Forklift Injury Claims
Forklift trucks are used in many different industries throughout the UK and for a wide variety of purposes. Some of their most common uses include…
Read moreInjured in a warehouse accident?
If you’ve been injured while working in a warehouse, you could be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries by making a warehouse accident claim.
- Get free impartial advice with no obligation
- A risk-free, No Win No Fee service
- Experienced solicitors available nationwide
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Warehouse Injury Claims
If you suffered an injury while working in a warehouse, you might be able to make a warehouse injury claim. Employers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe working environment and may be liable to pay compensation if an injury occurs due to their negligence.
Common warehouse hazards include being struck by objects falling from shelves, slips and trips caused by spillages, forklift truck accidents, and manual handling injuries. These can result in injuries such as lacerations, back injuries, head injuries, and broken bones.
To get started with a warehouse injury claim, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. An experienced warehouse accident solicitor can assess your case and help you claim compensation on a no win no fee basis.
Key points about warehouse injury claims
- Can I claim?
If you were injured while working in a warehouse due to unsafe equipment or poor safety measures, you may be able to claim. - Who is responsible?
Employers are responsible for ensuring safe working conditions and training in warehouse environments. - What is the time limit?
You have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a claim. - What could I receive?
Compensation will be based on the injury’s severity, pain, loss of income, and recovery time. - Do I have to pay anything?
Your solicitor will work on a no win, no fee basis, so there are no legal fees unless you win.
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.
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
Am I eligible to make a warehouse accident claim?
Yes. You are eligible to make a claim for compensation if you are injured in a warehouse accident and you meet three basic requirements:
- The accident happened within the last three years.
- The accident was caused by the negligence of your employer.
- You have sustained a personal injury as a result of the accident.
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to make an accident at work claim against your employer for the injuries you have sustained.
A personal injury solicitor can help assess the circumstances of your accident and let you know if you can proceed with a claim following a free consultation over the phone.
What legislation is in place to protect warehouse workers?
If you work in a warehouse, your employer has a legal duty to take all reasonable measures to protect your health and safety. In the UK, this obligation originates from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other workplace legislation, such as:
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
Under these laws, employers have a legal duty to:
- Conduct regular risk assessments.
- Take all reasonable measures to reduce or eliminate hazards.
- Provide a safe working environment with adequate lighting and ventilation.
- Provide suitable equipment and training for manual handling.
- Ensure all equipment is safe and well-maintained.
- Provide workers with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you have suffered an injury due to a breach of any of these legislations, a specialist solicitor could help you pursue compensation in a warehouse accident claim.
Is there a time limit to make a warehouse accident compensation claim?
Yes. There is a general 3-year time limit to make a warehouse accident compensation claim. This starts from the date of injury or from the date of knowledge (when the injury is diagnosed and linked to negligence).
There are a few exceptions:
- If you were under 18 when you were injured, you have until age 21 to start a claim for a warehouse accident.
- If the injured party lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim, the time limit is suspended. A litigation friend could claim on their behalf at any time.
What should I do if I have a warehouse accident?
Warehouse accidents are, unfortunately, relatively common. According to the British Safety Council, around 1,300 UK employees are hospitalised each year with serious injuries following a forklift accident alone.
If you had an accident in a warehouse, there are a few things you should do to help with a future claim and get the compensation you deserve:
1. Report the accident
Report the accident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Make sure all the details are recorded in the accident book and ask for a signed copy of the report. If needed, make sure that your employer also reports it to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
2. Seek medical attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injury seems minor. This will help to minimise further damage and provide objective proof of the extent and nature of your injuries and your prognosis for recovery.
Your solicitor may also arrange a free, independent medical examination with a government-approved physician who can provide valuable insights into the extent of your injuries and the long-term effects they might cause.
3. Gather evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible related to your circumstances, such as:
- Photographs of your injuries, the accident scene and contributing hazards.
- Contact details of witnesses who might later provide a statement to support your claim.
- Your notes about the accident and how it has affected your life.
- Training records and safety reports from the workplace.
- Inspection and maintenance records.
- Receipts, invoices and other documents related to your financial losses and expenses.
4. Consult with a personal injury lawyer
A legal adviser will offer you a free initial consultation to determine if you are eligible to claim compensation for an accident in a warehouse. During your case assessment, they will also answer any questions and clarify any concerns you may have about the claims process.
5. Start a claim
If you decide to start a warehouse accident claim, your lawyer will send a notification letter to the defendant, outlining your case and the compensation you seek. If they admit liability, you can begin to negotiate a compensation award.
If liability is denied, your solicitor will issue court proceedings and prepare to argue your claim before a judge. However, this is unlikely, as most cases (over 97%) are resolved out of court.
