Working in a factory or warehouse driving a forklift can be dangerous. They represent a significant number of deaths and injuries throughout NSW each year.

Many injuries are also sustained by workers on the ground around these forklifts due to accidents caused by negligent forklift drivers.

Forklift Accident – Am I Entitled to Compensation?

You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained from a forklift accident if it was caused by another person’s negligence. The best thing you can do at this stage is contact a compensation lawyer that specialises in forklift compensation like the team at NSW Compensation Lawyers on (02) 9601 0088.

I have been injured at work by a forklift – can I claim compensation in Sydney or NSW?

If you have sustained an injury at work then chances are you can claim compensation from your employer. All employers have to provide suitable conditions for all their employees to do their work. Such as:

– provide safe systems of work

– maintain all their equipment & machinery and make sure it’s working properly.

– provide a safe working environment

– make sure all employees have sufficient training and they are supervised.

– ensure all the facilities are adequate

If you are injured at work because your employer has not complied with any of the above points then you may be able to sue your employer for personal injury compensation.

If this sounds confusing or you need more information the team at NSW Compensation layers are here to help you.

What are the professions most at risk of a forklift accident?

There are many professions where are forklift is used and a forklift driver is needed. Most of these are where heavy materials or goods have to be lifted. These include: construction, manufacturing, food, trades, wholesale, transport, mining and agriculture.

How will my forklift compensation be determined?

The amount of compensation you are likely to receive is determined by comparing what you standard of living and quality of life was like before the accident compared to after the accident. If the injury has had a massive impact on your life then the compensation payout will be greater than those whose lives have had a minimal impact. Compensation payouts vary from case to case and these will depend on a number of factors:

– How bad the injury is. The worse the injury the bigger the payout

– How old the person is. The younger you are, the more money you are likely to get as the injury will have a greater impact on the remainder of your life. Older people will get less compensation.

-How healthy you are. If you have been fit and active then your likely to get more money as the injury may affect your ability to exercise and overall lifestyle.

– Your occupation. If you’re in a job that requires you to be on your feet the whole day or carry things you may receive more compensation than those who have a desk job.

If you’re a forklift driver our team of expert lawyers will be able to work out what level of compensation you should claim based on the above points.

What can forklift drivers claim?

General Damages

General damages will compensate you for all the pain and suffering you had had to go through and will still go through. This is calculated via a points system which your lawyer will explain to you.

Medical Expenses

Obviously you will need to see a doctor or in some cases a specialists to diagnose and treat your injury. All costs associated with this such as: x-rays, travel, MRI’s, drugs, consultations etc can be claimed. You will also be able to claim for any future medical costs associated with this injury.

Hospital & Surgical Costs

Many forklift injuries will require some type of surgery to repair broken bones, tissues or muscles. All of the costs for the surgery can be claimed.

Rehabilitation Costs

Once you have had your surgery you may require physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, massage therapy, even car modifications and ergonomic aids to make your life at home easier.

Loss of future income and earnings as a forklift driver

If your injury is serious you may need to spend weeks or even months off work. The bills will not stop so you do need some form of income. You can make a claim for lost income as a result of your accident. If you are unable to perform your job like you did before the accident you will be able to claim for lost future income.

Loss of Superannuation

You can claim for lost superannuation as a result of lost income.

Home Care & Assistance

Serious forklift injuries can mean that you are unable to live your life as normal when your at home. Tasks that you took for granted in the past such as laundry, gardening, personal hygiene & other household chores are now impossible. You can therefore claim for help by paid contractors, friends or family.

GET PROPER LEGAL ADVICE ON WHAT YOU CAN CLAIM!

Most Common Forklift Accidents

Collisions: Workers may collide withy a forklift whilst it is reversing or accelerating

Forklift Rollovers: The forklift may tip over by rolling sideways or pitch forward and this is one of the biggest risks faced by and employee operating a forklift.

Loose loads: A forklift may loose it’s loads or cargo if it brakes suddenly or the cargo is not lifted correctly. This may injure workers who are close by.

RSI: If the forklift driver is always looking up while stacking goods or has to repeatedly turn around, this may cause muscular strains.

Common Injuries caused by Forklift Accidents

Bruising: Caused by the forklift running into an employee or an injury as a result of the forklift driver being hit by loose cargo.

Bone Fractures: Cracked or broken bones due to contact with the forklift while it is in operation.

Crushed body: The whole body or a body part is pressed or crushed as a result of operating the forklift.

Spinal Injuries: The spinal chord is injured through the operation of the forklift causing paraplegia.

Head Injuries: This may include concussions, brain injuries, skull fractures as a result of operating the forklift.

Have You Been Injured in a Forklift Accident? What are your next steps?

This really depends on the nature and extent of your injury. Having said that, you should really seek expert legal advice on your options available and the type of compensation that you may be entitled to. Contact us at NSW Compensation Lawyers. We have years of experience when dealing with all types of forklift accidents & injuries & know how to get you the maximum compensation your entitled to.