Forklifts play a vital role in Pennsylvania’s warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. But while these machines improve efficiency, they also introduce serious safety risks. Forklift accidents often result in life-altering injuries—and in some cases, fatalities. If you or someone you love has been injured in a forklift-related incident on the job in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand your rights under the state's workers’ compensation system.

Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in Pennsylvania. This system is designed to support injured workers with wage replacement and medical coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, securing benefits is not always simple, especially when the injury involves a forklift.

How Forklift Accidents Happen in Pennsylvania Workplaces

Forklift injuries can occur in a variety of ways, and many result from preventable hazards. According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents are responsible for roughly 85 deaths and over 34,000 serious injuries every year across the United States.

Common causes of forklift-related injuries include:

  • Overturns or tip-overs: One of the most dangerous scenarios. These often happen when the forklift is operated on an incline, driven too fast, or carrying a load that exceeds its capacity.
  • Struck-by incidents: Pedestrians may be hit by moving forklifts due to blind spots, poor lighting, or lack of warning signals.
  • Falling loads: Improperly stacked or unbalanced loads can fall, crushing workers nearby.
  • Forklift malfunctions: Brake failures, steering issues, or hydraulic problems can turn routine tasks into emergencies.
  • Operator error or lack of training: Inexperienced operators are more likely to make dangerous mistakes, such as taking corners too fast or failing to account for weight distribution.

Forklift accidents are not limited to drivers. Co-workers, contractors, and even supervisors can be injured if safety practices are ignored.

Types of Injuries Caused by Forklifts

The injuries sustained in forklift accidents range from moderate to catastrophic. In Pennsylvania workplaces, some of the most common injuries include:

These injuries often lead to extended recovery times, lost income, and long-term physical limitations.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system provides medical care and partial wage replacement for employees injured on the job. Forklift accident victims are generally covered, as long as the injury occurred in the course of employment.

Here’s what workers may be entitled to:

Medical Coverage

Workers’ comp pays for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury. This includes:

  • Emergency treatment
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Follow-up appointments

However, injured workers must see an employer-approved provider for the first 90 days if their employer has posted a list of designated physicians.

Wage Replacement

Employees who miss more than seven days of work may receive partial wage replacement. The amount typically equals two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, up to a statewide maximum.

There are three general categories:

  • Temporary total disability (TTD): For workers who cannot return to any job temporarily.
  • Partial disability: For those who return to work in a reduced capacity with lower earnings.
  • Permanent total disability: For workers who are unable to return to any form of employment.

Specific Loss Benefits

If a worker loses the use of a limb, finger, eye, or experiences permanent disfigurement (such as a facial scar), they may be entitled to a set amount of compensation regardless of their ability to return to work.

Death Benefits

If a forklift accident is fatal, the worker’s dependents may qualify for death benefits, including funeral costs and ongoing payments to a surviving spouse or minor children.

What to Do After a Forklift Accident in PA

The steps you take after a forklift injury can directly impact your ability to receive benefits. Consider the following actions:

  1. Report the Injury Promptly
     Notify your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Under Pennsylvania law, you must report your injury within 120 days, but waiting even a few days can jeopardize your claim.
  2. Seek Medical Attention
     Get examined by an approved healthcare provider and follow all recommendations. Documentation from your doctor will be key to proving the severity and cause of your injuries.
  3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
     Your employer should file the First Report of Injury with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Make sure to follow up and keep detailed records of every step.
  4. Document Everything
     Save copies of medical records, incident reports, witness contact information, and any communications with your employer or their insurer.
  5. Consult an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney
     If your claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid, legal representation can make all the difference. Insurance carriers may try to argue that the injury was due to your own negligence or that it happened outside of work hours.

Can You Sue Outside of Workers’ Compensation?

While workers’ compensation usually prevents employees from suing their employers directly, there are situations where additional legal action may be possible:

  • Third-party liability: If a defective forklift caused your injury, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
  • Negligence by a subcontractor: If another company’s employee contributed to the accident, that party may be liable.
  • Intentional harm: In rare cases where an employer deliberately puts a worker in harm’s way, a personal injury lawsuit may be an option.

These cases are complex and require detailed investigation, but they can lead to compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, such as pain and suffering or full wage replacement.

Why Legal Help Matters in Forklift Accident Claims

Forklift injury cases are often more complicated than they appear. Medical costs may continue for months or even years. Insurers frequently push for quick settlements that don’t reflect the true value of your claim. And if your ability to return to work is in question, future earnings are on the line.

An experienced Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyer can:

  • Ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and on time
  • Represent you in hearings or appeals if your claim is denied
  • Coordinate with medical experts to support your case
  • Investigate potential third-party claims
  • Negotiate for the maximum benefits available

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident on the job, you don’t need to navigate the process alone. The  legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has helped countless injured workers across Pennsylvania secure the compensation they deserve. We understand how to deal with insurance companies, challenge denied claims, and fight for your rights every step of the way.

Don’t wait to protect your future. Contact Brandon J. Broderick today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward.

Still have questions?

Call now and be done