How much compensation can I claim for a warehouse accident?
Compensation for personal injury claims, including warehouse accidents, is broken down into two types of damages:
General damages are based on the type and severity of the injury sustained and cover aspects such as:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish and emotional distress.
- Physical and mental disability.
- Reduction in the quality of life or enjoyment of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Examples of general damages awards according to the Judicial College guidelines and our compensation calculator include:
| Injury Type | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Minor head injuries with recovery within a few weeks | £1,880 to £10,890 |
| Mild arm injuries, such as a fractured forearm without long-term consequences | £5,630 to £16,380 |
| Moderate neck injuries, such as fractures or dislocations causing limitation of movement and permanent or recurring pain | £7,410 to £47,760 |
| Severe back injuries that require surgery and may lead to impaired movement and loss of bladder or bowel function | £36,390 to £151,070 |
| Severe leg injuries resulting in permanently reduced mobility or amputations below the knee | £46,780 to £240,590 |
| Severe brain injuries leading to reduced life expectancy, changes to personality or intellect and dependence on others | £186,890 to £344,150 |
Special damages are based on the financial losses that have resulted from your accident and injury, such as:
- Loss of earnings and reduction in earning capacity resulting from the injury.
- Medical costs such as treatments, prescription drugs and rehabilitation.
- Modifications or adaptations to your home or vehicle to accommodate the injury.
- Medical aids like prosthetics, mobility aids, hearing or visual aids.
You can rest assured that your solicitor will always strive to obtain the highest compensation for a warehouse accident possible to help you get back on your feet.
Can my warehouse injury claim be made using a no win no fee solicitor?
Yes. If you are entitled to claim warehouse accident compensation, you will receive a no win no fee service. This allows you to start your claim without having to pay any upfront legal fees.
Instead, your solicitor agrees to take on the case on the condition that they will only receive a payment if the claim is successful. Therefore, the service is also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
In a no win no fee claim, you will only pay a success fee if and when you receive compensation. The fee cannot exceed 25% of your settlement, and this will be agreed upon in advance, so there will be no hidden or unexpected charges.
Common causes of accidents in warehouses
Whenever health and safety regulations are not observed when working in a warehouse, various accidents could occur, such as:
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common accidents at work. They can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, head injuries, and spinal damage. Potential causes for slips, trips, and falls in a warehouse include:
- Oil leaks from forklift trucks and other machinery.
- Spilt liquids such as water, paint and oils.
- Pallets and goods that have not been stored or discarded properly.
- Uneven or broken floors.
Being hit by falling objects in a warehouse can cause significant injury. This can occur when items are incorrectly stored, secured, or stacked, causing them to fall from shelves or storage areas onto workers below.
Forklift truck operations are a frequent cause of falling object accidents. A forklift driver may knock goods off shelving or drop unsecured items from pallets during transit.
Any object falling from a height can cause severe injuries, particularly head injuries, crush injuries, or fractures to the feet and limbs.
Working in a warehouse can expose you to many chemicals, oils and other hazardous substances that can put your health at risk. To minimise dangers, employers are legally obliged to provide workers with proper training and safety equipment.
That may include information on the safe handling and storage of substances, as well as personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and safety glasses. Neglecting these basic health and safety measures can pose a significant danger of injury and illness.
Many employees will use equipment to carry out their job roles, such as forklift trucks, waste compactors, or packaging machines.
Employers must ensure that all this equipment is safe and suitable for its intended use and that employees are provided with sufficient training to use any tools and machinery without risking injury to themselves or others.
Manual handling tasks are typical in warehouses and involve lifting, pushing, or carrying goods. These tasks, however, can result in injury if not executed correctly and in compliance with health and safety standards.
Employers must take reasonable steps to protect their employees from the risk of injuries caused by manual handling. When possible, they must eliminate all manual handling work and provide access to lifting equipment and machinery to aid manual handling where needed.
This list is not exhaustive. If you were injured because of any accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to make a warehouse injury compensation claim.
Common injuries sustained in warehouse accidents
Warehouse accidents such as those detailed above can result in many different types of injuries, including the following:
Sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries that occur when a muscle, tendon or ligament is stretched or torn, typically after a sudden twisting motion or impact. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, weakness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Sprains and strains in warehouses can be due to various accidents or physical activities, such as:
- Repetitive motions.
- Improper lifting techniques.
- Slips, trips and falls.
- Impact with equipment or machinery.
- Twisting awkwardly while carrying a heavy load.
- Sudden and excessive movements.
