Forklift Accident Attorney in Corpus Christi

Your Trusted Legal Advocates for Forklift Injuries in Corpus Christi

Forklifts keep Corpus Christi moving, from port terminals and refineries to distribution centers and construction sites. When a forklift incident leaves you hurt, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Medical bills start arriving. Time away from work creates financial stress. Insurance companies may try to rush a low settlement or deny responsibility altogether.

Gonzales Law Firm stands up for injured workers and families across Nueces County. With decades of experience handling workplace injury and forklift accident claims, we investigate fast, preserve critical evidence, and pursue every source of compensation available under Texas law. If you or a loved one was injured in a forklift crash, tip-over, struck-by event, or loading incident, we are ready to help.

Contact us now to speak with a forklift accident attorney in Corpus Christi or call our office at (361) 309-4243, and request a free consultation today.

Why Injured Workers Choose Gonzales Law Firm

When a serious workplace injury happens, you need a legal team that knows how to build a strong claim from day one. Our firm delivers focused representation for forklift accident victims in Corpus Christi and the surrounding communities.

• Decades of experience advocating for injured workers and families
• Rapid on-site investigations to secure photographs, video, and maintenance records
• Coordination with your medical providers to document injuries and future care
• Clear communication about the process, timelines, and settlement options
• Contingency fee representation, meaning no attorney’s fee unless we recover for you

What Sets Our Forklift Cases Apart

We tailor each case to the workplace realities of Corpus Christi. The mix of port operations, oil and gas, industrial construction, and warehousing creates unique forklift risks. We understand jobsite logistics, vendor relationships, and contractor chains common in this region, and we use that knowledge to pinpoint fault and prove liability.

Who May Be Liable After A Forklift Accident

Texas workplace injuries can involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying them early maximizes your recovery.

• Employer responsibilities related to training, supervision, and safe procedures
• General contractors and site managers controlling jobsite safety
• Subcontractors operating or directing forklift tasks
• Third-party maintenance providers are responsible for repairs and inspections
• Manufacturers and distributors, when design or component defects cause harm
• Property owners for unsafe dock plates, ramps, aisles, or lighting

Understanding Employer Coverage In Texas

Some Texas employers do not carry workers’ compensation coverage. If your employer is a nonsubscriber, you may have a direct negligence claim against the employer for a broader range of damages. Even when workers’ compensation applies, you may still have third-party claims against negligent contractors, maintenance companies, or equipment manufacturers. We evaluate every pathway at the outset to protect your rights.

Common Causes And Evidence We Use

Forklift accidents are often preventable. Our investigations focus on what went wrong and who had the duty to stop it.

• Inadequate operator training or certification
• Unsafe speeds or turns leading to tip-overs
• Overloading, unstable pallets, or high-stacked loads that block visibility
• Poor aisle maintenance, dock separation, and ramp conditions
• Faulty brakes, steering, hydraulics, or alarms
• Co-worker or pedestrian struck-by incidents in mixed-traffic aisles
• Lack of spotters, mirrors, or lighting in congested areas

Key Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim

• Incident and near-miss reports, including supervisor notes
• Forklift maintenance logs, repair tickets, and inspection checklists
• Operator training records and certifications
• Surveillance or dash camera footage from the facility or vehicles
• Load manifests, pallet weight records, and work orders
• Vendor contracts and site safety plans identifying control and responsibility
• Witness statements from co-workers, contractors, and visitors

Injuries We See In Forklift Accident Claims

Forklift incidents can cause severe and life-changing injuries that demand immediate and long-term care.

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and paralysis
• Crush injuries to hands, feet, and lower limbs
• Multiple fractures, shoulder and knee damage
• Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations, scarring, and disfigurement
• Wrongful death

Medical Documentation And Future Care Planning

We work with your treating physicians and, when appropriate, independent specialists to document diagnosis, treatment plans, functional limitations, and the cost of future care. This medical roadmap helps us present a complete damage picture and counter insurance tactics that minimize long-term needs.

Workers’ Compensation And Third-Party Claims In Texas

Your route to compensation may include workers’ compensation, a third-party lawsuit, or both. Our job is to identify the path that best protects you and your family.

Texas Nonsubscriber Considerations

If your employer is a nonsubscriber, you may bring a negligence claim directly against the employer for damages, including pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and full medical costs. Employers that opt out of workers’ compensation lose certain defenses that could otherwise limit your recovery.

