Maison Law helps workers in Glendale when they’re injured on the job. Workers’ compensation gives you access to certain benefits that really help stabilize the situation–especially after a forklift accident. But it’s still a difficult process and it requires ongoing support. Our team will be there to answer any questions you might have and guide you through what comes next. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Like any injury claim, you don’t technically need a lawyer to file for workers’ comp. But the reality is that injuries–particularly ones that happen with a forklift–are probably going to be pretty serious. And that makes everything harder. The last thing you need is more stress. That’s when our team can step in and help you with:
- Explaining the options you have and benefits you can get.
- Figuring out who caused the accident—and making sure it’s documented.
- Collecting the records, witness statements, and reports that back up your claim.
- Dealing with your employer and its insurance team so you don’t have to.
The aftermath of a work injury can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to heal and still manage everyday life. Our job is to take stress off your plate. That way, you can focus on getting better while we focus on your claim.
What Types of Information Can Help My Forklift Injury Workers’ Comp Claim?
After a forklift accident at work, the last thing you want to deal with is paperwork and red tape. But the more details you have on hand, the smoother your claim usually goes—and the better your chances of getting the full support you need. Here are the types of information that can really make a difference:
- Medical records – Getting medical care should be your first priority (even before reporting the accident.) Your medical records, test results, and treatment notes help show that your injury is real and work-related. These records prove you’re getting care—not just claiming you’re hurt.
- Proof that you reported your injury – After you get medical help, tell your supervisor as soon as possible. Save a text or email if you can. If there’s no record you spoke up, it could be used against you later.
- Accident report – Your employer should fill out a report after your injury. Ask for a copy. Also, write down your own notes—what happened, where you were, and how the forklift was involved. The more details, the better.
- Pictures and videos – Take pictures of the scene, the forklift, and your injuries. If there was a spill, a blocked aisle, or broken equipment, get that too. Visual proof helps show what went wrong.
- Witness statements – If someone saw what happened, ask them to write down what they remember. Even a quick message helps back up your side of the story.
- Recovery notes – Keep track of how the injury is affecting you–noting about any missed work or pain that won’t go away. A simple daily log shows how your life has changed since the accident.
You don’t have to gather everything perfectly on your own—and you’re not expected to have legal experience. But getting these basics in place early on can go a long way in protecting your claim and getting the benefits you’re owed.
What Are Your Options After a Forklift Injury at Work in Glendale?
Forklifts are powerful machines—and when something goes wrong, the injuries can be serious. Whether the accident involved a tip-over, a collision, or you were struck while walking through a warehouse, it’s not just the injury that disrupts your life. It’s everything that comes after.
The good news: if you were hurt while using or working around a forklift on the job in Glendale, you likely have more than one way to get help.
- Workers’ compensation claim – Your first step is usually a workers’ comp claim. It doesn’t matter who caused the accident. If you were on the job and got hurt, workers’ comp should cover you. That includes:
- Medical care, surgeries, and follow-up treatment
- Temporary disability payments while you’re out of work
- Long-term or permanent disability benefits if you can’t fully recover
- Job training if your injuries keep you from going back to the same type of work
Workers’ comp is there to support you without needing to prove fault. But it also has limits—especially when it comes to covering all your lost income or the emotional toll of a serious injury.
- Insurance claim or lawsuit – If someone outside your employer caused the forklift accident—like a contractor who left equipment in a walkway, or a third-party maintenance crew that failed to fix a mechanical issue—you may also have a personal injury claim. That could mean filing an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit, but it allows you to get “damages” for your:
- Full past and future medical bills
- Lost earnings or reduced ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
These cases take more evidence, but they also offer broader support than a workers’ comp claim alone. And under California law, you usually have two years from the date of injury to file.
What Happens After I File a Workers’ Comp Claim for a Forklift Injury?
Even if you know that you can file for workers’ comp after you’re injured by a forklift at your job, there’s still a process in place. And it all starts with actually filing your claim–where you:
- Ask your employer for the claim form (DWC-1).
- You complete the form and turn it back in.
- They provide the completed form to their workers’ comp insurance company.
Here’s what usually happens next:
- The insurance company investigates – After you submit your claim, the insurance company will start piecing together what happened. That usually means reviewing your accident report, checking your medical records, and possibly reaching out to witnesses. Their main question is whether your forklift injury clearly happened on the job.
- You may be sent to one of their doctors – Often, the insurance company will require you to visit a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). This doctor gives a second opinion on your injury and what kind of care you’ll need. You can still see your own doctor, but keep in mind that the QME’s report can carry a lot of weight in your case.
- Your claim gets approved or denied – Once they’ve reviewed everything, the insurance company will either accept or deny your claim. If it’s approved, they’ll outline your benefits—like medical treatment coverage and payments while you’re off work.
- Appeals – Not every claim goes smoothly. If there’s a disagreement about how serious your injuries are, or how long you need to recover, it might lead to some back-and-forth. In some cases, that means sitting down with a mediator or going through a hearing to sort it out.
- You return to work – Once your doctor clears you, your employer might offer you light-duty work or a different position that works with your restrictions. And if you can’t go back to the same type of job, there may be programs to help you train for something new.
The good news is, with workers’ comp, you don’t have to prove anyone was to blame for your forklift accident. The system is there to help you get back on your feet—but it doesn’t always make that process easy or straightforward.
Talk to Maison Law About Your Forklift Injury in Glendale
No one expects to get hurt on the job, but if a forklift accident leaves you dealing with pain, paperwork, and missed paychecks, you don’t have to handle it all on your own. At Maison Law, we help injured workers in Glendale understand their rights and get the benefits that are available under California’s workers’ compensation system.
Let’s talk through your next steps in a free consultation.
