Forklifts are among the most dangerous pieces of equipment in any workplace, and accidents involving them can result in injuries that require surgery, extended time off work, and long-term medical care. If you were hurt on the job, a Findlay forklift injury lawyer at our firm can help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you need to recover.
Filing a workers’ comp claim after a forklift accident can be more complicated than it first appears. Employers sometimes dispute whether the accident happened in the course of employment, and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation may question whether your injuries require the treatment your doctor has recommended. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will respond to any disputes on your behalf and make sure the process moves forward while you focus on recovering.
Forklifts weigh several times more than a passenger vehicle, and the injuries they cause reflect that. A tip-over can trap an operator under thousands of pounds of machinery, a struck pedestrian may sustain crushing injuries to the legs or spine, and a falling load can cause traumatic brain injuries or worse.
What makes forklift accidents particularly serious from a legal standpoint is the range of injuries involved and how long recovery can take. Common outcomes of forklift accidents include:
Under Ohio Revised Code § 4123.56, injured workers who cannot return to work due to a forklift injury may be entitled to temporary total disability compensation equal to 66 and two-thirds percent of their average weekly wage. A Findlay forklift injury attorney can make sure this and all other available benefits are properly pursued on your behalf.
A workers’ compensation claim in Findlay covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, but it is not always the only avenue available. When a third party’s negligence contributed to the accident, a separate claim outside the workers’ compensation system may also apply.
Third-party liability in Findlay forklift cases can arise when the equipment itself had a design or manufacturing defect, when a contractor or subcontractor operating on the same site caused the accident, or when a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment. These claims allow injured workers to pursue damages beyond what workers’ comp provides, including compensation for pain and suffering and the full value of lost earning capacity. Schaffer & Associates can evaluate whether a third-party claim applies to your situation alongside your workers’ comp case.
The steps you take in the days immediately following a forklift accident can affect your ability to recover full benefits. You should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek treatment from a BWC-certified physician. Your employer is required to file a First Report of Injury with the BWC, and your medical care should be documented thoroughly from the first visit.
Preserve any evidence you can access. Photographs of the accident scene, the equipment involved, and any visible injuries can be valuable later if the claim is disputed. Our forklift injury attorneys in Findlay are ready to step in and take over the legal side of your claim so you can focus on recovery.
If you were injured in a forklift accident in Findlay or the surrounding area, contact us today for a free consultation. A Findlay forklift injury lawyer at Schaffer & Associates is ready to help you get the benefits and compensation you deserve.