Angle grinder injury compensation

If you are injured while using an angle grinder at work, you could be entitled to make an angle grinder accident claim against your employer.

Get free impartial advice with no obligation
A risk-free, No Win No Fee service
Experienced solicitors available nationwide

Call 0800 470 0474 Request a Callback

We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Angle Grinder Accident Claims

Angle grinders are crucial tools in many working environments thanks to their brute power, precision, and versatility. The powerful rotating wheel can cut and reshape stone and metal and make short work of practically any hard surface.

As you can imagine, using angle grinders carry inherent basic dangers associated with using powerful cutting tools. In less severe angle grinder accidents, shrapnel can rapidly propel into the air, and sparks and the excessive heat generated can cause burns.

At the other end of the spectrum, angle grinder accidents can lead to life-changing injuries such as deep lacerations, scarring and severed limbs.

As such, anyone operating an angle grinder must adhere to strict safety precautions, and employers are responsible for ensuring that operators are protected and well-versed in safety protocols before and during use.

If you have been injured in an angle grinder accident through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to make an angle grinder injury claim.

To receive a free consultation with a trained legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474. If you would prefer to be called back, enter your contact details into our online claim form, and you will receive a call shortly.

Key points about angle grinder accident claims

Can I make a claim?
You may be entitled to claim if you were injured using an angle grinder due to faulty equipment, a lack of training, or insufficient PPE.
Who could be liable?
Your employer may be responsible if safety procedures weren’t followed or equipment was defective.
How long do I have?
You have 3 years from the date of the injury to start your claim.
How much is my claim worth?
It depends on the extent of the injury, pain caused, time off work, and any long-term damage.
How much will it cost to claim?
Your solicitor will work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you only pay if the claim is successful.

If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

The purpose of this guide is to help anyone who has suffered from an angle grinder accident pursue the compensation they deserve.

Can I make an angle grinder accident claim?

If you or a loved one has been injured by an angle grinder accident as a result of negligence by a third party, you may want to consider claiming angle grinder injury compensation.

To determine if you have a valid claim for an angle grinder accident, you generally need to be able to satisfy the following requirements:

your accident took place within the past three years
your employer or somebody else was at fault for the accident
you suffered an injury as a result of the accident

Navigating the claims process without legal representation to fight your corner can be tricky, so a personal injury solicitor should be your first port of call. A solicitor will assess the validity and strength of your case and advise you on the best way forward. This is done during a free, no-obligation consultation.

Once your solicitor agrees to take on your angle grinder injury claim, they will handle all of the paperwork and begin gathering evidence to support your claim.

It is a good idea to write a report of the events at the earliest opportunity while it is still fresh in your memory. Also, take the time (where possible) to take photos of the injuries and scene of the incident, gather witness statements, and request CCTV footage where applicable.

Your solicitor will contact the person at fault for your accident, as well as their insurance company. If they accept liability for your accident, they will begin negotiating how much compensation you should be entitled to claim.

The vast majority of injury claims are settled out of court, so it is doubtful that a court hearing would be required. However, if the defendant denies liability or the case is particularly complex, your solicitor would support and advise you throughout any necessary court process.

Angle grinder health and safety

Your employer has a duty of care towards all employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. For more information, you can specifically view the section on guidance on the use of abrasive wheels here. In summary of this clause, if you are working with an angle grinder, your employer must:

Provide thorough and proper training
Carry out regular risk assessments
Maintain equipment in good working order
Provide the proper PPE (personal protection equipment)
Ensure that angle grinder operators have the proper skills and experience

If your employer fails to meet these health and safety requirements, there is a much greater risk of injury. In these circumstances, your employer could be held responsible and be liable to pay compensation for your injury and any financial losses you sustained.

Common injuries caused by angle grinders

The power and speed of angle grinders mean that misuse can lead to injury within the blink of an eye. There are many different injuries that angle grinder accidents can cause. These include:

Cuts and abrasions
Eye injuries from flying sparks or shrapnel
Burn injuries from the high heat generated
Accidental amputation
Broken bones and fractures

This list is, of course, by no means complete. Angle grinders can cause any variety of injuries and associated long-term health risks.

The continued inhalation of dust and silicate particles can lead to respiratory problems. VWF (vibration white finger) is often caused by regularly using an angle grinder or other vibrating tools.

