If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Have the forklift stopped, lowered and shut off.
- 2Call 911 if you were pinned, knocked down, hit your head, or have severe pain or can't put weight on a leg.
- 3Stay still if your back, neck or hip hurts.
- 4Tell your supervisor and report the injury in writing. Keep a copy.
- 5Note the forklift number, the operator's name and employer, the aisle or dock and the time.
- 6Ask that security camera footage be saved.
- 7Get names of witnesses.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Pedestrian-forklift collisions often happen at blind corners, in aisles without marked walkways, when backing up, when the load blocks the operator's view, or in loud areas where a horn isn't heard. In your report, describe where you were walking or working and the conditions.
If the operator works for a staffing agency, a contractor or another company, write that down. You still report to your own employer.
Your employer generally sends the report to its insurer or claims administrator. Deadlines to report and file vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible.
Keep photos of your injuries and the scene, medical records, and a log of missed time.
Getting medical care
Emergency care or urgent care is usually the first stop. Follow-up often involves orthopedics, spine care, imaging and physical therapy. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Tell the clinician you were hit by a forklift at work, where it struck you, and whether you were pinned or knocked down. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see first, so ask your employer or adjuster.
If you're prescribed medication or equipment like crutches, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions and supplies are handled. Home delivery can help during recovery.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You have fractures, back injuries or knee injuries that keep you off work.
- The forklift operator worked for another company.
- The forklift had mechanical problems or no working horn or alarm.
- Your claim is denied or you're blamed for being in the forklift's path.
- There are disputes about surgery or therapy.
- You can't return to warehouse work.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Follow your care plan and keep therapy visits. Leg, knee and back injuries can take time.
Ask your doctor about restrictions on standing, walking and lifting. Ask your employer about seated or office work.
Ask your employer what pedestrian safety changes are being made, like marked walkways, mirrors or speed limits. Keep your supervisor and adjuster updated.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: Do I need imaging of my legs, hips or back?
- Doctor: How much can I walk or stand?
- Employer: Can the camera footage and incident report be saved and shared with me?
- Employer: What safety changes are being made for pedestrians?
- Adjuster: What is my claim number?
- Adjuster: Can I see an orthopedic specialist under my claim?
- Attorney: The forklift driver was from a staffing agency. Does that matter?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I was hit by a forklift at work?
Stay still if you're hurt, have the forklift shut off and call 911 for serious injuries. Report it in writing and ask that camera footage be saved. Get evaluated by a clinician.
Is getting hit by a forklift covered by workers' comp?
Forklift injuries on the job are often handled through workers' compensation, depending on your state and situation. Report it in writing. Check deadlines with your state's agency.
What if the forklift driver works for another company?
Report to your own employer and note the driver's company. Another company's employee being involved may raise questions beyond workers' compensation. Many people talk with an attorney.
What injuries are common when hit by a forklift?
Leg, knee and pelvis fractures, back injuries and crush injuries are common. Some aren't obvious right away. Get a full evaluation.
Can I be blamed for walking in the forklift's path?
Workers' compensation is generally not based on fault, but rules vary by state. Report what happened truthfully. If you're denied, consider talking with an attorney.
When can I return to the warehouse after a forklift injury?
Your doctor decides. Ask for written restrictions. Your employer may have seated work.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).