Forklift Truck Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a forklift truck accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Your employer or other workers may have been negligent, due to incorrect use of the forklift truck or through failing to uphold proper health and safety processes and training.
Our specialist team provides expert legal advice in different languages to clients who have been involved in workplace accidents. They operate on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning that you won’t pay any fees unless your case is successful.
Can my employer punish me in any way for making a compensation claim?
This is a big worry for many people injured in an accident at work. Thankfully, the law gives you a lot of protection. Under your employment contract, your employer has no legal right to discriminate against you on the basis that you have taken legal action against them.
If they did try to dismiss you, discipline you or make any unreasonable changes to your working conditions after the accident (such as reducing your hours, demoting you or reducing your salary), they could be putting themselves at risk of a claim for unfair dismissal or constructive dismissal.
Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for the vast majority of businesses. This cover would provide the funds for any compensation awarded against you, so your claim wouldn’t put the finances of your employer at any immediate risk.
How can forklift truck accidents occur in the workplace?
Forklift trucks are commonly used in warehouses and distribution centres, as well as manufacturing and retail businesses. The most common forms of forklift truck accidents include:
- Collisions with workers as the forklift truck moves around the premises
- Damaging the building or equipment, which in turn can injure workers
- Toppling due to excessive loads, especially at height
- Loads falling from the truck or from warehouse racking
As with any workplace accident, the risk of such accidents can be reduced significantly with the right procedures and training. If the right measures aren’t in place, this can suggest failings in the management of the business. In our experience, this is a significant contributing factor to accidents in the workplace.
In many instances, a forklift truck might be used on a tight deadline, such as getting products ready for dispatch or moving raw materials to enable production to continue. Even when time is limited, correct procedures should still be followed to ensure that health and safety obligations are met. Any compromises can increase the risk of an accident.
What sort of injuries can I claim for after a forklift truck accident?
Because there are so many ways that a forklift truck accident can arise, they can result in just about any form of injury. Because they involve the use of a vehicle and a risk of falling items, there is a relatively high risk that any injuries incurred could be severe.
We can advise on any injury, ranging from minor ones right through to catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Sadly, forklift truck accidents can be fatal in some instances. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one or family member in the accident, we can advise you on how to claim for compensation.
How much compensation might I receive?
The amount of compensation you receive very much depends on your specific circumstances. That’s why we recommend that you get in touch with us promptly so that we can discuss the details of your accident with you.
You may be able to claim for the following if they are a direct result of your injuries:
- Compensation for distress and upheaval
- Loss of earnings and financial losses incurred
- Medical costs, prescription fees, care and rehabilitation costs
- Damage to your property
- Travel expenses incurred
Do I have a valid claim for compensation?
If you can answer yes to all three of the following questions, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your circumstances further:
- Was the incident within the last three years?
- Was someone else to blame for the incident?
- Were you injured as a result of the incident?
Answering ‘yes’ to all three doesn’t mean that a successful claim is certain. However, these questions are key to the claims process. Answering yes to all three does indicate that you have a greater chance of being entitled to claim. Getting prompt, specialist legal advice could be beneficial.
Because of the three-year time limit, it’s important that you contact us promptly so that we can start the process for you.
How do I begin a compensation claim for a forklift truck accident?
Call us on 0208 1111 911 or contact us through the website and we’ll discuss your circumstances with you. The first call typically takes about 15 minutes and in that time we can usually determine whether or not it’s realistic to pursue a claim for compensation.
