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.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
A warehouse can be a dangerous place to work if the correct safety procedures are not followed. Potential hazards within a warehouse include being hit by objects falling from shelves, slipping on spillages, accidents involving forklift trucks and manual handling injuries. These are just a few examples, but many other accidents could occur in a warehouse environment.
Suffering an injury or falling ill while working in a warehouse can greatly disrupt your daily life and ability to carry out your usual activities. Your employer has a legal duty of care to ensure your working environment is safe and free from unnecessary risks to you and all staff. If this duty of care is breached and you suffer an injury as a result, you would likely have a valid warehouse accident claim.
Experienced personal injury lawyers have vast experience in successfully negotiating warehouse accident compensation for claimants across a variety of industries. Contact an experienced solicitor today to see how much you might be entitled to claim for your injuries and related financial losses.
To get started with a warehouse injury claim, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back to arrange your free case assessment.
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.
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 etc. Act 1974 and other workplace legislation.
Furthermore, warehouse owners and operators have duties under the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 to ensure the safety of any customers and visitors to their premises.
There are many different causes of accidents in warehouses and factories, as these environments pose a multitude of risks to employees and visitors. If you suffered a warehouse accident and want to pursue compensation, the first thing you should do is contact a legal adviser for a free consultation.
To be considered as having a valid warehouse accident claim, you will need to meet three basic requirements, which are as follows:
If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible to make a claim against your employer for the injuries you have sustained. However, determining who was at fault can sometimes be a challenge. If you are unsure, a solicitor can help assess the circumstances of your accident and provide a free claim assessment.
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. Many other accidents could occur in a warehouse, including slips, trips and falls, machinery accidents and manual handling injuries.
Employers have a legal duty to have health and safety measures in place to protect you in the workplace. Failing to do so might entitle you to start a warehouse injury claim. If you have an accident at work, it is essential to take the following steps that will help you secure the compensation you deserve:
Report the accident
Report the accident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Be sure to document the details of the accident, including the date, time, and circumstances and ask for a signed copy of the accident report. If needed, make sure that your employer also reports it to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
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. Be sure to keep copies of any documentation, such as receipts, invoices or hospital letters related to your injury.
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.
Gather evidence
If possible, gather evidence related to your circumstances, such as:
Consult with a personal injury lawyer
A legal adviser will offer you a free initial consultation to find out details about your circumstances and determine whether you have a valid claim for warehouse accident compensation. During your case assessment, they will also answer any questions and clarify any concerns you may have about starting legal proceedings.
Start a claim
If you decide to start a warehouse injury claim, you must do so within a specific timeframe, which is typically three years from the date of an accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and assist you in claiming compensation. They will also work out how much you should receive for your pain, suffering and related financial losses and conduct negotiations on your behalf.
As mentioned above, working in a warehouse can pose several potential risks whenever health and safety regulations are not observed and may cause a wide range of injuries. Here we will explore a few of the most common causes of accidents that solicitors deal with in claims for warehouse accident compensation:
Slips, trips and falls
Injuries caused by slips, trips or falls are the most common accidents that happen in the workplace. They can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and spinal damage. In a warehouse environment, there are many potential causes for slips, trips, and falls, including:
Being hit by falling objects
Being hit by falling objects in a warehouse is a hazard that can cause significant injury. This type of accident can occur when items are stored incorrectly or inadequately secured, causing them to fall from shelves or storage areas. This poses a severe risk of injury to any workers below. Other causes can include poor housekeeping practices, incorrect stacking of materials, and equipment failure.
One of the most common causes of these types of accidents involves the use of forklift trucks. The driver may knock goods off shelving or drop unsecured items from pallets during transit. Any item falling from a height can cause severe injuries to workers. Whether the item hits you on the head or lands on your foot, an accident such as this can be life-changing.
Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment for their employees and ensure that all materials and equipment are stored and secured correctly. They should also conduct regular safety inspections, provide training and equipment to employees, and enforce safety protocols to prevent these accidents.
Exposure to hazardous substances
Working in a warehouse can expose you to many chemicals, oils and other hazardous substances that can put your health at risk if not dealt with appropriately. To minimise this risk, employers are legally obliged to provide workers with proper training and safety equipment.
That may include information on the safe handling and storage of these 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. If exposure to dangerous substances has caused you to suffer damages, you might be able to make a warehouse accident claim.
Accidents caused by faulty equipment
Many employees will use equipment to carry out their job roles, such as forklift trucks, waste compactors, or packaging machines. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all the equipment in the workplace is safe and suitable for its intended use. They must also ensure that employees are provided with sufficient training to use any tools and machinery without the risk of injuring themselves or others.
If you were injured at work due to faulty equipment or machinery that has not been properly maintained, you would most likely be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact a personal injury solicitor today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Manual handling accidents
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.
