New York City Forklift Accident Lawyer 

Forklifts are supposed to make the job easier, not ruin your ability to earn a living. But when a forklift is poorly maintained, overloaded, or operated unsafely, it becomes a serious workplace hazard. If you’ve been injured on the job, the Perecman Firm’s team of trusted New York City forklift accident lawyers can hold the right parties accountable.

Too many workers are blamed, ignored, or told their pain isn’t “that bad.” But we know better. Forklift accidents can leave lasting damage—physically, emotionally, and financially. When your life has been turned upside down, you need someone who will treat your case like it matters to them as much as it does to you.

Call The Perecman Firm today at  (212) 977-7033 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We will review your situation, answer your questions, and explore your legal options. Our experienced attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping injured workers in New York City find the best path toward a maximum recovery.

The Legal Power You Need. The Personal Commitment You Deserve.

Forklifts are everywhere on job sites across the city, from Midtown high-rises to Long Island City warehouses. But safety doesn’t always come first. When others take shortcuts, ignore training, or overlook safety regulations, it’s the workers who suffer the consequences. No one should have to bear that burden alone.

Here's why injured forklift workers across New York City trust The Perecman Firm to fight for them.

We’ve Handled Forklift Accident Cases Just Like Yours

Forklift accidents aren't like typical personal injury cases. These incidents happen on job sites—often under rushed conditions, inadequate training, or improper equipment usage. Knowing what to do after a forklift accident is critical, especially when your health, job, and legal rights are on the line. Our legal team has decades of experience handling forklift injury claims involving New York’s unique Labor Laws and safety codes. We’ve seen how these cases unfold and know exactly how to build a strong claim that holds up under scrutiny.

Our Trial Experience Delivers Real Results

When insurance companies try to push lowball settlements, they count on your legal team backing down. We don’t. We are seasoned litigators with a reputation for going the distance in court. Our past results include multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for construction and industrial workers hurt in forklift accidents and similar incidents. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s how you get full compensation.

We Treat Our Clients Like Family

You’re not just a case file here. Our clients are working people who’ve suffered serious setbacks. We treat you with compassion and respect, listen carefully, and give your case the attention it deserves. When we say we’ve got your back, we mean it. You’ll never feel like just a number.

We Investigate Every Detail Relentlessly

Forklift accident claims require immediate and thorough investigation. We gather witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and OSHA safety logs. If faulty machinery or a third-party contractor played a role, we’ll uncover it. Our legal team knows what to look for, who to hold accountable, and how to prove liability.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We handle every forklift accident case on a contingency fee basis. That means there’s no upfront cost to you. You only pay if we recover compensation. It’s that simple.

Key Takeaways

• Forklift accidents often cause severe, disabling injuries on NYC construction and industrial sites.
• Many forklift incidents stem from poor training, rushed schedules, or unsafe workplace design.
• Workers’ compensation may not fully cover your losses, especially if a third party contributed to the accident.
• Forklift injury victims may qualify for damages beyond lost wages and medical bills, including pain and suffering.
• New York Labor Laws provide strong protections for injured construction workers, including forklift operators.
• Legal guidance from an experienced forklift accident attorney can help maximize your compensation.
• The Perecman Firm fights aggressively to secure full and fair compensation for injured workers across New York City.

Common New York City Forklift Accidents and What Causes Them

From Hunts Point to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, forklifts are essential tools on NYC construction sites, warehouses, and docks. But when they're misused, the results can be catastrophic. The most common forklift accidents involve crushing injuries, rollovers, collisions, and workers being struck by falling loads. These incidents often happen in fast-paced environments where safety protocols are overlooked or ignored.

Common causes of forklift accidents include:

• Inadequate operator training
• Speeding or reckless operation
• Overloaded or unstable pallets
• Faulty or poorly maintained forklifts
• Poor visibility or blind spots
• Unsafe site layout for forklift traffic
• Workers walking too close to moving equipment

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roughly 85 workers die and nearly 35,000 are seriously injured each year in forklift-related accidents. A significant number of these tragedies could be avoided with better training, proper equipment maintenance, and safer job site practices.

Beyond Workers’ Comp: Potential Avenues of Compensation for Forklift Accident Victims in New York City

If a forklift accident occurred while you were working in NYC, you may be eligible for more than workers’ compensation. In certain situations, you can file a personal injury lawsuit, particularly if someone other than your employer contributed to your injuries.

You may have a valid personal injury case if your accident was caused by:

• A negligent third-party contractor or equipment operator
• A defective forklift or safety mechanism
• Unsafe premises conditions
• Violations of New York Labor Law 200, 240, or 241(6)

Unlike workers’ comp, which only covers a portion of lost wages and medical bills, a personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek damages for:

• Full loss of income and loss of future earning capacity
• Medical treatment and long-term care
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium for your spouse

Because these cases often involve overlapping claims and legal issues, it's essential to speak with a qualified NYC forklift accident attorney as soon as possible.

How New York Labor Laws and Forklift Accident Liability Can Work For You

New York’s labor laws provide some of the strongest legal protections for injured construction workers in the U.S., including those hurt in forklift-related accidents. 

