Injured 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.

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Warehouse Injury Claims

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.

Find out if you can claim

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

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    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.

    Am I eligible to make a warehouse accident claim?

    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:

    • The accident must have taken place within the last three years
    • The accident must have been due to the negligence of your employer
    • You must have sustained a personal injury as a result of the accident

    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.

    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. 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:

    • Photographs of your injuries and whatever caused your accident before anything is moved or replaced;
    • The contact details of anyone who witnesses the event and might later provide a statement to support your warehouse accident claim;
    • Personal notes about the accident and how it has affected your life;
    • Employment records, such as job descriptions, can help establish whether you were injured while performing tasks that were within your responsibilities;
    • Training records and safety reports from the workplace;
    • Equipment and machinery records to establish whether the equipment was properly maintained and in good working order;
    • Receipts, invoices and other documents related to your financial losses and expenses.

    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.

    Common causes of accidents in warehouses

    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:

    • slipping on oil that has leaked from forklift trucks and other machinery
    • tripping on packaging such as cardboard boxes and strapping that has not been stored or discarded properly
    • slips on spilt liquids such as water, paint and oils
    • tripping over pallets and goods that have not been stored properly
    • slipping over on clear plastic packaging

    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:

    • conducting risk assessments for any manual handling tasks to assess the risks involved
    • eliminating manual handling work that is not essential
    • providing access to lifting equipment and machinery to aid manual handling where necessary.

    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.

    What legislation is in place to protect warehouse workers?

    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:

    • The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 lays down the general duties of employers and others to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees while at work. Under this Act, employers must conduct regular risk assessments and take all reasonable measures to reduce or eliminate hazards that may cause injuries to workers.
    • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 sets out specific requirements for the provision of a safe working environment, including lighting, ventilation, and the maintenance of facilities and equipment.
    • The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 outlines employers’ duties to assess the risks of manual handling and reduce the risk of injury through the provision of suitable equipment and training.
    • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require employers to ensure that equipment used in the workplace is safe, well-maintained, and suitable for its intended purpose.
    • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 states that employers must provide workers with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from harm and to ensure their health and safety.

    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.

    Common injuries sustained in warehouse accidents

    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:

    • Accidentally coming into contact with 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

    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:

    • 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

    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:

    • Chemical spills or splashes that come into contact with the skin;
    • Electrical hazards such as poorly maintained equipment and live wires;
    • Fire hazards like electrical malfunctions, poor housekeeping practices, and the storage of flammable and combustible materials;
    • Hot surfaces from hot machinery or equipment, such as boilers, furnaces or welding equipment;
    • Friction injuries can be due to handling objects that rub against skin or falling and sliding along a hard or rough surface.

    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:

    • 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 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:

    • Being hit by a falling object, such as a box or piece of machinery
    • Falls from height or slipping or tripping on a wet surface
    • Accidents involving vehicles such as forklifts or delivery trucks
    • Equipment malfunction

    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:

    • 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

    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:

    • Flying debris or dust that can become airborne when items are moved around the warehouse;
    • Chemical splashes that workers may be exposed to while handling hazardous chemicals;
    • Projectiles such as loose materials, tools, or equipment that are thrown or propelled in the direction of the eyes;
    • 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.

    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.

    How much warehouse injury compensation will I receive?

    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:

    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Mental anguish and emotional distress
    • Physical and mental disability
    • Reduction in the quality of life or enjoyment of life
    • Loss of love, affection and companionship
    • Scarring and disfigurement

    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:

    • £1,880 to £10,890 for a minor head injury with recovery within a few weeks
    • £186,890 to £240,590 for severe brain injuries leading to reduced life expectancy, changes to personality or intellect and dependence on others
    • £7,410 to £47,760 for moderate neck injuries such as fractures or dislocations causing limitation of movement and permanent or recurring pain
    • £36,390 to £151,070 for severe back injuries that require surgery and may lead to impaired movement and loss of bladder or bowel function
    • £5,630 to £16,380 for a mild arm injury such as a fractured forearm without long-term consequences
    • £46,780 to £240,590 for severe leg injuries resulting in permanently reduced mobility or amputations below the knee

    Special damages are a secondary award based on the financial losses that have resulted from your accident and injury. These include:

    • Loss of earnings during recovery and reduction in earning capacity resulting from the injury
    • Medical costs such as treatments, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and other related expenses
    • Any necessary modifications or adaptations to your home or vehicle to accommodate the injury
    • Medical aids like prosthetics, mobility aids, hearing or visual aids
    • Travel expenses, such as taxi fares to and from hospital appointments

    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.

    Can my warehouse accident claim be made using no win no fee?

    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:

    • The defendant’s solicitor fees
    • Court fees
    • Medical reports
    • Expert witness fees
    • Travel expenses
    • The cost of the ATE insurance policy itself

    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.

    Benefits of using InjuryClaims.co.uk

    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:

    • A free case assessment service 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;
    • Solicitors from InjuryClaims.co.uk specialise in personal injury claims and are knowledgeable about the legal process, regulations, and procedures involved;
    • A focus and commitment to achieving the maximum possible compensation;
    • Your solicitor will represent you in negotiations with the other party, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process;

    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.