Common Causes of Forklift Accidents in Ohio Workplaces

Forklifts are essential tools in warehouses, construction sites, and factories across Ohio, but they also present real safety risks when operated or maintained improperly. Each year, thousands of forklift-related injuries are reported nationwide. According to OSHA, forklift accidents result in approximately 85 fatalities and nearly 35,000 serious injuries annually.

In Ohio, the most frequent causes of forklift accidents include:

  • Operator error — often due to lack of training or fatigue
  • Improper load handling — carrying unbalanced or oversized materials
  • Poor maintenance — malfunctioning brakes, steering, or hydraulics
  • Unsafe work environments — narrow aisles, cluttered floors, and inadequate lighting
  • Falls from the forklift — either by the operator or nearby workers

Forklift injuries can range from sprains and fractures to traumatic brain injuries or even fatalities. When these accidents happen on the job, workers compensation typically covers the resulting medical bills and lost wages—but the process is not always straightforward.

How Workers Compensation Works in Ohio

Workers compensation is a no-fault system, meaning injured employees do not have to prove their employer was negligent. In Ohio, nearly all employers are required to carry workers comp insurance, and injured workers are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident, whether it was the worker, a co-worker, or a mechanical failure.

Workers comp benefits may include:

However, just because the system is designed to support injured workers doesn’t mean benefits are automatic. Initial claims can be denied due to missed deadlines, incomplete documentation, or disputes over the severity or cause of the injury.

Why You Should Consider a Workers Comp Lawyer After a Forklift Injury

While some forklift-related injuries may result in quick, straightforward claims, many don’t. Insurance companies often look for ways to limit payouts, and employers may challenge the validity of a claim, especially if it could impact their premiums.

A qualified workers compensation attorney can help ensure:

  • All necessary evidence is submitted — including witness statements, incident reports, and medical records
  • Deadlines are met — Ohio has strict filing timeframes, and missing one could jeopardize your case
  • You’re not pressured into a low settlement — insurers may offer a quick payout that doesn’t cover long-term costs
  • Your rights are protected if complications arise — such as when returning to work or being told you’re fit before you’ve healed

Forklift injuries can lead to permanent disability or chronic pain. Having a workers comp lawyer in Ohio can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.

Additional Legal Options Outside of Workers Compensation

Workers compensation usually bars employees from suing their employer directly, but there are exceptions. If your forklift accident involved a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may have a valid personal injury claim in addition to your workers comp benefits.

For example:

  • If a forklift malfunctioned due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be held liable
  • If a contractor on the job site created a hazard that led to your injury, they could be responsible
  • If the property where the forklift was operated was unsafe and not maintained by your employer, the property owner might share fault

In these cases, a workers compensation lawyer in Ohio can evaluate whether a third-party liability lawsuit is appropriate. These claims may allow for additional compensation not available through workers comp, such as pain and suffering or full wage reimbursement.

What to Do Immediately After a Forklift Accident

Taking the right steps after a workplace injury can protect your health and your legal rights:

  1. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
  2. Seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor
  3. Document everything—photos of the scene, equipment involved, and your injuries
  4. Request a copy of the incident report filed with your employer
  5. Speak with a workers compensation attorney if you’re unsure about how to proceed

Ohio has a one-year deadline for filing a workers compensation claim. Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to build a strong case and avoid common pitfalls that lead to denial.

How a Workers Compensation Attorney Can Maximize Your Benefits

Navigating Ohio’s Bureau of Workers' Compensation system can be complex. A seasoned attorney can manage the entire claims process, advocate on your behalf, and negotiate for fair compensation.

Here’s what a workers comp attorney in Ohio will typically do:

  • Review your medical records and employer documentation
  • File your First Report of Injury (FROI) and all subsequent paperwork
  • Represent you at Industrial Commission hearings, if needed
  • Appeal a denied claim or challenge an inadequate benefit offer
  • Coordinate with doctors and vocational experts if your injury affects future employment

Legal representation also ensures you’re treated fairly when independent medical exams (IMEs) are required. These are often used by insurers to dispute your need for ongoing care.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you were hurt in a forklift accident at work, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is committed to standing up for injured workers across Ohio. Our team understands how overwhelming the workers comp process can feel, especially when you're recovering from a serious injury.

We offer straightforward legal advice and aggressive representation to help you get the benefits and support you’re entitled to. Whether your claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, we’re ready to help you fight back.

Don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Ohio workers compensation attorney.

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