What are the most common causes of angle grinder accident claims?

Unfortunately, human error is often the cause of many angle grinder accidents and not the machinery itself. That is not to say that you are necessarily responsible for your own injuries. The most common causes of angle grinder injuries happen as a result of poor health and safety practices in the workplace, including:

Improper training
Inadequate PPE (personal protective equipment) – this includes footwear, gloves, hard hats, safety goggles and face masks
Faulty safety guards – Angle grinders should be fitted with safety guards to prevent trapped fingers or accidental amputations
Faulty equipment

If you consider the potential severity of angle grinder injuries, like amputations or permanent blindness, it is clear that there should be stringent health and safety measures in place and that the grinders are maintained to the highest standard. An angle grinder can quickly cause life-changing injuries without these crucial safety features.

How much compensation can I claim for an angle grinder injury?

Because of the multitude of injuries that can arise from angle grinder accidents, it is not always possible to provide you with an estimated compensation amount.

When your solicitor agrees to take on your angle grinder injury claim, they will first consider the impact the accident had on your life. The calculation will consider all of these effects and factors in general and special damages.

General damages will compensate you for any PSLA (pain, suffering, and loss of amenity). The Judicial College sets these compensation amounts, and your solicitor will use their guidelines to calculate your compensation amount.

In addition to general damages, special damages will cover any additional losses you have suffered due to the accident. These can include medical costs, future treatment, travel expenses for treatment, and loss of earnings if you have been unable to work.

Below are some examples of compensation amounts recommended by the Judicial College for different injury types. This only considers general damages for the injury itself, so it does not include any financial losses such as lost wages.

Eye injuries – This depends on the longevity of the injury. Compensation can range anywhere between £2,070 for a minor injury, all the way up to £379,100 for total blindness.
Burn Injuries – Most angle grinder burns are minor and can attract compensation of around £1,600. But this amount can increase up to £91,350 for burns that result in severe scarring.
Amputation – The range for hand injuries is vast. Minor angle grinder injuries to your hands will see an estimated compensation award of £4,461, while severe amputations and crushing injuries can range up to £189,110 in the most extreme cases.
Cuts and abrasions – Soft tissue damage and minor cuts heal reasonably quickly and usually qualify for a maximum compensation of £2,300.

As you can see, the compensation brackets vary wildly. Your solicitor will arrange an independent medical expert to assess your injuries. They will then work with you to fully evaluate the extent of your injuries and losses to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

How long do I have to make a compensation claim?

As with any personal injury claim, you will have to make an angle grinder injury claim within three years from the date of the accident. This doesn’t mean that your claim has to be completed within three years, only that you initiate the claim within this timeframe.

If you are under 18 years old when the accident happens, the three year time limit does not start until your 18th birthday. This, therefore, gives you until your 21st birthday to make a claim.

Although you have three years, it is usually advisable to start your claim as early as possible. Not only does this ensure you receive your compensation sooner, but it can also make the claims process a little easier. This is because it is generally easier to gather evidence to build a strong case closer to when the accident occurred.

Can I claim on a no win no fee basis?

Personal injury claims are stressful enough without adding the extra pressure of worrying about paying your solicitor. Injury solicitors, therefore, offer a no win no fee service* when they take on your case.

If your claim is successful, you will agree to compensate your solicitor a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation awarded. This is capped at a maximum of 25%, and both parties will agree to the fee before your case proceeds.

If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay anything. This means you can make your angle grinder injury claim without any upfront costs, hidden fees or financial risks.

However, it is important to mention that you could be required to pay your solicitor’s legal fees if you fail to cooperate during the claim, withdraw your claim, or if your claim is found to be fraudulent.

Fuss-free angle grinder compensation claims

If you have been injured in an angle grinder accident that wasn’t your fault, a no win no fee solicitor can help fight for the compensation you deserve.

To discuss your claim with a friendly legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474. Alternatively, you can arrange a call back by entering your contact details into our online claim form.

A legal adviser will listen to you, answer any questions you may have, and tell you if they feel you have a valid claim for personal injury compensation.

If you would like to proceed further after this point, they will put you in contact with an experienced injury lawyer who will be able to help you with your claim on a no win no fee basis.

The service is provided completely free of charge and without any obligation to proceed.

Last edited on 18th Jul 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.