:

• A fellow employee
• A company
• The government
• A forklift manufacturer
• A forklift service/maintenance company
• A forklift vendor

If you are unsure of who is liable for your accident, remember that your lawyer may be able to help you determine this through an investigation.

Compensation for a Forklift Accident

In Pennsylvania, you have the right to file a claim for an accident caused by negligence under Pennsylvania Statute § 7102. You may want to talk to a lawyer about your legal options because you could have more than one avenue for obtaining compensation for a forklift accident.

For instance, you could be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim against your employer and file a personal injury claim against a forklift vendor. Your lawyer will know which options are available in your case.

Compensation for an accident could allow you to pay for medical bills related to your accident. You could receive funds to help pay your living expenses while you are recovering from your injuries.

The following list gives you an idea of what you could be compensated for when you win a personal injury claim:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Lost earning potential
• Medical treatment costs
• Lost life enjoyment
• Permanent injury
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Mental trauma
• Cost of physical therapy
• Cost of mental health treatment

What a Forklift Accident Lawyer May Be Able to Do for You

Filing a claim for a forklift accident is not easy. It requires legal knowledge, experience, resources, and perseverance. You have just been injured in an accident, and you need to concentrate on getting well. Your lawyer can do the hard work of filing a personal injury claim. We may be able to:

• Investigate your accident and collect evidence.
• Give you legal advice in an effort to improve your case outcome.
• Find out which party is liable and go after them through the civil claim process.
• Add up your losses to come up with an amount of compensation that is fair for your accident. We may then demand the insurer pay you this amount.
• Negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights and interests.
• Take your case to trial if that is what it takes to bring you justice.

Call Berger and Green for Help with Your Injury Claim

Forklift accidents and other construction accidents tend to be serious, and you could have extensive damages and injuries. Those responsible for your accident should be held to account for all you have suffered. Filing a claim may seem like a lot of work, but you are not on your own. Help is available at our law firm.

A Pittsburgh forklift accident lawyer with Berger and Green may assist you with investigating your accident, collecting evidence to prove fault, and helping you bring your claim. Call (412) 661-1400 to reach our firm and find out more about how a lawyer may be able to help you.