While workers’ compensation is often the exclusive remedy for victims injured on the job, there are situations where workers have the right to file civil personal injury lawsuits against at-fault parties other than their employer. For example, injured workers may be eligible to file a civil claim over:

Violations of NY Labor Law 200

Labor Law § 200 is a general safety statute requiring employers, contractors, and site owners to take reasonable steps to provide safe working conditions. It applies when accidents result from unsafe premises or the way work is performed. 

If your forklift injury was caused by poor lighting, dangerous flooring, cluttered aisles, defective forklift equipment, or negligent supervision, this law may apply. The key is showing that the party in control of the worksite either knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct it.

Violations of NY Labor Law 240 (The Scaffold Law)

Often referred to as the “Scaffold Law,” Labor Law § 240 offers heightened protections to workers injured in gravity-related accidents. This includes workers who fall from heights or are struck by falling objects. In the context of a forklift accident, this law may apply if:

• You fell from a forklift platform or a raised pallet
• You were struck by unsecured materials being lifted by a forklift
• You were injured due to a lack of fall protection or other required safety gear

Unlike general negligence claims, Labor Law 240 imposes strict liability on contractors and property owners, meaning you don’t have to prove they were negligent—only that they failed to provide proper protection against a known risk.

Violations of NY Labor Law 241(6)

Labor Law § 241(6) allows injured workers to hold contractors and owners accountable even when they were not directly supervising the work. The law is often used in combination with Industrial Code Rule 23, which outlines numerous safety requirements for construction work involving powered industrial trucks and heavy machinery like forklifts.

Our legal team has deep knowledge of these labor laws and how they apply in real-world forklift accident cases. We'll determine whether these statutes—and other safety codes—support a strong claim for financial recovery in your case.

Forklift Injuries Can Be Severe and Life-Altering

Forklift injuries are rarely minor. These are large, heavy machines that, when involved in an accident—such as when heavy equipment falls on you—often lead to permanent or catastrophic harm.

Common forklift injuries our NYC construction accident lawyers see include:

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Neck injuries and disc herniations
• Amputations or crush injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Severe lacerations and nerve damage
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

These injuries don’t just affect your body. They also impact your emotional well-being, your relationships, and your ability to provide for your family. Our job is to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that your compensation reflects every aspect of your loss.

What to Do If You Were Hurt in a NYC Forklift Accident

If you're already receiving medical treatment, you're on the right track. Prompt care not only helps your recovery, but it also documents your injuries, which is vital to your legal claim. If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, get checked out immediately. Delaying care can make injuries worse, and it also gives insurers room to dispute your injuries.

Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs, there are other steps you should take to protect your right to full compensation.

• Hire a lawyer. An experienced NYC forklift accident lawyer will manage your claim, gather evidence, and deal with insurers so you don’t have to.
• Keep all medical appointments. Gaps in treatment can hurt your case. Ongoing care supports both your recovery and your claim for damages.
• Document your recovery. Use a written or video journal to track your pain levels, mobility issues, and emotional stress. This can be strong evidence of how your injuries affect your daily life. 
• Save all medical records and bills. These documents show the scope of your treatment and help calculate your compensation.
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal guidance. Even small comments can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
• Preserve physical evidence. Damaged gear or clothing can help prove how the accident happened.
• Gather witness information. Anyone who saw the accident may help support your version of events.

Taking these steps early strengthens your forklift accident claim and can put you in a better position to recover full and fair compensation.

FAQs About NYC Forklift Accident Lawsuits

What is the deadline for filing a forklift injury claim in New York?

Most personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years of the accident date. However, if the case involves a municipality or government entity, a notice of claim must be filed within 90 days. Speak to a lawyer right away to protect your rights.

What if I am partly responsible for the forklift accident?

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation, but you won’t be barred from recovering.

Can I sue if I’m already getting workers’ compensation?

Yes, you may still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor, contributed to the accident. These claims are separate from workers’ comp and can provide broader compensation.

What evidence will help my forklift injury case?

Good evidence includes medical records, accident reports, OSHA findings, photos of the scene, witness statements, and any maintenance or training documentation related to the forklift. We’ll help you gather and analyze all relevant materials.

Our Record of Results in Construction Accident Cases

At The Perecman Firm, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions for injured workers across New York. Our construction accident results include:

• $15.2 million jury verdict for a sheet metal worker who fell from a ladder
• $11.89 million verdict for a scaffold fall
• $9.4 million settlement for a rolling scaffold injury
• $2 million settlement for a worker struck by a Bobcat

These results reflect not only our legal skill, but also our relentless dedication to seeing justice done for injured workers. View our results to learn more.

Call a NYC Forklift Accident Lawyer Today

If you're struggling after a serious forklift injury, don’t spend another day wondering what the future holds or what to do next. Our construction accident attorneys are here to take the pressure off you and your family. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and handle everything from start to finish.

Ready to find out if you have a case? Call The Perecman Firm at (212) 977-7033 or contact us online to schedule your free case review.