Cesar P. was working on a Washington Heights construction project when a forklift carrying heavy building materials shifted while reversing near a loading area. The machine pinned Cesar’s dominant hand between stacked materials and the forklift frame.
He suffered multiple fractures, severe crush trauma and tendon injuries. There were also concerns about permanent nerve damage and loss of grip strength. His injuries required surgery and extended physical therapy.
The accident raised several important questions. Investigators needed to consider the forklift’s maintenance history and the supervision of the worksite. They also needed to examine traffic control near the loading area.
Another issue was whether a defective forklift component contributed to the accident. Problems involving brakes, hydraulics, steering or other systems can change the legal issues in a forklift injury case.
Cesar’s workers’ compensation claim addressed his workplace injury and benefits. However, the circumstances also required investigation into possible third-party negligence and product liability.
A forklift accident on a construction site may involve contractors, maintenance companies, equipment rental businesses or manufacturers. Identifying who controlled the equipment and what caused the accident can therefore become an important part of the legal investigation.
A crushed hand can affect much more than a worker’s immediate ability to perform a job. Permanent nerve damage, reduced grip strength and loss of movement may affect future employment and earning ability.
Construction workers injured in forklift accidents should get legal advice about workers’ compensation and any additional claims that may apply. Cass & Peters offers free consultations at (844) 591-3400.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
| Forklift Accident Type | Common Cause | Potential Legal Claim | Possible Long-Term Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Hand Injury | Pinned between materials and forklift | Workers’ comp + product liability | Permanent grip weakness and nerve damage |
| Forklift Tip-Over | Unsafe surfaces or operator negligence | Third-party negligence | Spinal injuries and disability |
| Dropped Material Accident | Hydraulic failure or overloaded forks | Product defect investigation | Head trauma and fractures |
| Forklift Pedestrian Strike | Blind spots or missing alarms | Negligent operation claim | Leg injuries and mobility loss |
| Mechanical Brake Failure | Defective maintenance or parts | Third-party and product liability | Permanent catastrophic injuries |
For more, see our guides to NYC construction accident workers’ compensation lawyers for heavy machinery injuries and workers’ compensation lawyers serving Inwood and Upper Manhattan.
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