Newport News Forklift Accident Lawyer

Legal Help After A Serious Forklift Injury

A forklift accident can change your life in a few seconds. One moment you are working in a warehouse, shipyard, or on a construction site, and the next you are facing painful injuries, missed paychecks, and questions about what happens next. If this has happened to you here in Newport News, you do not have to sort it out alone.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we help injured workers and families after serious forklift incidents at industrial facilities across this part of Virginia. Since 1979, our attorneys have represented people who are dealing with medical treatment, paperwork, and pressure from employers and insurance companies. Our goal is to step in, protect your rights, and manage the legal details so you can focus on healing.

Our firm has handled thousands of injury and work-related cases statewide, and we have secured millions of dollars for clients who were hurt through no fault of their own. We offer free consultations, and there are no upfront costs for injury cases. 

To talk with a forklift accident lawyer that Newport News residents can turn to for guidance, call (855) 880-8163.

What Is a Forklift?

A forklift is an industrial vehicle designed to lift, carry, and transport heavy materials over short distances. Commonly used in warehouses, ports, factories, and construction sites, forklifts come in various types, including counterbalance forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks, and rough-terrain forklifts.

Despite their usefulness, forklifts are inherently dangerous. They weigh thousands of pounds, have limited visibility, and can easily tip over or strike workers when not operated safely. Even a minor mistake can cause devastating injuries to operators and nearby pedestrians.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents occur in many different ways, often leading to severe or fatal injuries. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents include:

• Forklift rollovers: Tip-overs are among the leading causes of forklift-related deaths and serious injuries.
• Pedestrian strikes: Workers on foot may be hit or crushed by a moving forklift.
• Falling loads: Improperly secured or overloaded materials can fall from the forks onto workers below.
• Crushing accidents: Workers may be pinned between a forklift and a wall, rack, or another vehicle.
• Collisions: Forklifts may crash into other equipment, structures, or vehicles on busy job sites.
• Mounting and dismounting injuries: Slips and falls while getting on or off a forklift can cause serious harm.

Each type of accident may involve different forms of negligence, which is why legal guidance is so important.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents are rarely unavoidable. In many cases, they are caused by preventable safety failures, including:

• Inadequate operator training or certification
• Unsafe speeds or reckless operation
• Overloading or unbalanced loads
• Poor maintenance or mechanical defects
• Improper workplace layout or lack of warning signs
• Employer pressure to work too quickly
• Defective forklift design or manufacturing flaws

When employers, contractors, or equipment manufacturers fail to follow safety standards, injured workers may have the right to pursue compensation beyond basic benefits.

Forklift Accidents and Virginia Law

In Virginia, many forklift accidents occur on the job and are initially covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp may provide benefits for medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, but it does not cover pain and suffering.

However, if a forklift accident was caused by a third party, such as a negligent subcontractor, property owner, or defective equipment manufacturer, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. A knowledgeable Newport News forklift accident attorney can review your case and determine all available sources of compensation.

Compensation Available to Injured Victims

Depending on the circumstances of your forklift accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we work closely with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate the full value of your claim and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Forklift Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do after a forklift accident?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to your employer, and document everything. Speaking with an attorney early can protect your rights.

Can I sue my employer for a forklift accident in Virginia?

In most cases, workplace injuries are handled through workers’ compensation. However, third-party claims may be possible depending on who caused the accident.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Virginia has strict deadlines for workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Missing these deadlines can bar recovery, so it’s important to act quickly.

What if defective equipment caused my injury?

You may be able to file a product liability claim against the forklift manufacturer or maintenance provider.

How much is my forklift accident case worth?

Every case is unique. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, lost income, and long-term impact on your life.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Our Firm

After a forklift injury, you may be hearing a lot of different opinions about what you should do. Some people may tell you that workers’ compensation is your only option. Others may say you can sue. What you really need is a legal team that understands how these systems fit together in Virginia and how they play out for injured workers in Newport News.

Our attorneys have been representing injured people across Virginia since 1979. Over those decades, we have handled thousands of personal injury, workers’ compensation, and disability matters and recovered millions of dollars for clients who were hurt through no fault of their own. That long history means we have seen many types of workplace accidents, including serious forklift incidents at warehouses, shipyards, and industrial plants in this city.

We are a full-service law firm. That means we handle all parts of a case, from the first review of your situation through litigation in court when that becomes necessary. We work with outside professionals, such as doctors and accident reconstruction professionals, to better understand how a forklift accident occurred and what the injuries mean for your future. When your case calls for it, our financial resources allow us to invest in this type of detailed work in the pursuit of maximized compensation.

Our dedication to client service has been recognized by the community and national organizations. Kalfus & Nachman PC has received honors such as the Best of Coastal Virginia Reader's Choice Award, and members of our team have been included among The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers. These recognitions do not decide any one case, but they do reflect our long-standing commitment to advocating for injured people across Virginia.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (855) 880-8163.