Third-Party Liability Paths

Even if workers’ compensation applies, negligent third parties can still be held responsible. Examples include a forklift serviced by an outside maintenance company, a defective component supplied by a manufacturer, or a general contractor that failed to enforce safe traffic separation or loading protocols.

Damages Available In A Forklift Accident Case

The value of a case depends on the facts, the severity of injuries, liability proof, and available insurance. We pursue every category of damages you are entitled to recover.

• Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
• Future medical needs, including therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
• Physical impairment and loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages and funeral expenses for eligible family members

Maximizing Compensation Through Thorough Case Building

We back your claim with documentation, deep analysis where needed, and a clear narrative tying safety failures to your injuries and losses. This approach positions your case for the strongest settlement and, if required, trial presentation.

What To Do After A Forklift Accident In Corpus Christi

Taking the right steps can protect your health and your claim.

• Report the incident immediately and ensure the report is documented in writing
• Seek medical care right away and follow all treatment recommendations
• Photograph the forklift, the load, the area, and any visible injuries
• Save your work schedule, wage records, and any correspondence from insurers
• Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance adjuster before legal advice
• Contact a forklift accident lawyer in Corpus Christi as soon as possible

How We Can Help Right Away

• Preserve and request maintenance records, training logs, and video footage
• Send spoliation letters to stop the destruction of evidence
• Coordinate with your medical providers to document injuries and restrictions
• Handle all insurer contacts so you can focus on healing

Industries And Worksites Around Corpus Christi

Forklift traffic is part of daily operations across the Coastal Bend. We represent workers injured in incidents at locations such as:

• Port of Corpus Christi terminals and warehouses
• Oil and gas refineries and petrochemical plants
• Shipyards and fabrication yards
• Big-box retail distribution centers
• Construction sites and materials yards
• Cold storage facilities and food processing plants

Local Knowledge That Matters

Understanding how these facilities operate helps us reconstruct the incident and determine who controlled the work, the equipment, and the safety practices. That practical knowledge can make the difference when proving fault.

Timeline, Deadlines, And The Claims Process

Time is critical after a workplace injury. Acting quickly helps us preserve evidence and meet all deadlines.

• There are strict time limits to file injury and wrongful death claims under Texas law
• Insurance carriers often move fast to shape the record in their favor
• Early legal counsel improves access to site records, video, and witnesses

Our Step-By-Step Process

• Free consultation to understand your situation and goals
• Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
• Liability analysis and identification of all responsible parties
• Documentation of injuries, treatment, and future care needs
• Demand package and settlement negotiations
• Litigation and trial, when necessary to protect your rights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my forklift accident claim worth in Corpus Christi?

Every case is different. Value depends on liability facts, the extent of your injuries, medical costs, time off work, and the insurance available. We evaluate these factors early and update you as evidence develops.

Do I have a case if my employer says I caused the accident?

Possibly. Many incidents involve multiple contributing factors, including training, supervision, maintenance, and site conditions. Texas nonsubscriber rules and third-party liability can still support a recovery even if the employer points to operator error.

Can I sue if my employer has workers’ compensation coverage?

You may still have claims against third parties such as contractors, maintenance providers, or equipment manufacturers. We investigate all responsible parties while guiding you on workers’ compensation benefits and how they interact with additional claims.

What if my employer does not carry workers’ compensation?

Nonsubscriber employers can be sued for negligence, allowing recovery for a wider range of damages. We examine employment status, control of the work, and safety rule violations to build the case.

How long do I have to file a forklift accident lawsuit in Texas?

There are strict filing deadlines that can bar your claim if missed. Contact us as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and file within the applicable limitations period.

What if a loved one was killed in a forklift accident?

We pursue wrongful death and survival claims for eligible family members, seeking compensation for financial losses, funeral expenses, and the impact on the family. We handle the legal process with care and respect.

Start Your Corpus Christi Forklift Claim With Confidence

The sooner our team is involved, the faster we can secure evidence and protect your rights. If you were injured in a warehouse, refinery, or port facility, we are ready to move your case forward and pursue the compensation you deserve in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Call (361) 309-4243 to speak with our Corpus Christi team or book a convenient consultation time online.