$13 Million Forklift Accident Verdict
A catastrophic forklift accident changed our client's life. See how McCoy & McCoy secured a $13 million verdict. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.
July 13, 2026
By McCoy & McCoy
When someone suffers catastrophic injuries in a forklift accident, the consequences can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost wages, permanent disabilities, and ongoing pain often leave victims wondering how they will move forward.
Recently, Attorney Frank J. McCoy Jr. of McCoy & McCoy helped secure a $13,045,776 jury verdict for a client who was seriously injured after being ejected from a forklift during a workplace accident. The case demonstrates what can happen when experienced trial attorneys are willing to fight through years of litigation rather than accept an unfair outcome.
What Happened in the Forklift Accident?
According to court records, the injured worker was operating a forklift manufactured by Ramond Corporation when an accident caused her to be thrown from the machine. After being ejected, the forklift ran over her leg, causing devastating injuries.
The lawsuit alleged that the forklift manufacturer should have incorporated additional safety features such as a protective door to help prevent operators from being ejected during rollover incidents.
The case centered on whether safer alternative designs were available and whether those designs could have prevented the plaintiff’s injuries.
The Case Was Not Won Over Night
One of the most remarkable aspects of this case is that the first trial did not end in the plaintiff’s favor.
Initially, the court excluded portions of critical expert testimony. Without that testimony, the jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
Rather than giving up, the legal team appealed.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit later ruled that the expert testimony should have been admitted, giving the plaintiff another opportunity to present the case to a jury.
This is an important reminder: one unfavorable result does not always mean a case is over.
Building a Stronger Case the Second Time Around
With the expert testimony now available, the legal team presented evidence explaining why the plaintiff believed the forklift could have been designed more safely.
According to Attorney Frank J. McCoy Jr., the plaintiffs also focused on countering arguments that attempted to create fear around the proposed alternative design. Following the trial, he noted that jurors indicated they were not persuaded by the defense’s position because they believed it lacked supporting data.
The case ultimately demonstrated the importance of careful preparation, qualified expert witnesses, and the ability to clearly explain complex engineering concepts to a jury.
The Jury Awards More than $13 Million
After approximately one day of deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of $13,045,776 in favor of the injured worker.
The verdict recognized the significant physical, emotional, and financial impact the injuries had on the plaintiff’s life.
Why This Case Matters
This case illustrates several important realities about serious personal injury litigation:
Complex cases often take years to resolve.
An initial loss does not always mean a case is over.
Appeals can play a critical role when legal errors occur.
Expert testimony is often essential in product liability cases.
Thorough preparation and persistence can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Forklift Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Our attorneys have represented victims suffering injuries such as:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Crush injuries
Multiple fractures
Amputations
Permanent disability
Chronic pain
Wrongful death
Many victims require years of treatment and rehabilitation.
How an Experienced Trial Attorney Can Help
Serious workplace injury cases often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, contractors, employers, insurers, and expert witnesses.
An experienced attorney can:
Investigate how the accident occurred
Preserve critical evidence
Work with engineering experts
Identify all potentially liable parties
Calculate current and future damages
Prepare the case for trial if necessary
Injured Because of Someone Else's Negligence?
While every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, McCoy & McCoy has spent decades representing individuals seriously injured by defective products, unsafe equipment, motor vehicle accidents, and other acts of negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries, our attorneys are prepared to investigate your case, work with leading experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact McCoy & McCoy today to discuss your legal options.
Talk To an Attorney Today
Injured In A Distracted Driving Accident? 3 Things You Need To Know
Why So Many Car Crashes Happen On I-84 In Hartford
About case results
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.
Resources
Helpful answers, when you need them.
Your first conversation
What to expect from a free consultation, and what to bring.
Understanding your claim
Questions to discuss with an attorney before deciding what comes next.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain where you stand, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost and with no obligation.
Request a free case review
"*" indicates required fields
We use your information to respond to your inquiry. Read our Privacy Policy.