Back injuries in warehouses range from sprains and strains to severe fractures and damage to the spinal cord. While some of these injuries may heal within weeks with little medical attention, others may need surgery and require rehabilitation and extensive recovery.
The most severe injuries may lead to paralysis and loss of bodily functions. Back injuries in a warehouse may be due to a variety of factors, including:
- Manual handling, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy items.
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents.
- Poor posture and long periods of standing or sitting.
- Poorly designed workstations or equipment.
- Repetitive motions such as reaching, twisting, and bending.
Burns are tissue damage resulting from heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation exposure. These may range in severity from minor, superficial first-degree burns to deep third-degree burns that reach the fat layer beneath the skin.
Symptoms of a burn injury include redness and pain, blisters, and skin that is black or white and dry. In severe cases, burns can cause permanent damage to the skin, underlying tissues, and even bones, nerves and internal organs.
Burn injuries in a warehouse can be due to:
- Chemical spills or splashes.
- Electrical hazards such as poorly maintained equipment and live wires.
- Fire hazards like electrical malfunctions and flammable and combustible materials.
- Hot surfaces from boilers, furnaces or welding equipment.
- Friction injuries from handling objects that rub against the skin or falling and sliding along a hard surface.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) can occur from performing the same or similar motions over and over again, often for long periods. In a warehouse setting, this may include tasks such as repetitive lifting, typing, or operating machinery.
Symptoms of RSI can include pain, swelling, numbness, and loss of movement in the affected area. Employers should implement ergonomic working practices to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury and encourage employees to take breaks and stretch regularly.
Broken bones can occur due to a single traumatic event, such as a fall or direct impact on the body, or over time due to repetitive stress. These range from simple cracks in the bone to complete breaks that cause the bone to separate into two or more pieces or penetrate the skin.
A dislocation is an injury that occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their position, usually due to a sudden, traumatic event. The most common dislocations affect the shoulders, hips, elbows, and ankles and can cause pain, swelling, and instability.
Fractures or dislocations in warehouses could be caused by the following:
- A fall, particularly one from a height, such as a ladder accident.
- The impact from a heavy object, such as a box falling from shelving.
- Repetitive motions that put stress on a bone over time.
- Being involved in a collision with a forklift truck or other equipment.
Head injuries can range from minor cuts and bumps to severe skull fractures and life-changing brain trauma. There are several ways in which a warehouse accident could cause a head or brain injury, including:
- Being hit by a falling object, such as a box or piece of machinery.
- Falls from height, slipping, or tripping on a wet surface.
- Accidents involving vehicles such as forklifts or delivery trucks.
- Equipment malfunction.
Some common eye injuries sustained in warehouse accidents include cuts, bruises, punctures, and chemical burns. In some cases, eye injuries can also result in more severe conditions such as vision loss or permanent eye damage. An eye injury can be due to many factors, including:
- Flying debris or dust.
- Chemical splashes.
- Projectiles such as loose materials, tools, or equipment.
- Sharp objects such as metal edges or broken glass.
Employers must take appropriate measures to protect workers from eye injuries in warehouses, such as providing protective equipment and ensuring employees are trained in safe working practices.
Laceration injuries are common in a warehouse setting. These occur when a sharp object penetrates the skin, creating a linear wound that often extends through several layers of skin and other tissues.
They can be due to a variety of factors, including:
- Sharp objects, such as utility knives.
- Accidents involving machinery.
- Tripping or falling onto hard surfaces.
- Slipping on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Being hit by falling objects.
The type and severity of your injury will determine how much warehouse accident compensation you will be entitled to receive if you make a successful claim.
Could I be sacked for making an accident at work claim against my employer?
No, you cannot be legally sacked for making a warehouse injury claim. Your right to seek compensation for a workplace injury is protected under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010.
If your employer dismisses you or treats you unfairly because you made a claim, this could amount to unfair or constructive dismissal, allowing you to take further action through an employment tribunal.
Furthermore, warehouse injury claims are handled through your employer’s liability insurance, meaning they do not pay compensation out of pocket.
Benefits of using InjuryClaims.co.uk
At InjuryClaims.co.uk, we work with some of the best personal injury solicitors from around the country. They can offer you the following benefits when making a warehouse injury claim:
- A free case assessment to find out if you have a valid warehouse injury claim.
- A 100% no win no fee service – if they cannot win your claim, you will not pay them a penny.
- Solicitors with extensive experience handling work accident claims.
- A focus and commitment to achieving the maximum possible compensation.
If you have been injured following a warehouse accident, call 0800 470 0474 today to find out if you have a valid warehouse injury claim. Alternatively, you can request a call back, and one of our trained legal advisers will call you back to discuss your case.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
