If you were injured in a forklift accident due to a lack of safety measures or other types of negligence, you may be entitled to…
Pallet truck accident at work claims
You may be eligible to make a pallet truck accident claim if you were injured at work as a result of your employer’s negligence.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Pallet Truck Accident Claims
Pallet truck accidents can result in severe, life-changing injuries, psychological harm and considerable financial losses. If your employer has failed to provide a safe working environment, it may be possible to make a pallet truck accident claim for injury compensation.
Common causes of accidents include inadequate training, faulty pallet trucks, poor housekeeping and unsafe work practices. Compensation can cover your pain and suffering, as well as private medical treatments, ongoing care costs, loss of earnings and other related expenses.
If you would like to check whether you have a valid claim, with no obligation to proceed, contact us on 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. You will receive a free consultation with an experienced legal adviser who will answer your questions about the claims process.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Table of Contents
What is a pallet truck accident claim?
A pallet truck accident claim is a type of accident at work claim made by an employee who suffered a personal injury caused by a pallet truck due to employer negligence.
Pallet trucks are common work equipment used to move heavy goods in various settings, including supermarkets, warehouses, and factories. However, improper handling, falling loads, uneven floors and other hazards can lead to various injuries that may have long-term or permanent consequences.
Claims for pallet truck accidents often address injuries such as crushed fingers, foot fractures, hand cuts and chronic back pain. Compensation aims to put you back, as far as reasonably possible, in a position similar to where you would have been had the accident not occurred.
Am I eligible to make a pallet truck accident claim?
Yes. It’s often possible to claim compensation for a pallet truck work accident if someone else was at least partially responsible for it. A personal injury solicitor will confirm your eligibility by verifying that:
- Your employer owed you a legal duty of care.
- They breached this duty through negligence.
- Because of this, you suffered an avoidable injury.
- You are within the legal time limit for claiming.
If these can be supported with evidence, you may be able to proceed with a workplace accident claim against your employer.
Who is responsible for pallet truck accidents at work?
Employers may be responsible for workplace accidents, including pallet truck accidents, if they failed to take reasonable steps to keep employees safe. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, they must take reasonably practicable steps to protect you from foreseeable risks and have a duty of care to:
- Carry out regular risk assessments
- Provide proper training and supervision
- Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed
- Keep work areas safe and free from hazards
- Ensure pallet trucks are regularly maintained and safe to use
- Implement safe systems of work and traffic routes
If a breach of duty resulted in your accident, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
What types of negligence can lead to pallet truck accidents?
Common types of employer negligence that may lead to accidents involving pallet trucks or roll cages include:
- Failing to provide adequate training on how to move heavy loads
- Allowing untrained personnel to use pallet trucks
- Failing to repair or replace faulty or defective pallet trucks
- Overloading pallet trucks beyond the safe limit or improper stacking
- Not carrying out regular risk assessments or safety checks
- Failing to address hazards such as uneven floors or cluttered walkways
- Lack of safety equipment, such as gloves or steel-toed boots
When these failures lead to injury, you may be able to make an accident at work compensation claim.
What are the most common pallet truck accidents and injuries?
While they may be essential workplace equipment, when not operated properly, pallet trucks can pose serious risks of accidents and injuries, including collisions, trapping, and falling goods.
The most common types of pallet truck incidents that can lead to injuries include:
- Manual handling accidents when moving or lifting heavy loads
- Being struck by a moving pallet truck
- Falling loads causing impact injuries
- Trapping a body part between the pallet truck and another object
- Being run over by a loaded pallet truck
- Slips, trips and falls while moving goods in a hazardous workspace
- Pallet trucks tipping over due to defects or overloading
- Injuries caused by a lack of PPE when handling goods
These accidents can cause injuries such as broken bones, soft tissue damage, crush injuries, back injuries, head injuries and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
How do I make a pallet truck accident compensation claim?
