Hudson Valley Forklift Accidents Attorney

Dutchess County firm seeks compensation for injured clients statewide

Shipping companies, factories, online retailers and big-box department stores rely on forklifts, but unless great care is taken, these machines can cause lasting injuries. Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. in Highland pursues financial relief for workers harmed in forklift accidents throughout Dutchess and Ulster Counties, as well as the rest of New York State. My firm has handled claims of this type for almost 40 years and I have the advocacy and negotiation skills to maximize payment for individuals who are dealing with the effects of problems resulting from forklift accidents. 

Experienced lawyer represents individuals hurt in rollovers, falls and collisions

Forklift accidents can occur in a variety of ways, including:

• Rollovers — Quick turns, unsafely loaded cargo and movement with the forks up are some causes of rollovers, which are the most common type of forklift accidents.
• Dropped loads — Though a forklift is capable of carrying a heavy load, strict attention must be paid to the maximum allowable weight and to balancing the freight so that the cargo will stay on the fork. 
• Falls from trucks and loading docks — Besides keeping cargo properly secured, a forklift operator must make sure that their machine is on solid footing. Failure to pay attention can lead forklifts to fall off trucks and raised loading docks. 
• Collisions with bystanders or other machinery — Large loads that block a driver’s view, distraction and other factors can cause a forklift to strike a person or another piece of machinery.

Whether the incident in your case can be traced to operator error, inadequate training, poor maintenance, defective equipment or workplace hazards, my firm’s experience handling construction accident claims and other workplace accident matters will increase your chances for a favorable outcome.

Legal considerations in forklift accident cases

Someone who is hurt in a forklift accident in the course of their employment should receive benefits through the workers’ compensation system, including full payment for healthcare costs and replacement of up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage up to a maximum set annually by the state. For the period starting July 1, 2024, the maximum weekly payment is $1,171.46. Workers’ comp also provides permanent disability payments when injuries prevent returning to work. Death benefits are paid to family members following fatal job-related incidents. If the injury in your case stemmed from a defective forklift part or from the negligence of an operator who is employed by someone other than your employer, a third-party personal injury lawsuit is possible. In such an action, you could collect damages for pain and suffering and other losses not addressed by workers’ comp. 

Types of injuries resulting from forklift accidents

In the tens of thousands of forklift accidents that occur around the United States each year, victims have suffered catastrophic crush injures, amputations, spinal court injuries, bone fractures and internal injuries. A review of these incidents shows an average of more than 80 fatalities a year. Along with immediate medical costs, many people hurt in forklift accidents need long-term care and possibly need home modifications to accommodate permanent injuries. From the start, my firm will advise you about the compensation warranted by the circumstances and will strive to deliver you a fair and adequate financial recovery. 

Schedule a free consultation regarding a New York forklift accident claim 

Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. in Highland advocates on behalf of clients who have been injured in forklift accidents. My firm serves Dutchess and Ulster Counties, as well as other parts of New York State. You can get a free consultation by calling 845-640-3846 or contacting me online.