Forklifts are critical in warehouses, construction sites, and distribution centers; however, when not operated safely, they can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries. These accidents often leave workers and bystanders facing mounting medical expenses, time away from work, and long-term physical challenges. If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible parties. An experienced Austin forklift accident attorney from Briggle & Polan, PLLC can help you navigate the legal process, hold negligent parties responsible, and fight for the settlement you deserve.
Landmark verdicts and settlements that speak for themselves
$3,000,000Severe Leg Injuries Resulting from Drunk Driver in Residential Neighborhood
Our client was hit head-on by a drunk teenager in front of an elementary school, flipping their vehicles.
$1,800,000Delivery Truck Accident
Our client was t-boned by a large package delivery truck that was traveling in excess of 70 mph. He sustained a severe neck injury that required spinal surgery. Our firm recovered $1,800,000 on behalf of our client.
$1,531,710Work Accident Caused Brain Injury
Our client was thrown off the back of a work truck, which fractured his skull and caused him to suffer a traumatic brain injury.
*Net proceeds to the client were $900,052.11.
$1,285,000Hit By Drunk Driver
Our client was run over by a drunk driver operating a company truck late at night which required multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
*Net proceeds to our client were $571,000.00.
$1,275,000Hit and Run Truck Accident
Our client was rear-ended by a large package delivery truck on I-35, which fled the scene. *Net to client was $461,708.19.
$1,025,000Rear-End Collision Resolved
Our client was rear-ended by an insurance adjuster in a commercial vehicle causing severe back and neck injuries. *Net to the client was $346,766.03.
Contact Our Forklift Accident Lawyer in Austin Today
Forklift accident cases can be complex, involving workplace safety regulations, workers’ compensation issues, and third-party liability claims. Having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side can make the difference between an inadequate settlement and full, fair compensation.
The attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC, are committed to advocating for injured individuals in Austin and throughout Texas. We take the time to understand your unique situation, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a forklift accident, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Austin forklift accident attorney. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you move forward after a devastating injury.
Liability in Austin Forklift Accident Cases
After a serious forklift accident, one of the first questions people have is who can be held legally responsible for what happened. Liability can be complicated because multiple parties may share fault, including an employer that failed to follow safety rules, a contractor that created a hazard in a loading area, or a manufacturer that sold defective equipment. In Austin, these cases often proceed in Travis County or neighboring county courts, and identifying the right defendants from the start can shape how your claim unfolds. A forklift accident attorney Austin workers turn to for guidance can help you understand how these liability issues apply to your specific situation.
In some situations, your primary remedy may be through the Texas workers’ compensation system, while in others you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party who contributed to the unsafe conditions. For example, a property owner who failed to address dangerous traffic patterns near a loading dock off I-35, or a maintenance company that neglected crucial repairs, may be held accountable in addition to any workplace benefits you receive. We carefully review accident reports, company policies, training records, and witness statements to determine where responsibility lies and how to present that evidence in negotiations or, when needed, in the courtroom.
In many cases, your legal options will depend on whether you were injured while working, visiting a job site, or as a bystander near a loading area or warehouse. We can help you understand how Texas workers’ compensation rules interact with potential claims against property owners, contractors, or equipment manufacturers, as well as what deadlines may apply to a personal injury lawsuit in Travis County courts. If you are being treated at a local facility such as St. David’s Medical Center or another Austin-area hospital, we can coordinate with your medical providers to document your injuries and the impact they have on your daily life.
Contact us by calling (512) 400-3278 today to get started with our Austin forklift accident attorney.
Common Causes of Forklift Accidents
Some of the most common causes include:
Operator error: Inadequate training, careless driving, or misuse of the forklift can cause collisions, tip-overs, or run-over incidents.
Improper load handling: Overloading a forklift or failing to properly secure materials can lead to falling objects or tipping accidents.
Poor workplace conditions: Cluttered aisles, uneven flooring, or inadequate lighting can contribute to forklift accidents.
Lack of maintenance: Failure to regularly inspect and maintain forklifts can result in mechanical failures, such as brake or steering issues.
Insufficient supervision: Employers who fail to enforce safety standards or provide adequate oversight put workers at greater risk.
Common Injuries in Forklift Accidents
Common forklift accident injuries include:
Crush injuries: Victims can be pinned between a forklift and another surface or trapped under a tipped-over machine.
Head and brain injuries: Falls, collisions, or being struck by a forklift can cause traumatic brain injuries with lasting consequences.
Spinal cord injuries: Forklift accidents may lead to partial or total paralysis, dramatically altering a person’s quality of life.
Broken bones and fractures: Collisions and falls often result in painful fractures that may require surgery.
Amputations: Severe crush accidents can cause permanent limb loss.
Internal injuries: Being struck or crushed by heavy machinery can cause internal bleeding or organ damage.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Forklift Accident Claim
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
Lost wages: Compensation for the income lost while recovering, as well as diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to work.
Pain and suffering: Financial recovery for the physical pain and emotional distress that was caused by the incident.
Disability and disfigurement: Compensation for long-term or permanent disabilities and changes to appearance or mobility.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Recognition of the ways injuries impact daily life, relationships, and the ability to participate in activities.
Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was fatally injured in a forklift accident, surviving family members may pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
I highly recommend Briggle & Polan, PLLC.
“If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them. You will not be disappointed.”