If you want to make an injury claim for a pallet truck accident, you should have your injuries assessed, report the accident to your employer, and gather as much supporting evidence as possible.
Next, a specialist solicitor can assess your claim for free, establish liability and begin the claims process on your behalf. They will:
- Gather further evidence to support your claim.
- Calculate the amount of compensation you could be owed.
- Send a letter of claim to your employer or their insurer.
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Issue court proceedings if liability is denied or settlement cannot be agreed.
Most claims for injuries caused by employer negligence are settled through negotiations, so you should not be too concerned about your case going to court.
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
Having clear proof to support your claim can significantly improve your chances of success. This must help establish that a duty of care was breached, directly causing your injuries and losses.
You should aim to gather the following types of evidence for your claim:
- Medical records to prove the type, severity and prognosis of your injuries
- Photographs of hazards that caused your accident and any visible injuries
- CCTV footage showing what happened, if available
- A copy of the accident book report filed with your employer
- Statements from co-workers who saw the incident or were aware of unsafe conditions
- Employment and training records showing whether you received proper instructions
- Inspection and maintenance records from your employer
- Financial documents such as receipts and payslips to prove related losses
Your solicitor will help you gather and present the evidence needed to support your claim.
What is the time limit to claim compensation for injuries at work?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have 3 years to start your claim. This usually runs from the date of the accident or the date you became aware that your injury is linked to negligence (the date of knowledge).
There are a few exceptions to the standard 3-year limitation period:
- Minors – The three-year period starts to run on a person’s 18th birthday, which gives them until their 21st birthday to begin a claim.
- Lack of mental capacity – If the injured person lacks mental capacity and cannot manage their own claim, the limitation period is put on hold unless capacity is regained.
It is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that evidence remains available and you don’t miss any deadlines.
How much compensation can you claim for a pallet truck injury?
The compensation amount depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, recovery prospects and the related financial impact.
Compensation generally covers two types of damages:
- General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Special damages for related financial losses and expenses
The Judicial College publishes guidelines for compensation brackets based on the type and severity of the injuries suffered. For example, you could be awarded:
- £12,690 to £27,830 for fractured toes or crush injuries that may need amputation
- £8,060 to £23,430 for simple forearm fractures with little to no long-term effects
- £10,350 to £30,030 for lacerations causing scarring to a body part other than the face
- £15,260 to £47,320 for a moderately severe herniated disc
- £20,880 to £34,660 for severe knee injuries leading to some permanent disability
- £36,680 to £51,230 for severe soft tissue injuries causing chronic back pain
- £150,110 to £219,070 for head injuries leading to moderate to severe intellectual deficit
These figures are general estimates and not guaranteed payouts. To find out how much your claim could actually be worth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an experienced legal adviser for a free case assessment.
Can I make a no win no fee pallet truck accident claim?
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you are eligible to claim compensation, the solicitors we work with may offer you a no win no fee service. This means that you don’t have to pay upfront or ongoing solicitor fees.
If you win, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. This is capped by law at 25% of your compensation and is discussed and agreed upon from the beginning. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay them a fee.
Pallet truck accident claims FAQs
Yes. You could claim personal injury compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence and can involve unsafe handling or failing to use the provided PPE. In such cases, compensation may be reduced to reflect your part of the blame.
Yes. If another employee caused your accident while acting in the course of their employment, your employer may still be responsible under the legal principle of vicarious liability. Since your co-worker may not have the means to pay compensation, this can allow you to claim against the employer instead.
Your employer should not dismiss or treat you unfairly simply because you made a legitimate work accident claim. If your employer retaliates against you for asserting your legal rights, you may have grounds for a separate employment-related claim.
It is difficult to estimate a timeframe without knowing the details of your case. Generally, straightforward claims may settle within a few months, while more complex claims involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take 12 to 24 months or longer.
If you suffered an injury in an accident involving a pallet truck, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back for a free case assessment. You will find out within minutes if you may be eligible to claim and how much compensation you could potentially receive.
