Texas Forklift Accident Lawyer
A forklift accident can result from manufacturing defects, negligent repairs, and carelessness during operation. Accidents in these powerful industrial vehicles can cause serious injuries. If you or your loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, our experienced Texas forklift accident lawyers may be able to recover substantial compensation for your injuries.
Legally Reviewed By: Jud Waltman
Managing Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- May 28, 2025
Forklifts are heavy equipment used by workers to lift and move pallets of goods and cargo. They can be less stable and harder to control than other vehicles. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s forklift regulations require operators to undergo training, become certified, and take refresher training at least every three years. Companies must maintain forklifts and ensure they meet design requirements. Forklift operators should inspect equipment daily.
Large moving parts, unpredictable driving paths, unstable loads, and a propensity for tipping over can jeopardize the safety of the operator and bystanders when companies and operators fail to follow safety regulations. Forklift accidents are almost always preventable. They can cause serious injuries resulting in lifelong disabilities or death.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, contact us to speak with one of our award-winning Texas forklift accident lawyers.
Why Choose the Lanier Law Firm’s Texas Forklift Accident Attorneys?
We are a nationally recognized Texas personal injury law firm with over 35 years of experience standing up to the largest corporations in the world on behalf of injured individuals. We have recovered nearly $20 billion in compensation for our clients. We treat clients like family, providing personalized attention and compassionate emotional support. You can count on our attorneys to go to whatever lengths are necessary to recover the maximum compensation available.
Our award-winning firm has received national recognition for the hard work we put into every case and our consistent record of results. Many of our Houston forklift injury attorneys have received prestigious honors only given to the most accomplished attorneys in the nation. Below are just a few examples of the honors we have received:
- Lawdragon’s List of 100 Managing Partners You Need to Know
- Top 10 Elite Trial Lawyers
- Litigation Star
- Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America
- Texas Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America
You have nothing to lose by contacting our law firm. We charge no upfront fees and will advance your case costs, such as court filing fees, expert witness retainers, and travel costs. You pay nothing unless we win.
“The Lanier Law Firm notified and updated us in a timely manner on any actions we needed to take in order to comply with any directions from the court. In addition, the Lanier Law Firm kept us informed of all court dates and decisions. My husband and I are extremely satisfied with the results of the case!” – H. Guy
“Everything they do shows that they care about the people they serve. I was originally nervous talking to them because of how successful they’ve been for past clients, but their whole team is amazing to work with, top to bottom. The firm has an amazing reputation, and it’s easy to see why with how much they’ve recovered for their client, but the thing that truly separates them is how you don’t feel like you’re talking to a law firm. You feel like you’re talking to family. If you’ve been injured, pick up the phone and call them now.” – Theodore D
What Compensation Can You Receive From a Forklift Accident in Texas?
The available compensation for a Texas forklift accident varies by the type of claim. If the accident occurs at work, workers’ compensation generally covers your injuries. It provides medical care and partial wage replacement. However, if your employer has not obtained workers’ comp insurance, someone other than your employer contributed to your injuries, or your forklift accident occurred somewhere other than at work, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Current and future medical expenses
- Domestic services, such as housekeeping
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of function
- Loss of society
You may qualify for punitive damages if you have clear and convincing evidence that the defendant committed fraud, malice, or gross negligence. Punitive damages are known as non-compensatory damages because their purpose is not to compensate victims but to punish defendants and deter others from similar conduct. While state law places no limits on compensatory damages, punitive damages are limited to the greater of $200,000 or two times your economic damages plus an amount equal to your non-economic damages, up to $750,000.
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Damages for Fatal Forklift Accidents
If your loved one has died from a forklift accident, you may be eligible for the economic, non-economic, and punitive damages your loved one could have recovered had they survived.
You may also be able to recover damages for your losses, such as the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of our loved one’s probable lifetime income had they survived
- Loss of companionship
- Grief and mental suffering
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of love and affection
- Punitive damages
How Much Is My Forklift Accident Case Worth?
