Philadelphia Lawyer for Warehouse Amputations from Forklifts

Workplace forklift accidents pose a significant risk of amputations. The sheer force and weight of a forklift is capable of crushing and severing body parts upon impact. Some victims of forklift accidents may experience traumatic amputations, while others will suffer injuries that lead to surgical amputations later on. Furthermore, in some cases, forklifts may trap people between fixed objects and create situations where emergency amputations are necessary to free the victims and prevent further harm.

Warehouse employees who suffer amputations as a result of forklift accidents may be entitled to significant compensation through Workers’ Compensation insurance. Our legal team can help potential claimants evaluate their specific cases to determine how much payment is available.

Seek assistance from our Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Specialists at Cardamone Law by calling (267) 651-7945.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Can Recover After a Warehouse Amputation from a Forklift in Philadelphia

After enduring an amputation because of a warehouse forklift accident at work, you may be eligible for various benefits through Workers’ Compensation.

First, you can seek coverage for medical expenses related to amputation, including surgeries, hospital stays, prosthetic devices, and rehabilitative therapy. You should be able to recover payment for any medical bills reasonably necessary for your recovery.

Additionally, you can seek payments for lost wages from an amputation. These benefits may allow you to maintain some sort of financial stability while unable to work. In most cases, wage-loss benefits will amount to around 2/3 of your actual lost income. Still, these amounts can vary from claim to claim, and you should have our experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys calculate the specific value of lost-wage benefits in your case.

Specific loss benefits are alternatively available in most amputation claims. These benefits offer specific compensation for the permanent loss of a limb and are typically paid out over a set number of weeks. Specific loss benefits will also help mitigate the economic impact of an amputation that keeps you from working.

Finally, in tragic cases where a worker eventually succumbs to their forklift injuries and passes away, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits provide financial support to the deceased employee’s family during the grieving process.

Examples of Ways that Warehouse Workers Face Amputation Accidents Involving Forklifts in Philadelphia

No one expects to suffer a forklift accident when going into work in the morning. These catastrophic accidents can be hard to foresee because they may stem from many different causes.

Getting Caught in Forklift Machinery

Warehouse workers may suffer amputations if they become entangled in the moving parts of forklift machinery. This may occur when a clothing, jewelry, hair, or body parts snag on the exposed gears, chains, or belts of the machine.

Being Struck by Forks

Another regular cause of amputations in warehouse settings is being struck by the forks of a forklift. This can happen when workers are in close proximity to operating forklifts and are accidentally struck by the lifting mechanism or the forks themselves.

Being Struck by Improperly Secured Cargo

Workers can also suffer amputations if they are struck by improperly secured cargo being lifted or transported by a forklift. If cargo falls or shifts unexpectedly, it can pin workers against nearby objects or directly impact them.

Getting Trapped Between Fixed Objects

In congested warehouse environments, workers may suffer amputations because they were trapped between fixed objects and operating forklifts. These types of forklift accidents often happen in areas where this is limited space for maneuvering, such as narrow aisles, doorways, and loading docks.

Being Crushed or Pinned During Forklift Overturns

Lastly, warehouse workers may suffer amputations because they were crushed or pinned by heavy machinery during forklift overturns. Overturns have an especially high propensity to cause severe harm.

Challenges Faced by Victims of Warehouse Amputations from Forklifts in Philadelphia

Suffering a warehouse amputation from a forklift is a devastating and traumatic experience. Victims will face serious challenges when attempting to get their lives back on track.

Physical Limitations and Inhibited Work Abilities

Warehouse workers who have experienced amputations because of forklift accidents often face significant physical limitations that inhibit their ability to perform certain tasks at work. The loss of a limb can result in decreased mobility, reduced strength, and altered balance, making it challenging to engage in activities that were once routine.

Tasks that require manual labor may no longer be feasible for amputees in warehouse settings. For instance, an amputee may have trouble lifting heavy objects or even operating machinery. In turn, their employment options may be severely limited. Even with the use of prosthetic devices or assistive technology, some tasks may remain difficult or impossible to perform.

Psychological Challenges

In addition to the physical limitations, those who have undergone amputations because of forklift accidents may experience significant psychological challenges. Coping with the aftermath of such a traumatic injury can be overwhelming and may affect victims’ effectiveness at work. Furthermore, the fear of future accidents can cause victims to become panicked while performing tasks that once seemed routine.

Long-Term Healthcare Needs and Financial Burdens

Additionally, amputees who have sustained injuries from forklift accidents often require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation to manage their physical and psychological needs. This may include regular visits to healthcare providers, physical therapy sessions, adjustments or replacements of prosthetic devices, and medications to manage pain or prevent complications.

The cost of long-term healthcare can be substantial and can create a significant financial burden for victims. Additionally, unexpected medical expenses or complications related to the amputation can further strain their economic resources.

Importance of Legal Representation to Victims of Warehouse Amputations from Forklifts in Philadelphia

Legal representation can be highly important to employees seeking Workers’ Compensation benefits after suffering warehouse amputations from forklift accidents. Navigating the complex process for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim can be daunting, especially for those dealing with the various challenges created by an amputation. Our legal team can provide invaluable guidance and advocacy. We will ensure that our clients understand their rights and obligations. Further, we can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for maximum benefits.

Contact Our Attorneys for Assistance After Sustaining a Warehouse Amputation from a Forklift in Philadelphia

Get help from our Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Specialists at Cardamone Law today by calling (267) 651-7945.