Forklift accidents can lead to devastating spinal cord injuries, leaving victims with permanent mobility issues, chronic pain, or paralysis. These injuries often occur when a forklift tips over, collides with a pedestrian, or drops a heavy load, causing direct trauma to the spine.
While some forklift-related spinal injuries result from operator mistakes, others are caused by defective equipment, poor maintenance, or hazardous property conditions. In these cases, a third party—such as a manufacturer, rental company, or contractor—may be responsible. Identifying all liable parties is critical for victims seeking full financial compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
How Forklift Accidents Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of impact in a forklift accident can cause severe spinal trauma, damaging the vertebrae, discs, or nerves in the spinal column. Some of the most common scenarios that lead to spinal cord injuries include:
- Forklift Tip-over accidents – A forklift that becomes unbalanced can crush the operator or another worker underneath, leading to spinal fractures or paralysis.
- Falling objects – If improperly secured materials fall from a forklift, they can land on a worker’s back, damaging the spine.
- Collisions with pedestrians – A forklift traveling at even low speeds can knock a pedestrian to the ground, causing spinal trauma upon impact.
- Defective forklifts – Faulty brakes, unstable designs, or steering malfunctions can cause a forklift to lose control, leading to accidents that result in back injuries.
Spinal cord injuries can have lifelong consequences, often requiring extensive rehabilitation, mobility aids, or home modifications to accommodate the victim’s condition.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Forklift-Related Spinal Cord Injury?
When a forklift accident is caused by a defective product, unsafe premises, or third-party negligence, victims may have legal grounds to seek compensation. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Forklift manufacturers if a design flaw, stability issue, or brake failure contributed to the accident.
- Rental companies if the forklift was leased in poor condition or lacked proper safety inspections.
- Property owners or site managers if the accident resulted from unsafe flooring, unmarked forklift zones, or inadequate safety measures.
- Third-party contractors if their actions or failure to follow safety protocols created a hazardous environment.
Unlike workers’ compensation claims, third-party lawsuits allow victims to recover full financial compensation for pain and suffering, future medical care, and long-term disabilities.
The Long-Term Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord damage often leads to permanent mobility issues, nerve damage, and chronic pain. Many victims experience:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Chronic pain and nerve damage
- Limited ability to return to work
Given the high cost of long-term medical care, securing compensation for ongoing treatment and lost earning capacity is critical.
Filing a Claim for a Forklift Spinal Cord Injury
Victims of forklift-related spinal injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Home modifications and medical equipment
- Wrongful death damages if the victim did not survive
Because spinal cord injuries often require lifelong treatment, holding the responsible party accountable is crucial for financial stability and long-term care.
Legal Help for Forklift Spinal Cord Injury Victims
A spinal cord injury from a forklift accident can change a person’s life forever. When third-party negligence is involved, victims have the right to seek full compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a forklift accident, contact Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation.