St. Louis Forklift Accident Attorneys

When a Forklift Accident Changes Your Life, We Fight for What You're Owed

Forklifts move thousands of pounds through warehouses, factories, and job sites every day. When something goes wrong — a struck pedestrian, a tipped load, a crushing injury — the consequences are immediate and severe. These are not minor workplace incidents. They are life-changing events that can end careers, devastate families, and leave victims facing a legal landscape they never expected to navigate.

At Meyerkord Law Group, founding attorney Geoff Meyerkord is personally on every case we accept. We carefully select the matters we take on so we can devote the time, preparation, and attention that serious forklift injury claims require — from preserving critical workplace evidence to identifying every party responsible for what happened to you.

• Over $60 Million Recovered for Our Clients
• 30+ Years Trial Experience
• RN + SLP Medical Professionals on Staff
• 24/7 Free Consultations — Phone, Text, Email, or Video

Call us today at (314) 500-6000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our forklift accident attorneys in St. Louis.

Workers' Compensation Is Not Always Enough

Most injured workers file a workers' compensation claim after a forklift accident. Workers' comp provides important benefits — but it covers only your direct employer's liability and doesn't compensate for pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, or the lasting impact of a permanent disability.

What many injured workers don't realize is that a separate personal injury claim may also be available — against a party other than their employer. That third-party claim is where full accountability becomes possible.

We evaluate both avenues from day one. Workers' comp and a third-party claim are not mutually exclusive — and pursuing both can make a significant difference in your recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Forklift Accident

Forklift accident liability frequently extends beyond the employer. Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include:

• General contractors and subcontractors — who may have created unsafe traffic patterns, ignored safety protocols, or forced rushed schedules
• Property owners — responsible for warehouse layout, lighting, and hazard correction
• Forklift manufacturers — when a defective design or missing safety feature contributed to the accident
• Maintenance and service companies — when neglected repairs or improper servicing caused equipment failure
• Outside vendors or delivery drivers — whose operation of nearby equipment contributed to a collision

Each of these parties carries its own insurance coverage. Identifying every liable party — and every available source of compensation — is one of the most important things we do in these cases.

Common Forklift Accident Injuries

The forces involved in a forklift accident leave little room for minor injuries. We regularly handle cases involving:

• Crush injuries to legs, feet, and torso
• Multiple fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations
• Severe soft tissue damage affecting strength and mobility
• Neck and back injuries requiring ongoing treatment
• Wrongful death

Many of these injuries are permanent. Returning to your previous job may not be possible. Simple daily activities — lifting, driving, climbing stairs — may become difficult or impossible. Our in-house Registered Nurse and Speech-Language Pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP) review your medical records immediately, assess long-term care needs, and build lifetime care valuations that capture the true cost of your injuries — not just the initial treatment.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Beyond workers' compensation, a third-party forklift accident claim in Missouri can include compensation for:

Economic damages:

• Full medical expenses, current and future
• Complete lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive equipment
• Home modification costs

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

In wrongful death cases, recoverable damages include loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance, as well as the grief and mental anguish suffered by surviving family members.

What To Do After a Forklift Accident

Immediately:

• Get medical attention right away — internal injuries and head trauma are not always obvious at first
• Report the incident to your supervisor in writing and keep a copy
• Photograph the forklift, the scene, your injuries, and anything unusual before anything is moved
• Get contact information from any coworkers who witnessed the accident
• Do not give recorded statements or sign anything from your employer or their insurer before speaking with an attorney

In the days after:

• Follow up with all recommended specialists and document every appointment
• Keep a record of missed workdays, pain levels, and how your injuries affect daily life
• Contact us as early as possible — workplace evidence, maintenance records, and safety logs can disappear quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Lawyer if Workers’ Compensation Is Already Covering Me?

Workers' comp covers your employer's liability — but it doesn't prevent a separate claim against a negligent third party. A manufacturer whose equipment failed, a contractor who created unsafe conditions, or a property owner who ignored known hazards may all be outside the scope of workers' comp. We identify every available avenue and explain your options clearly.

Can I Lose My Job for Consulting an Attorney?

Consulting an attorney is confidential and is not a valid reason for termination. Many workers are protected by laws that discourage retaliation for reporting injuries or asserting workplace rights. Your consultation with us is private — we discuss your situation discreetly and help you balance your health, your claim, and your employment concerns.

What if My Employer Is Pressuring Me to Sign Documents or Return to Work?

Don't sign anything before speaking with an attorney. You have the right to independent legal advice. Keep written notes of any conversations that concern you — who was present, what was said, and when. Contact us before responding to anything from your employer or their insurer.

What if the Forklift Had a Known Defect or Maintenance Issue?

This is an important avenue of liability. We send preservation letters immediately upon being retained, demanding that all parties preserve relevant equipment, maintenance records, inspection logs, and communications. If a defect or maintenance failure contributed to your injury, the manufacturer or service company may bear significant responsibility.

How Long Does a Forklift Accident Case Take?

It depends on injury severity, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Cases where medical treatment is ongoing typically aren't resolved until your condition stabilizes. We keep you informed throughout and never let you wonder where things stand.

What Does It Cost to Hire You?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our St. Louis Forklift Accident Attorneys Today

A forklift accident can change your life in an instant. At Meyerkord Law Group, we handle the investigation, the insurers, and the preparation — identifying every responsible party and pursuing every available source of recovery so you can focus on getting better. As a family-led firm that lives by the motto Your Injury. Our Priority.®, we work to pair compassionate support with thoroughly prepared, trial-ready advocacy.

Call us at (314) 500-6000 for a free consultation with our St. Louis forklift accident lawyers. Available 24/7. You pay nothing unless we win your case.