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Experienced Tow Motor and Forklift Accident Attorneys in Lancaster PA, Aggressively Pursuing Maximum Compensation for the Injured

Forklift accidents are one of the most common types of work-related accidents in the U.S. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, there are about 30,000 forklift accidents each year—that’s about 82 accidents a day! Sadly, these types of accidents also account for nearly 100 fatalities each year.

Forklifts are designed to move heavy materials in warehouses and at worksites, and while they save time and money, they present serious dangers. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we know how devastating forklift accident injuries can be. Whether it’s the worker themselves or an innocent bystander, one of the most common injuries is the result of being crushed or run over by a forklift.

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Dangers of Operating Tow Motors/Forklifts on Work Sites

Because of the way these pieces of machinery are used, there are some inherent dangers that lead to accidents, including:

  • Vehicle Size – Forklifts weigh up to 9,000 pounds, so when accidents happen, they can be devastating.
  • Weight Distribution –Materials being moved by forklifts are often unevenly distributed. This, combined with the size and shape of the machine, can easily lead to the forklift tipping over and causing injury.
  • Driver’s View –Because of the size and shape of much of the material being hoisted by a forklift, the operator’s view is often obstructed.
  • Improper Training –Many forklift operators are not properly trained, and as such, they are more prone to mishandling the machinery and being injured.
  • Lack of Maintenance/Inspections –Just as with vehicles, poorly maintained forklifts can malfunction, leading to mishaps.

After a Tow Motor/Forklift Accident

Many workers who have suffered an injury while operating a forklift face a long road to recovery. These types of accidents can cause brain damage, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries—and the list goes on. Before taking any action, it is imperative you speak to our Lancaster forklift accident attorneys.

The experienced and court-tested workers compensation lawyers at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. have handled many claims stemming from tow motor or forklift accidents. It is important to know that, if you are injured by the negligent or reckless operation of a tow motor, you may have a third-party claim in addition to your claim for workers’ comp benefits. In other words, unlike the typical comp claim that precludes an injured worker from being compensated for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses and damages, a forklift accident could be an exception depending upon several factors. We have handled a number of these cases and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of tow motor or forklift accidents when a liability claim against a third-party can be brought.

Give us a call to discuss your forklift or tow motor accident claim. We know the ins and outs of these, will answer all of your questions and will take all of the time you need completely free-of-charge. Experience in this setting is invaluable, and Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. has been fighting for tow motor and forklift accident victims for over 15 years.

Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. does not just have a reputation for aggressively fighting for the rights of injured workers, we have been voted the best injury and accident law firm in Lancaster County for 8 years running as part of Lancaster County Magazine’s “Best of Lancaster County” annual survey. We have hundreds of Google reviews, and all of them are 5-star ratings. We win 99% of our cases and have recovered more than $112,000,000 for our clients. We can help you too! If you or someone you know has been injured on the job in a tow motor/forklift accident, call Georgelis First at 1-800-HURT-NOW. If you’re injured and can’t come to us, we can come to you—24/7. Contact us today!

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Tow Motor and Forklift Accident Frequently Asked Questions

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we understand that a single moment of negligence on a worksite can change a worker’s life forever, especially when heavy equipment like forklifts and tow motors is involved.

With more than 30,000 forklift-related accidents reported annually in the U.S., it’s no surprise these powerful machines can cause serious and even catastrophic injuries. Whether the accident is due to operator error, equipment malfunction, or poor site management, injured workers have legal rights- and we’re here to protect them.

Our experienced Lancaster-based forklift accident attorneys have successfully handled numerous workers’ compensation and third-party injury claims for victims of tow motor and forklift accidents. We know how to dig deep, uncover the facts, prove liability, and fight aggressively to recover every dollar of compensation you deserve- including lost wages, medical expenses, and potentially pain and suffering through third-party claims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift accident at work, contact us right away for a free consultation. With over $112 million recovered and a 99% success rate, Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino is the name injured workers trust.

The first step after any workplace injury is to seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Documenting your condition from the start creates an important record for your claim. Next, you should report the accident to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible and request that an incident report be created. Don’t delay- Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws impose strict deadlines, and failure to report timely can jeopardize your rights.

If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any machinery involved. Also, collect names and contact information of any witnesses. Before giving detailed statements or signing anything from your employer or their insurance company, it is critical that you speak with a qualified attorney.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we will ensure your rights are protected and help you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your claim. We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations- call 717-394-3004.

Yes. In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that you may still be eligible for benefits even if the accident was partially or entirely your fault. This includes medical coverage, lost wage benefits, and specific loss benefits if you sustained permanent injury or disfigurement.

However, you must still prove that your injury occurred within the course and scope of your employment. That’s where our experience comes in. We’ve represented hundreds of injured workers, including those involved in forklift incidents where questions about fault arose.

We can help prove your eligibility, overcome employer pushback, and fight back if your claim is denied. Don’t assume that a mistake on your part disqualifies you- call us today so we can review your situation and protect your rights.

