- Need Legal Help From a Brooklyn Forklift Accident Attorney?
- What Sets Us Apart From Other Forklift Accident Lawyers in Brooklyn?
- Do I Have a Case for My Forklift Accident?
- What Is My Forklift Accident Case Worth?
- Common Types of Injuries From Forklift Accident Claims
- How a Forklift Accident Attorney Can Help
- The Importance of Seeking Legal Help After an Injury in Brooklyn
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Forklift Accident Case in New York?
- What Is the Legal Process for Pursuing a Forklift Accident Case?
- What Is Considered Negligence in a Forklift Accident Case?
- Some of Our Construction Accident Case Results
- What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
- Types of Other Injury Cases We Handle
- Other Locations We Serve in New York
- Contact Our Brooklyn Forklift Accident Lawyers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Need Legal Help From a Brooklyn Forklift Accident Attorney?
After a forklift accident in Brooklyn, contacting a lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, can give you the legal support you need to protect your workers' compensation claim. Moreover, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation through a third-party injury claim.
What Sets Us Apart From Other Forklift Accident Lawyers in Brooklyn?
For over 50 years, WRSMH has been safeguarding the rights of injured construction workers in Brooklyn. You won't find a better forklift accident law firm in New York—give us a call!
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP | Forklift Accident Law Firm in Brooklyn
- We've won over two billion dollars for our clients!
- We have a perfect 10/10 AVVO score.
- Our firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine.
- Members: Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- We're AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell—the highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability.
- Our firm has been recognized as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report.
Been involved in a forklift accident in Brooklyn? Contact WRSMH at (212) 986-7353.
Do I Have a Case for My Forklift Accident?
Workers' compensation provides medical coverage, limited wage replacement, and other benefits when a construction worker is injured in a Brooklyn forklift accident. However, this is woefully inadequate for most victims of forklift accidents, especially if they're suffering from catastrophic injuries. The Brooklyn construction accident attorneys at WRSMH will investigate the accident and advise you about all the options to maximize your compensation.
What Is My Forklift Accident Case Worth?
Victims of forklift accidents may be eligible for various forms of compensation to help with recovery and managing financial burdens. Medical expenses are a primary concern, and a personal injury claim is designed to cover costs like hospital bills, medications, surgeries, and physical therapy. Long-term care needs, such as occupational therapy or home modifications for disabilities, may also be included.
Compensation for lost wages may be available if the injury prevents you from working. In cases where injuries impact future earning potential, additional compensation may be sought.
Forklift accident victims can also pursue noneconomic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Common Types of Injuries From Forklift Accident Claims
Forklift accidents in Brooklyn can result in a range of serious injuries, affecting various parts of the body, including:
- Paralysis
- Concussion
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
How a Forklift Accident Attorney Can Help
While workers' compensation may not fully address all impacts of a forklift accident, you may be eligible for additional compensation. WRSMH will file a claim against all third parties that share liability for your injuries. This may include:
- Equipment manufacturers (if defects contributed to the accident)
- Equipment vendors who provided faulty equipment
- Contractors and subcontractors responsible for construction site hazards
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions
- Vehicle drivers who caused a collision
The Importance of Seeking Legal Help After an Injury in Brooklyn
WRSMH will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your case during your free consultation. Then, we'll explain your legal rights and outline potential courses of action. Throughout this process, your Brooklyn forklift accident attorneys serve as trusted advocates, working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for their clients.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Forklift Accident Case in New York?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for initiating a lawsuit. For personal injury claims in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Usually, missing this deadline results in losing the right to seek compensation through the courts.
Call Now to Schedule Your Free Consultation: (212) 986-7353
What Is the Legal Process for Pursuing a Forklift Accident Case?
Consulting with a forklift accident attorney in Brooklyn is the best way to make sure all documentation is correctly filed and on time. They can also provide advice and legal representation if your workers' compensation claim is denied.
In New York, injured workers must notify their employer about the injury within 30 days of the accident. Failing to provide timely notice can jeopardize your ability to claim benefits. After notification, you must file a workers' compensation claim with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board within two years of the accident date. This claim should detail the event that caused your injuries and include medical documentation supporting your injury.
Learn More During Your Free Consultation
Your free consultation with WRSMH is your chance to share your story. You'll have the opportunity to discuss the details of your accident in a comfortable setting. Our lawyers will explain your legal rights and the possible outcomes of filing injury claims.
We will review any evidence you provide, such as accident reports and medical records, and evaluate the severity of your injuries and the impact they've had on your life. This session is not just about gathering information—it's about preparing you for the legal journey ahead. It's also an opportunity to get to know us better so you can decide if we're a good fit for you.
We Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
Gathering critical evidence is essential for building a strong forklift accident claim. This process begins at the accident scene, where photographs or videos of the site, equipment, and any visible injuries can provide invaluable visual documentation. We'll collect witness statements to bolster your claim and obtain internal company documents, such as maintenance records and safety protocols, to reveal any lapses in safety standards or equipment upkeep. Medical records detailing the extent of your injuries and the medical treatments you require are also used to substantiate damages caused by the accident. Additionally, specialist testimony from safety inspectors or medical professionals can be used to strengthen your case.
