Forklift Accidents

Forklift Accident Lawyer in Beverly Hills

Representing Warehouse & Industrial Injury Victims in Los Angeles County

Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian has represented injury victims and their families throughout Southern California since 1993. Based in Beverly Hills, our firm focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases, including serious injuries caused by forklifts, also called powered industrial trucks, on warehouse floors, distribution centers, and construction sites. These machines can weigh several tons, and the injuries they cause are rarely minor.

If you or a family member was hurt in a forklift accident, call us today at (855) 785-0297. We can come to you, whether that’s at home or at the hospital, so you can focus on recovery while we focus on your case.

Why Beverly Hills Forklift Injury Victims Work With Us

Attorney Haleh Shekarchian is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, groups that limit membership to attorneys who have secured million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than one percent of U.S. attorneys qualify. With more than 30 years of legal experience, she has earned the respect of defense attorneys, judges, and insurance companies across Los Angeles County for her integrity and straightforward representation.

Forklift accident victims are often immobilized in the early weeks of recovery. Crush injuries, spinal trauma, and fractures don’t wait for a client to be well enough to travel, which is why we can come to you, whether at your home or your hospital bedside. Our team serves clients in English, Spanish, and Farsi, which matters in the multilingual warehouse and construction workforce common throughout Los Angeles County.

Workers’ Compensation vs. a Third-Party Claim After a Forklift Accident

California Labor Code section 3602(a) establishes workers’ compensation as the exclusive remedy for injuries that arise in the course of employment. In practical terms, this generally bars employees from suing their employer directly in civil court. Workers’ compensation can cover medical costs and a portion of lost wages, but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering.

A separate legal path opens when someone other than your employer or a co-employee contributed to the accident. These third-party claims aren’t barred by the exclusive remedy rule, and you can pursue one alongside your workers’ compensation benefits. A successful third-party claim may recover pain and suffering, fuller lost income, and, in some circumstances, punitive damages.

Common third-party defendants in forklift cases include:

Forklift manufacturers whose defective equipment caused or contributed to the accident
Property owners or contractors responsible for unsafe premises conditions
Third-party maintenance companies that improperly serviced the equipment

Identifying every viable claim and every liable party is one of the most consequential decisions in a forklift accident case. We analyze both paths for every client we represent.

Start Your Case With No Upfront Cost

We handle forklift accident cases on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk to finding out where you stand.

Call (855) 785-0297 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. We can travel to you if you can’t come to us, and we can communicate in the language you prefer.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents & Third-Party Liability

California’s Cal/OSHA regulations under Title 8, Section 3668 prohibit anyone from operating a forklift without completing employer-provided training and certification that addresses site-specific hazards, including narrow aisles, uneven floors, and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. In areas with limited lighting, generally fewer than two foot-candles, forklifts must be equipped with directional lighting, and operators must sound a horn or use caution when their line of sight is blocked.

When those standards aren’t followed, or when the equipment itself fails, injuries can follow. Common causes of forklift accidents include:

Inadequate operator training that leaves workers unprepared for site conditions
Unbalanced or poorly secured loads that cause tip-over accidents
Improperly maintained equipment with failing brakes, steering, or lift mechanisms
Unsafe premises, including poor lighting, unmarked pedestrian zones, and damaged flooring

Liability doesn’t stop at the employer. A forklift manufacturer whose machine was defective, a property owner whose facility created hazardous conditions, or a subcontractor whose work contributed to the accident may each bear legal responsibility under premises liability or product liability theories.

Injuries Caused by Forklift Accidents

The weight and size of a forklift mean the injuries it causes tend to be serious. Victims commonly suffer soft tissue damage, fractures, crush injuries, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and organ damage. In the most severe cases, these accidents can result in permanent disability or death.

Filing Deadlines & Comparative Negligence in California

Personal injury claims in California generally must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Workers’ compensation claims follow separate, often shorter deadlines for reporting and filing, so acting promptly matters on both fronts.

California follows comparative negligence rules, meaning that even if you were partly at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but it isn’t eliminated. If you have questions about how your own conduct might affect your claim, that conversation belongs with an attorney reviewing the specific facts of your case.

Continue Reading Read Less

"Her and her staff handled mine and my fathers personal injury case professionally. They were always making sure we were being well taken care of"
Her and her staff handled mine and my fathers personal injury case professionally. They were always making sure we were being well taken care of

- Elizabeth R.
"The team over at Haleh's firm was helpful, patient and honest. I had an injury in 2014, and throughout my almost 2 year ordeal, Haleh and her team were there to guide me in my journey back to health while protecting my interests."
The team over at Haleh's firm was helpful, patient and honest. I had an injury, and throughout my almost 2 year ordeal, Haleh and her team were there to guide me in my journey back to health while protecting my interests.

- Hector H.
"If anyone in So Cal is looking for a reputable law office go directly to The Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian! Ms. Shekarchian and staff are the epitome of professionalism."
If anyone in So Cal is looking for a reputable law office go directly to The Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian! Ms. Shekarchian and staff are the epitome of professionalism.

- Rob R.

View All

Injured? Get the Compensation You Deserve

Contact Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian now for a free consultation and let our experienced team fight for your rights.

Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian

Contact Us

We’re Ready to Help

We proudly offer services for English, Spanish, and Farsi speakers. Email us below or call (800) 692-9080 to receive your free case consultation.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Connecting Through Language
We proudly offer services in English, Spanish, and Farsi, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable experience for everyone we serve.
Care That Comes to You
Whether at home or in the hospital, we bring our services directly to you—providing comfort, convenience, and personalized attention wherever you are.
Three Decades of Proven Experience
With over 30 years of legal experience, we bring seasoned insight, strategic judgment, and dedicated advocacy to every case we handle.
No Recovery, No Fee
You pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf—no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we win.
California Focused
Dedicated to representing clients across California, offering personalized service backed by strong regional knowledge.
Nationally Recognized Excellence
Proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction earned by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys for outstanding case outcomes.