Let a Spokane forklift accident lawyer help you investigate your case to determine if you have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against those responsible for your injuries.

Construction sites and warehouses can both be dangerous work environments, and this is especially true when forklifts are present. These vehicles require special training, and the environments they operate in often have limited sight lines, creating an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

If you were somehow injured by a forklift while on the job, you might think that workers compensation is the best you can hope for. While true in some cases, you might be able to seek a full settlement by filing a personal injury claim if certain factors were present. A Spokane forklift accident lawyer can help you make this determination.

 

Who’s Responsible for Your Forklift Accident?

Normally, simple negligence is all that’s required to justify filing a personal injury claim. This isn’t the case with workplace injuries, however, which is the umbrella that most forklift accidents fall under.

In order to move beyond work comp, your accident will need to meet one of the following conditions:

  • Your employer doesn’t carry workers compensation insurance
  • Your employer or a coworker intentionally caused your accident or egregious misconduct was involved
  • The forklift malfunctioned due to a design or manufacturing flaw, making the manufacturer responsible
  • A third party such as a passerby or contractor caused the forklift accident somehow

 

Money Beyond Workers Compensation

Workers compensation typically won’t be enough because it only covers medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages. This can create significant financial problems, and a personal injury lawsuit can help you close that gap. You could be able to seek compensation for any of the following that apply:

  • Any remaining lost wages after work comp
  • Accident-related expenses
  • Transportation costs to see the doctor
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Medical devices and medication
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost enjoyment of life

You can still file a civil lawsuit while receiving workers compensation benefits, so this creates a second option for collecting financial damages after a forklift accident.

 

Protecting Your Rights

It is critical that you file an accident report immediately after your accident. If you don’t, your employer could claim that your injuries were caused by something else and didn’t take place on the job.

Next, you should seek legal representation so that we can file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations is reached. This is three years in Washington State, and once reached, your case could be dismissed without being heard.

Once retained, your Spokane forklift accident lawyer will be your advocate against the at-fault party and their insurance company. We’ll handle the negotiations on your behalf, so that you can focus on your recovery rather than having to worry about what to tell the insurance.

 

Contact a Spokane Forklift Accident Attorney

When you’ve been hurt in a workplace accident that involved a forklift, you need to know what your options are for seeking financial compensation. Don’t let your employer tell you that work comp is your only option if you think your case qualifies for a civil suit.

You can schedule a free consultation with Craig Swapp & Associates by using the form below or by calling 1-800-404-9000.