The value of your forklift accident case will vary based on whether you qualify for damages beyond workers’ compensation and the unique facts of your case. No two cases are the same, but certain factors play key roles in how much you recover, such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, the severity and duration of your pain and suffering, and whether your injuries are permanent. The Lanier Law Firm’s case results include the following:
- $115 million verdict for 21 steelworkers injured by asbestos
- $56.3 million verdict against Caterpillar Inc. and Holt Texas for a construction worker paralyzed by equipment-related injuries
- $5.5 million verdict against West Star Transportation for a worker who suffered severe head injuries in a fall
- $1.95 million verdict for an injured construction worker
- $1.45 million verdict against the insurance company for Hobbs Bonded Fibers
Common Types of Forklift Accident Injuries Eligible for Compensation in Texas
You may be able to recover compensation for the following common injuries that occur in forklift accidents:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Severe scarring
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Forklift accidents may also be fatal. According to Injury Facts, 67 workers were killed in forklift accidents nationwide in 2023. When you contact our firm, we can evaluate your case for free, advise you on your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Our Experienced Texas Forklift Accident Attorneys Can Do For You
With our dedicated Texas forklift accident attorneys working for you, you will be able to focus on resting and recovering while we handle your legal details, including the following:
- Provide a free case evaluation at your home, hospital bed, or our office.
- Investigate the accident and identify all of the responsible parties.
- Gather evidence such as forensic data, maintenance records, accident scene photographs, surveillance video, eyewitness statements, and expert witness opinions to build your case.
- File your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
- Negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurance companies for the full compensation you deserve, and refuse to accept less.
- Take a well-prepared case to trial, skillfully present it to a jury, and pursue the maximum amount available if the responsible parties refuse to pay fair compensation.
- Answer all of your questions and keep you up-to-date throughout your case.
“At the Lanier Law Firm, we have the means and the resources to pursue justice. We were able to hire the best experts in the field to gather information and evidence so that the defendants know that we will be ready for trial if they’re not going to do the right thing and give our clients the justice and the recovery that they deserve.” – Patrice McKinney
Contact Our Knowledgeable Forklift Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX
If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We charge no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call our Texas forklift accident lawyers today at (713) 659-5200 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
FAQs About Forklift Accident Cases in Texas
What To Do Immediately After a Forklift Accident?
If you are injured in a forklift accident, your top priority is seeking immediate medical care. If possible, take pictures of the scene, the damaged equipment, and your injuries. Video footage can also be helpful. Continue with your medical treatment even after your symptoms improve. Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible if you were injured at work or to the company manager if you were injured elsewhere.
Consult an experienced Texas forklift accident law firm like The Lanier Law Firm as soon as possible after your accident. We can help you find the best medical care and help you obtain the most positive outcome possible.
Who Is Responsible if a Forklift Accident Occurs?
If your forklift accident occurred at work, workers’ compensation is likely responsible. It provides partial wage replacement and medical care. In some cases, our dedicated Houston forklift accident attorneys find outside parties who also contributed to the accident, such as the following:
- Property owners
- Forklift manufacturers
- Forklift maintenance and repair companies
- Forklift operators who are not co-workers
How Can I Sue if My Employer Has Workers’ Compensation?
If your forklift injury occurred at work, you must allow workers’ compensation to cover your injuries. You generally cannot sue an employer who carries workers’ compensation. However, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against outside responsible parties. During our investigation, we will identify all of the causes of your accident and the contributing parties.
Can I Still Sue if I Was Partially at Fault for My Forklift Accident?
You may still be able to sue if you were partially at fault, depending on how much of the fault is yours. Under the Texas proportionate responsibility law, you may recover damages if you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 but you are 10 percent at fault, you could recover $90,000. However, you cannot recover compensation if you are 51 percent or more at fault.
The proportionate responsibility law incentivizes insurance companies to shift blame to accident victims. Contact our skilled Houston forklift accident lawyers right away to protect your rights.
How Long Do I Have To File a Forklift Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Under the Texas personal injury statute of limitations, you generally must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the forklift accident. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose out on your chance to recover damages for your injuries. In addition, the most important evidence may only be available for a few days or weeks following your accident. Involving our attorneys from the outset will give you the best chance at building a strong case.
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