Have you been injured while driving or working close to a forklift truck? Slater and Gordon are experts when it comes to accident at work cases and can offer a No Win No Fee service in the vast majority of personal injury cases.
Forklift trucks are the workhorses of many industries. But working at pace in tight or crowded spaces means that safety corners are sometimes cut, and that's when accidents happen. These are some of the most common types of forklift accident:
Forklift collisions with pedestrians
Loads falling from trucks
Unsafe driving leading to topples
Personnel being crushed
Collisions with other objects/vehicle
If you've been injured in any of these scenarios – as a driver or a pedestrian – then safe working practices may have been breached and negligence may have been the cause of your injuries. Talk to a specialist solicitor about starting a No Win No Fee injury compensation claim today.
What should my employer do to prevent forklift accidents?
Whether you work in a warehouse or a steel works, the site operator has a duty of care to ensure that all forklift drivers are fully trained and that all safety procedures are followed. This is a duty that is owed to drivers, fellow workers and site visitors alike, and requires due care with regard to:
Driver training
Safety equipment
Experience in the duties required
Forklift maintenance
Awareness of working and safety procedures
Where this duty of care has not been met, negligence may have occurred, and anyone injured as the result of a forklift accident may be able to claim compensation for their injuries.
Can I claim compensation if I've had an accident at work?
If you’ve been involved in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Watch our video of Karolis who tragically lost his foot following an accident at work in a sawmill.
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What type of injury can lead to a forklift accident claim?
Operating a forklift truck can be dangerous if not done safely, and it can leave people vulnerable to a range of injuries. Some of the common injuries sustained due to forklift accidents include:
Broken or fractured bones
Concussion or head injuries
Soft tissue damage
Whiplash injuries
Back or limb injuries
What should I do if I’m injured in a forklift accident?
Whatever the cause of your injury, your priority should always be to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For minor injuries, it may be sufficient to get help from the on-site first aider in the first instance, though it is usually advised to see your GP as soon as you can.
However, if your injuries are severe or you’ve hit your head, you or someone who has witnessed your accident should phone 999 for an ambulance as soon as possible. In cases such as this, you should stay still if it is safe to do so and wait for assistance.
When you feel ready to start a forklift injury claim, speak to our industry-leading personal injury specialists to find out how we can support you.
What should I do if I’m partly responsible for my forklift accident?
If you believe you were partly responsible for your forklift accident, it can still be possible to make a claim for compensation, though the amount you receive will be lowered to account for the role you played in sustaining your injuries.
This is known as contributory negligence. It means that though you may be somewhat responsible for the accident, your employer’s negligence also contributed to the cause of the accident, or the extent of the damage caused.
When determining the amount of compensation you could be entitled to, the full amount you would be owed will be agreed upon (that is, the amount you’d receive had you not been partially responsible). This will then be reduced by a percentage that represents the extent your actions contributed to your injuries:
If you were considered to be equally responsible, the compensation would be reduced by fifty percent
If it was determined you were only slightly responsible, it may only be reduced by twenty percent
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon?
Every employee has the right to work in a safe and secure environment, without worrying about being put at unnecessary risk by negligent employers.
Slater and Gordon will provide a sympathetic, professional and honest approach to people who come to us with forklift truck injuries. Our industry-leading team of solicitors have earned top ranking from independent legal guides (Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500), as well as esteemed positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
We know that moving forward involves more than just legal advice and compensation, which is why we work closely with medical professionals to determine the impact of your injuries long-term and identify any additional support and rehabilitation you may need.
If you've been injured in a forklift truck accident and believe that negligence may have been the cause, contact us today to speak to an injury claims solicitor.
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work or in a public place.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
Tailored advice
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We’re a reputable National law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Speak to one of our personal injury solicitors today
Could I lose my job if I make a forklift accident claim?
No. Under UK law, employers are not allowed to dismiss staff who make a personal injury claim against their business.
We know that many people can feel uncomfortable with the idea of making a claim against an employer, and often it is the thought of the added cost to the business (and the implications for their boss) that concerns them. It is important to remember that businesses in the UK are required to have liability insurance, which will cover the cost of any claim you make against your employer.
How much compensation could I receive for a forklift truck accident claim?
Every forklift accident claim is different, and the final figure for compensation depends upon the seriousness of the injury, as well as how much it might affect your ability to work in the future, and how much any rehabilitation might cost.
However, we take most forklift injury cases on a No Win No Fee basis and seek interim payments to help you avoid hardship if you're prevented from working by your injuries.
How long do I have to make a forklift accident claim?
Under UK law, you have three years following a forklift accident in which to make a claim for compensation.
There are exceptions to this rule; for example, if you are claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity or in the tragic event of a death. We therefore advise that you seek advice from an accident at work specialist solicitor as soon as possible.
What evidence do I need to make a forklift accident claim?
You will need to be able to prove that someone else’s negligence was at least in part to blame for your injuries. This should include evidence of how you sustained your injury, how severe your injury is or was, and who was to blame for your accident. Examples of the types of evidence you may be asked for include:
Medical records
Witness statements
Accident reports from your workplace
Photographic evidence of the injury
Video evidence, such as CCTV, that could have captured the accident taking place
Can I make a forklift truck accident claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes, it is possible to make a forklift injury claim on behalf of a loved one in certain circumstances.
It may be possible to do so if, for example, the person injured lacks the mental capacity to be able to make a claim for themselves, or they are under the age of 18.
To learn more about making a personal injury claim on behalf of a loved one, visit on claims guide here.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson