Forklift Accident Lawyers in Sydney & NSW

What to do if you’ve been injured in a forklift accident

If you have been injured in a forklift accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact Garling & Co for legal advice regarding your forklift accident injuries as soon as possible. Our team will determine your rights and entitlements while assessing if you qualify for a forklift accident claim.

If the accident happened at your workplace, then you’ll need to make a claim for workers’ compensation through your employer. Severe injuries from forklift accidents require immediate attention. Here is your step by step guide:

1. Prioritise Immediate Medical Care:

Serious Injuries: Call Emergency services (000) immediately. Examples of serious injuries include severe pain, suspect fractures, head injuries or loss consciousness.All Injuries: Even if you feel “okay,” seek medical evaluation. Forklift accidents result in internal injuries alongside delayed symptoms that may emerge after the incident.Keep comprehensive records: Include all medical treatments, checkup’s, medical tests, and all rehabilitation sessions. If possible, include your doctor’s notes, hospital records and a list of all medications you are taking or have taken.

2. Report the Incident (Workplace Accidents):

You need to report all workplace accidents directly to your supervisor or employer immediately following the incident. All incidents must be recorded in the accident register. We recommend to take photographs or record video footage of the accident site as soon as it is safe to.

3. Gather Important Information (If Possible):

This includes details such as:

1. The forklift make/model, and including any visible defects or damage to the forklift.
2. Witnesses – if there are any witnesses to the accident, it is important to obtain their names and contact details. Evidence from witnesses can be important to your case.
3. Other vehicles – if one or more vehicles are involved in your accident, you should also get their names and contact information.

4. Contact Garling & Co:

You should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our team understands the complicated nature of forklift accident claims together with the consequences of serious injuries. We will help you understand your workers’ compensation rights and your ability to make CTP claims.

What can I claim for a forklift accident injury?

Forklift accidents are unique because they often fall under multiple compensation schemes. Depending on how the accident happened, you may be eligible for more than just standard workers compensation.

Workers Compensation

If you were injured on the job, this is your primary safety net. It is a “no-fault” scheme, meaning you are covered even if the accident was your fault. It covers:

• Medical Expenses: Surgery, medication, and rehabilitation (physio, etc.).

• Weekly Payments: A percentage of your wages while you are unable to work.

• Lump Sum: A one-off payment if you suffer permanent impairment.

CTP Claim (Compulsory Third Party)

Many people don’t realize that forklifts are classified as motor vehicles. If your injury involved a forklift being driven (even on private property), you may be able to make a CTP claim. This can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering and future economic loss.

Common Law Claims (Work Injury Damages)

If your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence—such as lack of training, poor maintenance, or unsafe systems—you may be entitled to a Common Law claim. These settlements are often much larger as they cover your full past and future economic loss.

TPD and Income Protection

Check your superannuation fund. You may have entitlements to Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) or Income Protection insurance, which can be claimed in addition to your workers compensation.

What injuries can result from forklift accidents?

Forklift accidents cause a wide range of serious injuries. At Garling & Co, we have seen the impact of serious forklift accidents on the accident victims and their families. The following list is some of the injuries we have encountered.

Crush Injuries:

A forklift tipping over incident or heavy load being displaced during operation could cause either of these scenarios. The compression injuries caused frequently affect body parts including limbs as well as the torso. Severe tissue damage needs extensive surgical intervention as well as rehabilitation following these injuries. We have assisted several clients who have experienced crushed feet and legs. These clients underwent numerous surgical procedures and were absent from work for a significant period.

Fractures, Sprains, and Bruises:

Collisions between equipment and other objects and structures also cause Forklift accidents. Serious injuries which include fractures together with sprains and serious bruising are caused by the force of the impact. A collision between forklifts can result in broken arms, sprained ankles and painful bruising that need several weeks for healing.

Head and Spinal Injuries:

Forklift accidents during collisions can result in severe head and spinal injuries. Such serious injuries can lead to permanent life-changing effects including traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. At Garling and Co we have supported clients who experienced permanent disability due to spinal cord injuries from falls during forklift collisions.

Long-Term Conditions:

The immediate physical harm from forklift accidents can create two main chronic health problems:

• Chronic pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The severe nature of accidents can lead to long-term psychological damage, leaving victims unable to return to their jobs and regular daily activities. An example of the type of long term injury our clients have experienced is chronic back pain, with the pain being so severe that they are unable to perform their previous work duties.

Internal Organ Damage and Lacerations:

Internal bleeding together with vital organ damage occurs due to the impact of the collision. Deep lacerations can occur from the sharp edges of the forklift, falling objects and impact of the collision, which can result in organ damage and lacerations.

Why choose Garling & Co as your Forklift Accident Lawyers?

Garling & Co can provide you with the expert guidance you need in your forklift accident claim. Our lawyers are all accredited specialists in personal injury law, who have extensive experience in achieving successful results for our clients. Our team understands the intricate nature of these claims and work to obtain the compensation you deserve, so you can have time and space to concentrate on healing.