Albuquerque Forklift Accident Attorney 

Injured in a Forklift Accident in Albuquerque? We’re Here to Help.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a forklift accident, the stress can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, job uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies or employers may leave you feeling lost. At }, we understand how disruptive a serious workplace injury can be. Our team guides people in Albuquerque through these situations, helping them regain control after a forklift accident.

Forklift accidents raise difficult questions about your rights, the responsibility of your employer or third parties, and what comes next. Our experienced attorneys listen carefully, explain your options, and support you every step of the way. We want you to focus on your recovery, knowing that you have reliable legal advocates on your side.

For over 30 years, we have served Albuquerque families and workers during their toughest moments. We often take on complex cases that other firms reject, particularly when large companies or insurers are involved. Our reputation is built on local roots, dedicated advocacy, and delivering results for individuals and families who need help.

Call (505) 806-1780 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Forklift?

A forklift is an industrial vehicle designed to lift, carry, and transport heavy loads over short distances. Forklifts are commonly used in warehouses, loading docks, construction sites, and factories. They come in various types, including counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, rough-terrain forklifts, and telehandlers.

Despite their usefulness, forklifts are inherently dangerous. They can weigh several tons, have a high center of gravity, and often operate in close proximity to workers on foot. Even a minor mistake can result in catastrophic injuries.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents can occur in many ways, often with devastating consequences. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents we see in Albuquerque include:

• Forklift tip-overs: One of the most dangerous accidents, often causing crush injuries or fatalities
• Struck-by accidents: Pedestrians hit by a moving forklift
• Falling loads: Improperly secured materials falling onto workers
• Pinning or crushing incidents: Workers trapped between a forklift and another object
• Forklift collisions: Crashes with vehicles, structures, or other equipment
• Falls from forklifts: Operators or riders falling while mounting, dismounting, or riding improperly
• Mechanical failure accidents: Brake failures, steering issues, or hydraulic malfunctions

These accidents frequently lead to severe trauma, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents are rarely “just accidents.” In many cases, they are the result of negligence, safety violations, or defective equipment. Common causes include:

• Inadequate training: Operators who are not properly certified or trained
• Operator error: Speeding, improper turns, or unsafe operation
• Overloaded forklifts: Exceeding weight limits or unbalanced loads
• Poor maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical defects
• Unsafe work environments: Crowded aisles, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting
• Lack of safety enforcement: Employers failing to follow OSHA regulations
• Defective forklift design or parts: Manufacturing or design defects

Identifying the cause of the accident is critical in determining liability and the types of claims that may be available.

Workers’ Compensation & Third-Party Claims

Forklift accidents often occur on the job, which means workers’ compensation benefits may be available. However, workers’ compensation is not always the only option.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you were injured while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in New Mexico, including:

• Medical treatment related to the injury
• Partial wage replacement
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation, if applicable

Workers’ compensation generally does not require proof of fault, but it also limits your ability to sue your employer directly.

Third-Party Forklift Accident Claims

In many forklift accident cases, a third party may be responsible for your injuries. This can include:

• Forklift manufacturers or parts suppliers
• Maintenance or repair companies
• Property owners or site managers
• Subcontractors or other outside vendors

A third-party personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation, including damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full lost wages. An experienced Albuquerque forklift accident attorney can evaluate your case to determine whether a third-party claim applies.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents frequently cause serious, life-altering injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries and internal organ damage
• Amputations and severe lacerations
• Broken bones and complex fractures
• Burns and electrical injuries
• Fatal injuries

These injuries often require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and significant time away from work.

Why Trust Our Team With Your Albuquerque Forklift Accident Case?

Choosing a forklift accident attorney in Albuquerque can have a meaningful impact on your recovery. At Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, our approach is different. We have spent more than three decades representing people right here in Albuquerque. Our attorneys are willing to take on complicated or disputed cases, even when it means challenging powerful employers or insurance providers. Our results speak for themselves, and our community connections remain strong.

Our firm’s roots run deep in Albuquerque. We are dedicated to not only providing skilled legal representation, but also contributing to community initiatives that benefit families and protect at-risk children. This commitment extends to our client service. We offer legal support in both English and Spanish, so every person can understand their options without barriers.

Our transparent fee policy means you never pay us up front. We use a contingency fee model, only collecting a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf. We believe that anyone facing a forklift or workplace accident should be able to seek justice without financial barriers. When you work with us, you benefit from passionate advocates who are committed through every stage of your case.

Contact us today at (505) 806-1780. Let our team support your next steps.