Forklift Accident At Work: Can I Sue?

Call now for a free consultation
Available 24/7

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today
You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.
Forklift Accident At Work: Can I Sue?

A Michigan employee who gets hurt at work is protected under workers’ comp law. This covers medical bills, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Unfortunately, there are some jobs that are more dangerous than others and operating a forklift incorrectly can result in a serious accident. Our experience shows that employees are often put on forklifts without proper training, and this results in people getting hurt. Here is what to do after a forklift accident at work in Michigan.

Do I qualify for workers’ comp benefits after a forklift accident at work in Michigan?

To qualify for workers’ comp benefits, an employee must give notice of injury within 90 days and make a claim for benefits within 2 years. Both requirements can be oral so just telling a manager or supervisor is enough. We recommend that notice and claim be made immediately following any forklift accident a work. Make sure to contact an attorney if the employer or insurance carrier disputes benefits.

Can I sue my employer for negligence?

Workers’ comp is considered the “exclusive remedy” for on-the-job injuries. This means an employee cannot sue his or her employer for negligence. The exclusive remedy provision also protects coworkers who caused a forklift accident at work in Michigan. If the employer or coworker intended that a person get hurt, they may lose the protection of the exclusive remedy provision and subject themselves to additional damages beyond workers’ comp benefits.

Employees are entitled to receive medical treatment. This includes ambulance runs, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, durable medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. There should never be any copayments or deductibles charged to an employee on workers’ comp. Family members can also be reimbursed up to 56 hours per week for providing attendant care to help with activities of daily living.

What if I am unable to work?

Employees who are unable to work should also receive lost wages for the entire period of disability. The amount will be based upon 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state-wide maximum.
Average weekly wage is calculated using the highest 39 paid weeks out of the 52 weeks before the forklift accident at work in Michigan occurred. Overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even second jobs that cannot be performed should be included.

Employees who are unable to return to their jobs because of permanent restrictions might need vocational rehabilitation services to help transition to a new career. This could be in the form of a vocational counselor helping with job search activities or money paid for retraining and education.

What about a negligent third party?

It is possible to file a separate lawsuit against a negligent third party who was not an employer or coworker. This usually occurs when several different companies are working on the same job site. A lawsuit can be filed against the negligent third party for additional damages like pain and suffering. It is important to carefully examine all responsible parties who caused the forklift accident at work in Michigan.

Injured while on the job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers for a free consultation

If you were injured in a forklift accident at work in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim, call now at (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.

For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from on-the-job injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.

To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.

Remember, every work injury claim and settlement is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Workers’ Comp Redemption In Michigan: What You Need To Know

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

Related Blog Posts

Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.