Forklift and tow motor accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries due to the size, weight, and operational nature of the machinery. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve seen a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Crush injuries from being pinned between the forklift and another object
  • Fractures and broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and pelvis
  • Spinal cord injuries and back trauma
  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries from falls or falling cargo
  • Internal organ damage or bleeding
  • Amputations or severe lacerations
  • Psychological trauma, such as PTSD, following traumatic incidents

These injuries often require lengthy recovery periods, rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifelong care. We’ll make sure your workers’ comp benefits account for both current and future medical needs and fight for the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

Yes, and this is a critical distinction in many forklift cases. While your employer is typically protected from lawsuits under workers’ compensation laws, third-party claims are an exception. For instance, if a forklift accident was caused by:

  • A subcontractor’s negligence
  • A faulty forklift due to a manufacturer’s defect
  • Improper site management by a non-employer entity
  • Unsafe delivery practices from an outside vendor

You may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. These lawsuits allow you to recover for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages not available under workers’ comp.

Our firm has recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for clients through third-party forklift claims. We’ll thoroughly investigate your accident to uncover all potential sources of liability and hold them accountable.

The value of your case depends on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical treatment needs, your time away from work, and whether a third party is involved. Workers’ comp typically covers:

  • Medical expenses
  • Partial wage replacement
  • Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries

However, in forklift accidents involving third-party negligence, personal injury claims can yield much higher compensation because they allow for recovery of pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we carefully assess the full scope of your losses and fight aggressively to recover every dollar you’re owed. We’ve recovered over $112 million for injured workers just like you. Let us evaluate your case for free- you may be entitled to more than you think.

Absolutely. If you were injured as a bystander- even if you were not the one operating the forklift- you still have the right to pursue compensation if the injury occurred during your employment. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation and, depending on the circumstances, a third-party personal injury claim.

For example, if a forklift operator from another company or an improperly trained worker caused your injury, that could be grounds for a third-party lawsuit. These cases are complex and require detailed investigation, but our firm has extensive experience successfully representing injured bystanders in similar situations.

Our Lancaster legal team will determine who was responsible and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Unfortunately, claim denials are common, even when injuries are clearly work-related. Employers and their insurance carriers may argue:

  • The accident didn’t occur at work
  • You were not acting within the scope of employment
  • There is insufficient medical evidence
  • You failed to report the injury on time

Don’t panic- and don’t give up. Our attorneys know exactly how to appeal denied claims, collect the necessary evidence, and build a strong case. We’ll represent you before the Workers’ Compensation Judge and guide you through every step of the process. With 15+ years of experience, we’ve overturned countless unfair denials and won the benefits our clients were rightfully owed.

In Pennsylvania, you typically have 120 days from the date of the injury to report the accident to your employer, and 3 years to file a workers’ compensation claim petition. However, the sooner you act, the better. Waiting can complicate your case, delay benefits, or even jeopardize your right to compensation.

If you think you may have a third-party claim, personal injury statutes of limitations apply- generally, 2 years from the date of the injury. Missing any of these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation altogether.

Time is of the essence. If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident, call Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino immediately so we can preserve your rights, gather evidence, and initiate the claims process on your behalf.

Not necessarily. Many forklift accident cases- especially workers’ compensation claims- are resolved through negotiations or administrative hearings without ever going to court. However, if your claim involves a third-party lawsuit or is contested by your employer, litigation may become necessary.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That aggressive preparation often leads to faster, more favorable settlements. But if a court becomes necessary, you can feel confident knowing you have an experienced litigation team on your side. Our attorneys are seasoned in both workers’ comp hearings and civil court trials, and we don’t back down from tough opposition.

Simply put, experience matters- and results speak volumes. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we have been successfully fighting for injured workers in Lancaster County and beyond for over 15 years. Our firm has:

  • A 99% success rate
  • Over $112 million recovered for clients
  • Hundreds of 5-star reviews
  • Voted #1 Injury Law Firm in Lancaster County for more than a decade (and counting)

We understand how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating forklift accidents can be. Our dedicated team of attorneys will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the tireless representation you deserve. You don’t pay us unless we win- and we’ll even come to you if your injuries prevent travel.

Call 717-394-3004 today and put our experience to work for you.

Reviewed by Anthony M. Georgelis, Attorney at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, on May 20th 2025.

Reviewed by Anthony M. Georgelis, Attorney at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, on May 20th 2025.

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Get The Maximum Compensation For Your Workers' Compensation Claim

1

Call Georgelis First!

We can be reached through our website or by phone at 717-394-3004 or 1-800-HURT-NOW.

2

Free, No-Obligation Consultation

We will take as long as you need to explain the process, answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you!

3

Focus on Your Recovery

Let Georgelis handle everything else. Your peace-of-mind is our priority. While we work our hardest to get you every penny you deserve, relax knowing that Georgelis has your back.

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