Tampa Forklift Accident Lawyer

Help After A Serious Forklift Injury

Forklifts move quickly in tight spaces, carry heavy loads, and work around pedestrians. When something goes wrong, a worker or bystander can be badly injured in a matter of seconds. If you or a family member were hurt in a forklift incident in the Tampa Bay area, you may be facing medical treatment, missed work, and pressure from employers or insurers.

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers helps people in this situation. Our firm has focused on representing injury victims since 1955, and we handle serious workplace and industrial accident cases, including forklift incidents in warehouses, distribution centers, construction sites, and port facilities. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.

Call (727) 591-3354 to schedule your free consultation today.

What is a Forklift?

A forklift is a powered industrial truck designed to lift, move, and transport heavy materials over short distances. They are commonly used in warehouses, construction zones, distribution centers, and loading docks throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas.

Forklifts vary in size and design depending on their intended purpose. Some are built for indoor use on smooth floors, while others are designed to operate outdoors on uneven terrain. Despite their usefulness, forklifts are large, heavy machines capable of causing severe injuries if mishandled.

Because forklifts can weigh several thousand pounds and carry heavy loads, operators must be properly trained and certified. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that equipment is maintained and workplace safety protocols are followed.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents can occur in many different ways. These incidents often happen suddenly and can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents include:

• Tip-over accidents: Forklifts can overturn when carrying uneven loads, turning too quickly, or operating on unstable surfaces.
• Pedestrian accidents: Workers walking near forklifts may be struck or pinned by the machinery.
• Falling loads: Improperly secured cargo can fall and injure workers nearby.
• Crushing incidents: Workers may become trapped between a forklift and a wall, shelving, or other equipment.
• Collision accidents: Forklifts may collide with vehicles, structures, or other machinery in busy work environments.
• Loading dock accidents: Falls and equipment malfunctions at docks can lead to serious injuries.

These accidents often result in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and other life-altering harm.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents are frequently preventable. In many cases, they occur because of negligence, poor safety practices, or lack of training. Common causes include:

• Inadequate operator training or certification
• Employer failure to enforce safety procedures
• Poor maintenance or defective equipment
• Overloaded or improperly balanced loads
• Unsafe workplace layouts
• Lack of warning signals or visibility measures
• Speeding or reckless operation
• Fatigue or distraction among workers

Determining the cause of a forklift accident is essential when pursuing a legal claim. A Tampa forklift accident attorney will investigate maintenance records, training documentation, and workplace safety practices to identify liability.

Workers' Compensation & Third-Party Claims

In Florida, most employees injured in forklift accidents are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits may cover:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits
• Vocational retraining

However, workers’ compensation does not always provide full financial recovery, and it generally prevents employees from suing their employer directly.

• In some situations, injured workers may be able to pursue third-party claims in addition to workers’ compensation. These claims may arise when someone other than the employer contributed to the accident, such as:
• Forklift manufacturers
• Equipment maintenance companies
• Contractors or subcontractors
• Property owners
• Other negligent drivers or workers

A third-party claim can allow victims to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

Liability for Forklift Accidents in Tampa

Multiple parties may be responsible for a forklift accident depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include:

• Employers who fail to provide safe working conditions
• Equipment manufacturers that produce defective forklifts
• Maintenance providers who neglect inspections or repairs
• Site managers who ignore safety hazards
• Contractors responsible for unsafe work environments

Our Tampa forklift accident lawyer will analyze every aspect of the incident to determine who should be held accountable.

Compensation Available After a Forklift Accident

Victims of forklift accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Emergency medical care and ongoing treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost income and diminished earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Families who lose loved ones in fatal forklift accidents may also pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Forklift Accident FAQs

What should I do after a forklift accident at work?

Seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your employer. Document the scene, gather witness information, and consult a Tampa forklift accident attorney to understand your rights.

Can I sue my employer after a forklift accident?

In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent direct lawsuits against employers. However, you may still be able to file third-party claims against other responsible parties.

What if defective equipment caused the accident?

You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor if a defect contributed to the incident.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

Workers’ compensation and personal injury claims have specific deadlines under Florida law. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and evidence.

How much is my forklift accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impact on your life.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Us

After a forklift crash or tip-over, you need more than basic legal help. These cases often involve severe injuries, overlapping workers' compensation and third-party claims, and strong opposition from employers, site owners, and equipment companies. Choosing a firm that is structured for serious injury litigation can make a meaningful difference.

Our firm has served families across the Tampa Bay area since 1955. We were the first law firm in Pinellas County to limit its practice to personal injury and wrongful death. That long-standing focus means our attorneys spend their time on injury law, not a mix of unrelated practice areas. Over the years, we have recovered more than $675 million for our clients, which reflects that we have the resources to pursue substantial outcomes when injuries are life-changing.

Several of our attorneys are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction earned by fewer than 2 percent of Florida lawyers. This certification matters in complex forklift and industrial cases that may need to be tried in circuit courts in this region. We build each claim with the expectation that it may go to court, and that preparation can strengthen negotiation leverage with insurers and corporate defendants.

Clients who come to us after a forklift accident often worry they will be passed off to staff or kept in the dark. Our firm is structured differently. We intentionally limit delegation so that a lawyer manages the case and stays directly accessible. We provide consistent updates, not just at major milestones, and we reach out as soon as something changes, so you are never left guessing about the status of your claim.

If you are searching for a forklift accident lawyer that Tampa residents can rely on for both thorough preparation and steady communication, our team works to provide both. We strive to combine trial capability with practical support, so you feel informed and supported from the first call through resolution.

Contact our firm today to get started on your claim.