We'll Negotiate Your Claim
The goal of negotiations is to reach a settlement that covers your expenses. The insurance company might try to downplay your injuries or attempt to evade liability for their client's actions, but our attorneys will remain persistent. We'll organize the evidence we've collected to present a compelling case that highlights the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the liability of the parties involved. If the other side insists on dragging their feet, we may advise proceeding to trial.
What Is Considered Negligence in a Forklift Accident Case?
The type of negligence that causes forklift accidents in Brooklyn is typically inadequate training or poor maintenance practices. When operators disregard safety protocols, they risk causing forklift collisions and rollovers. Overloading forklifts is another critical factor that can lead to accidents. Sudden turns or abrupt stops can also lead to tip-overs, especially if the load is not adequately secured.
Additionally, poor lighting and lack of visibility may contribute to these cases. This risk can be reduced by installing mirrors, cameras, and adequate lighting sources to enhance visibility.
Regular maintenance is also required to prevent accidents. Routine checks help identify potential mechanical issues like brake failures, hydraulic leaks, or steering problems before they lead to accidents. Maintenance records provide valuable insights into the forklift's condition over time, and they should be used by managers to make informed decisions about repairs or replacements.
Some of Our Construction Accident Case Results
$1.95 Million | Forklift Operator Injured by Improperly Stacked Merchandise
WRSMH attorney Bill Hepner secured a $1.95 million damages award for a client injured in a work-related accident during binding arbitration. Our client, who was unable to file a claim against his employer due to Worker's Compensation Law, sued the produce delivery company that improperly stacked boxes in his truck, leading him to sustain three herniated discs while attempting to push merchandise by hand. Despite our client having prior back issues, Hepner successfully argued that the injury was substantially caused by the defendant's negligence. Our client underwent fusion surgery and additional procedures due to post-operative complications. Although our client was partially at fault for voluntarily pushing the boxes, Hepner's trucking professional convinced a three-judge panel that the defendant's negligence was a key factor in the injury.
$1.5 Million | Ironworker Injured by Temporary Fence Installation
WRSMH attorney Douglas Milch obtained a settlement in the amount of $1,500,000 (and a waiver of over $200,000 in workers' compensation liens) for our client, an ironworker whose previous attorneys had secured an offer of less than $50,000. Our client injured his cervical spine after being struck by a temporary fence at his job site. The fence had been blown over by a gust of wind at a notoriously windy construction site. Douglas was able to settle the matter despite the accident taking place 8 years prior.
$900,000 | Construction Worker Injured From Ladder Fall on Construction Site
WRSMH attorney Jay Wechsler settled a case for $900,000. Our client was a construction worker who fell from a ladder at a construction site. Our client suffered injuries to his ankle, which required surgery. Jay was granted summary judgment and was able to settle this case in a challenging venue and obtain an excellent result for his client.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
"I Just Can't Say Enough Good Things About This Firm" - Peter Desiderio (5-Star Google Review)
I was hit by someone else's material falling from above on a construction site. From the moment I started dealing with [WRSMH], I knew I was in good hands. [My attorney] went above and beyond on even the smallest detail. He helped me with everything, from finding the right doctors to settling my case with the least amount of added stress to me in a very fashionable and timely manner. I just can't say enough good things about this firm. They must have written the book on how this is all supposed to work. For the life of me, I never thought that my dilemma could go so smoothly and I would be so happy with the results. Thank you so much.
"I am Very Glad That I Had Such a [Good] Lawyer." - Gennady K. (5-Star Yelp Review)
Kenneth Halperin, with his paralegal Oksana Tarasova, [helped] me very much. I got [injured in] construction in NY. I was waiting for a trial with my employer to get money for damages. Keneth Halperin was my lawyer. But, suddenly, my mother died. She lived in another country. I had to return to my country. Later, I tried to get a visa to America, but [the] USA embassy refused me. I thought I would never get paid for my injuries. But my lawyer made the settlement with my employer and received the money. Later, he sent [the] money to me in my country. I am very glad that I had such a [good] lawyer. He is a very honest person. Everyone can trust him completely. Thank you very much.
Types of Other Injury Cases We Handle
Other Locations We Serve in New York
Contact Our Brooklyn Forklift Accident Lawyers
Reach out to our law firm to discuss your case today—call (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a forklift accident attorney in New York?
It doesn't cost you anything to hire WRSMH, and you won't owe us any money unless we win you a settlement.
Do I have to go to court to get a good settlement?
Not necessarily. Many personal injury cases are settled through negotiations, and a lot of defendants would rather settle than face WRSMH in court.
What should I do after a forklift accident in New York?
Report the accident to your supervisor, file a claim with the Department of Buildings (DOB), and see a doctor right away. You'll also want to take pictures of the accident site, including the forklift involved, and collect contact information from all witnesses.
Is it possible to get extra compensation in addition to my workers' comp benefits?
Maybe. You have the right to seek compensation in a Brooklyn personal injury case if a negligent third party contributed to your injuries. This could include equipment manufacturers, property owners, drivers, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment vendors.
Do I have to accept the first offer I get from the insurance company?
No! In fact, WRSMH advises against this. Instead, we'll negotiate a settlement seeking to maximize your compensation.