Forklift Accidents Attorney in Buffalo, NY

Forklifts are essential in many Buffalo workplaces, but when accidents occur, they often result in some of the most serious injuries. Workers injured in forklift accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. From traumatic brain injuries and broken bones to paralysis, these accidents can be life-altering. If you’ve been hurt in a forklift accident, working with an experienced workplace accident lawyer in Buffalo, NY, is the best way to protect your rights and pursue the recovery you deserve.

Many workers throughout Buffalo face extremely challenging and hazardous jobs every day. Many of these involve the use of forklifts. Forklift accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones, and even paralysis. If you have been injured in a forklift accident, it is crucial to work with a workplace accident lawyer who can advocate for your financial recovery.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents can happen in an instant, and many share the same root causes. In Buffalo workplaces, some of the most common factors behind these dangerous incidents include:

• Inadequate operator training that leaves drivers unprepared for safe handling
• Unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding or cutting corners in crowded areas
• Faulty or poorly maintained machinery that increases the risk of breakdowns
• Overloaded or unstable forklifts that tip easily or spill heavy cargo
• Pedestrian accidents caused by lack of separation or poor communication in busy warehouses
• Improperly secured or stacked loads, leading to falling objects and crush injuries
• Hazardous worksite conditions, such as slick floors or blocked aisles
• Failure to properly secure the forklift when parked, allowing for an unexpected rollaway
• Distracted or overworked operators who may miss critical safety steps

Each of these risks is preventable through proper training, maintenance, and adherence to workplace safety protocols. When employers or equipment operators cut corners, injured workers may be entitled to file a compensation claim.

Is Workers’ Compensation Available After a Forklift Accident?

Generally speaking, workers’ compensation is available for injured workers after a forklift accident. The benefits available under workers’ compensation will only cover your medical expenses and a percentage of your lost income. The system is no-fault in New York, so you can still obtain compensation if you contributed to or caused the accident.

Workers’ compensation claims can be challenging to file, despite the no-fault system. There are many deadlines you must meet, and your employer or the insurance company representing them may argue that you are not entitled to benefits. It is always essential to work with a Buffalo forklift accidents lawyer who can help you navigate the process, so your benefits are not at risk.

Determining Liability for a Forklift Accident

There are times when you may be able to step outside of the workers’ compensation system to obtain full compensation for your injuries and other losses. This is when a third party, unrelated to your employer, caused the accident. The )Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined many safety standards for forklift operations. When these requirements are not met, certain parties may be held liable. They include:

• Owners of construction sites who do not correct or warn of dangerous conditions on the property
• General contractors and subcontractors who fail to oversee or enforce safety standards
• Forklift manufacturers who make defective vehicles
• Forklift rental companies that do not adequately maintain their vehicles

Determining who is liable for a forklift accident is not easy. For example, you may think a negligent forklift operator caused your crash without knowing the brakes in the equipment were defective. A Buffalo forklift accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable for paying the damages you deserve.

Our Forklift Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo Can Advise On Your Options

Whether you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party, our Buffalo forklift accidents lawyer can help. At Sawers & Sackel, our experienced attorneys can advise you of your legal options, determine which route is most appropriate for your case, and help you through the process so you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at 716-456-8962 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.