One of the more common but still serious forklift-related injuries involves a worker’s foot being run over. These incidents may seem minor compared to forklift tip-over accidents or falling loads, but they can result in crushed bones, amputations, long-term nerve damage, and permanent disability. The medical consequences can be severe, sometimes requiring multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery.
While some of these accidents are blamed on the operator or worker distraction, many are caused or made worse by hazards that should have been addressed by others. In particular, third-party liability often plays a role—whether it’s a forklift rental company providing defective equipment, a property owner failing to mark forklift lanes, or a contractor creating unsafe traffic conditions at the job site.
How These Injuries Happen
A foot being run over by a forklift typically happens when visibility is limited, the area is congested, or basic traffic control is missing. Warehouses, loading docks, and construction sites often have pedestrians and forklifts operating in the same zones. When there are no designated walkways, barriers, or warning signals, the risk of a collision increases. As a result, many types of forklift accidents can occur in a warehouse.
In other situations, the forklift itself may be to blame. A machine with defective brakes, steering issues, or malfunctioning warning alarms can make it difficult for an operator to avoid someone on foot. If the forklift is leased or maintained by a third party and those issues were ignored or missed during inspection, they may be held accountable.
Some foot injury cases also involve improper supervision or miscommunication between contractors on busy multi-employer job sites. If a third-party contractor created the unsafe conditions or failed to coordinate forklift traffic, they could share in the legal responsibility.
Third-Party Liability in Foot Injury Cases
Injuries caused by forklifts often involve more than just the operator. The following third parties may be liable:
- A forklift manufacturer, if the machine lacked required safety features such as alarms, mirrors, or speed control
- A leasing or rental company that failed to inspect or maintain the equipment before providing it
- A maintenance provider who overlooked known problems with brakes, tires, or controls
- A property owner or site manager who failed to designate separate pedestrian zones or manage traffic flow
- A third-party contractor who created a cluttered or poorly organized worksite that increased collision risks
Each of these entities has a duty to prevent foreseeable harm. When they fail to uphold that duty, and someone is seriously injured as a result, they may be legally responsible for the damages.
Consequences of a Forklift Foot Injury
Being run over by a forklift can crush bones, damage joints, and lead to partial or full amputation. Victims may experience:
- Complex fractures requiring surgical repair
- Chronic pain or nerve damage
- Long-term physical therapy
- Permanent limp or inability to walk unassisted
- Loss of mobility, requiring modified footwear or prosthetics
These injuries often prevent victims from returning to physically demanding jobs and may impact daily life permanently.
Recovering Compensation for a Forklift Foot Injury
If a third party contributed to the forklift accident, victims may file a lawsuit to seek compensation that goes beyond workers’ compensation. A successful claim may include:
- Full medical expenses, including future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death benefits in fatal cases
Establishing liability will require investigation, records of equipment history, site conditions, and safety policies, as well as witness testimony and expert evaluations.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Legal Rights
If your foot or lower limb was injured in a forklift accident, you may be facing long-term recovery, medical bills, and disruptions to your career. When someone else’s negligence is involved—whether it’s a contractor, equipment supplier, or property owner—you have the right to hold them accountable.
Spagnoletti Law Firm helps injury victims understand their legal options when third-party negligence leads to serious injuries. We can help investigate what went wrong, determine who is responsible, and pursue a claim for full compensation.
Don’t assume you’re limited to workers’ compensation. If a third party was at fault, you may have the right to recover much more. Contact us today at 713-804-9306 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and take the next step forward.