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulation 1992, all employers must take steps to protect their employees from the risk of injuries caused by manual handling. The steps that should be taken include the following:
Whatever type of accident you have had, if you believe that somebody else was at fault, you could have a valid warehouse injury claim. To find out if an injury lawyer can help you secure compensation, call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back today to discuss the circumstances of your accident. You will be offered a free consultation to evaluate your case, which is provided without any obligation or pressure to proceed.
In the UK, several pieces of legislation are in place to protect warehouse workers from health and safety hazards and ensure their well-being while at work. Some of the primary laws that apply to warehouse workers include the following:
These are some of the key pieces of legislation in place to protect warehouse workers and others in the UK. If you have suffered an injury due to a breach of any of these legislations, a personal injury solicitor could help you pursue compensation in a warehouse accident claim.
Warehouse accidents such as those detailed above can result in many different types of injuries, including the following:
Cuts, bruises and lacerations
Cuts, bruises, and lacerations are common injuries in a warehouse setting. Cuts occur when a sharp object penetrates the skin, creating a linear wound. Bruises are an injury that occurs when small blood vessels break and cause skin discolouration. Lacerations are deeper cuts that often extend through several layers of skin and other tissues.
These types of injuries can range in severity from minor damage to more severe wounds that may need stitches and leave a scar. They can be due to a variety of factors, including:
If you sustained a cut, bruise, or laceration while working in a warehouse due to your employer’s negligence, you might be entitled to warehouse accident compensation.
Sprains and strains
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. The symptoms of sprains and strains are similar and can 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:
Burn injuries
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 can include redness and pain, blisters, and skin that is black or white and dry. In severe cases, a burn injury 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 various factors, such as:
Repetitive stress injuries
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) can occur from performing the same or similar motions over and over again, often for long periods. In a warehouse setting, employees who perform the same physical tasks daily can be at risk of developing RSI. These 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. In some cases, it may be necessary to make changes to the work environment, such as adjusting the height of workstations or providing specialised equipment.
Fractures and dislocations
Fractures 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. Fractures can range from simple cracks in the bone to complete breaks that cause the bone to separate into two or more pieces that may sometimes penetrate the skin surface.
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.
In warehouses, fractures or dislocations could be caused by the following:
Head and brain injuries
Head and brain 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:
Back injuries
Back injuries in warehouses can vary 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:
Employers have a duty to protect their workers from back injuries by providing adequate training, equipment, and facilities to reduce the risk of injury. If you have suffered a back injury as a result of a warehouse accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
Eye injuries
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:
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.
The type of injury you sustain will impact the time it takes to recover and the long-term effects it may have on your life. These factors will be considered to determine the amount of warehouse accident compensation you are eligible to receive. The more serious the injury, the higher the damages you can expect to secure. For example, a minor injury such as a sprained ankle would result in a lower settlement than a more severe injury such as a broken bone or brain trauma.
To win your warehouse accident claim, your solicitor must prove that your employer breached their duty of care towards you, resulting in you suffering an injury.
If there is sufficient evidence to prove this, the amount of compensation you should receive will then be negotiated between your solicitor and the defendant (i.e. the solicitor working on behalf of your employer or their insurance company).
Compensation for personal injury claims is broken down into two distinct parts: general damages and special damages.
General damages are based on the type and severity of the injury sustained and cover aspects such as:
General damages are not always easy to calculate and will be awarded based on previous successful cases and the Judicial College guidelines. You can see some examples of recommended general damages below and also refer to our compensation calculator for more information on how much compensation you could be entitled to:
Special damages are a secondary award based on the financial losses that have resulted from your accident and injury. These include:
These are just a few examples of the types of damages that are considered in personal injury claims. The exact factors that are taken into account will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the nature of the injury. You can rest assured that your solicitor will always strive to obtain the highest warehouse accident compensation possible to help you get back on your feet.
No win no fee* is an arrangement that allows you to claim warehouse accident compensation 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).
This means that you will not have to pay any fees to your solicitor if the claim is lost and 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.
Under a no win no fee agreement, your solicitor will typically take out an After the Event insurance policy to cover the legal costs incurred if the claim is unsuccessful. This is a type of legal expenses policy that covers fees, disbursements, and other expenses that you could otherwise be liable for if your claim is lost, such as:
By covering these costs, ATE insurance can help remove some of the financial worries that might otherwise prevent you from pursuing a warehouse accident claim. The terms of the insurance policy will be agreed upon in advance and will typically specify the types of costs covered, as well as any conditions or exclusions.
The main advantage of a no win no fee agreement is that it eliminates the financial risk for the person making a claim, as they do not have to pay any fees upfront. That makes it easier for people who have suffered a personal injury to get access to justice and receive the compensation they are entitled to.
If you have been the victim of a warehouse accident that was somebody else’s fault, you will want to ensure that the firm of solicitors you choose to instruct will be the best people for the job. At InjuryClaims.co.uk, we work with some of the best injury solicitors from around the country, who provide clients with the following benefits:
If you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, call 0800 470 0474 today to find out if you have a valid warehouse accident claim. Alternatively, you can enter your details into the contact form below, and one of our trained legal advisers will call you back to discuss your case.