Forklift Truck Accident Claims

If you have sustained an injury at work while operating or working close to a forklift truck and the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, we can help you to claim the compensation to which you are entitled.

Our talented team of solicitors will provide advice and guidance throughout the claims process, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. Compensation will help you to rebuild your life following an accident at work, and pay for any rehabilitation you require.

Contact our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury solicitors today by calling 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form and let us know a suitable time to get back to you.

How JMW Can Help

Individuals working in the construction industry are susceptible to accidents on site. If another party is liable for the accident that led to your injuries, you may have the right to claim compensation. Injuries can be caused by heavy machinery and hazards such as falling objects, slips, trips and falls, and faulty equipment. As such, the range of injuries can be extensive, from fractures and burns to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Severe injuries can lead to building site and construction accident claims to be valued highly to cover any costs as a result of your injury.

Compensation can offset medical expenses, compensate for any loss of income, and cover the repair or replacement of damaged equipment or tools. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your losses and construct the most robust case possible on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery without the added stress of dealing with the ramifications of the accident.

With over 35 years of expertise, our team consistently keeps abreast of the latest changes in laws relating to construction site accidents. This ensures that we manage your case competently, taking into account any recent legislative developments when processing your claim.

Can I Make a Construction Accident Compensation Claim?

If you've experienced an accident on a construction site that wasn't your fault, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Construction sites inherently come with a range of potential hazards, making them high-risk environments. Various types of injuries can occur on construction sites, irrespective of your role or the nature of your work.

Employers must ensure that construction sites are safe for both employees and visitors. If you've been involved in an accident on a construction site, whether due to negligence or an unforeseen event, you may have grounds for a claim.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Various types of accidents can occur on construction sites, each with its own risks. Some of the most common types of accidents include:

• Falls from height, such as from ladders or scaffolding
• Falling objects
• Manual handling incidents
• Malfunctioning machinery
• Accidents involving moving vehicles like forklifts and dump trucks
• Welding and chemical burns
• Electric shocks

Among these, lifting and handling accidents are the most common, but falls from height can be the most severe, often resulting in fatal or serious injuries like internal damage or paralysis.

Determining Responsibility

Your employer has a duty of care to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to avoid accidents at work, but identifying who is responsible for a construction site accident can be complex due to the multiple parties typically involved. This could range from the site owner to material suppliers. Employers and site managers must adhere to safety guidelines and regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Before filing a claim, an investigation is conducted to review the site, interview witnesses, and examine the contractual relationships between all parties involved. In some instances, multiple parties may be found liable.

Legal professionals specialising in construction accidents will typically assess whether the employer has:

• Conducted risk assessments for site access and tool usage
• Provided adequate training and education about job-related hazards
• Supplied appropriate protective equipment like noise defenders and hard hats
• Implemented procedures for cleaning up spillages
• Scheduled regular equipment maintenance for safety

If any of these conditions aren’t met, you may have a valid case for a construction accident claim.

If your employer has breached their duty of care and this resulted in an injury on a building or construction site, you’re entitled to make a claim for compensation. It is important to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible after an accident to make sure your claim gets underway quickly, while you focus on your recovery.

How Much Can I Claim for a Building and Construction Site Accident?

The amount of compensation you will receive following a building site accident will depend on the type of injury you have suffered and the extent of your injuries. It will also be influenced by the impact of the injury on your life, including any financial losses you've suffered as a result.

In construction accident claims, the compensation can be categorised into two main types:

• General damages: these cover the non-monetary aspects of harm suffered, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of amenity resulting from the injury. General damages are subjective based on the Judicial College Guidelines and vary significantly from case to case, depending on the severity and impact of the injuries on the individual’s life.
• Special damages: this category includes the financial losses incurred due to the accident. These can consist of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings (both current and future), and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury. Special damages are calculated based on actual financial loss and can be specifically itemised and proven with receipts, bills and wage statements.

The figures below provide a rough guide of how much you might be able to claim for an injury on a building or construction site, based on the Judicial College Guidelines. For a more accurate calculation of how much you could be able to claim, based on the specifics of your case, get in touch with the team today. We can give you a precise estimate that takes into account all of the details about your injury and circumstances.

How JMW Can Help You Make a Claim

Our solicitors understand the devastating impact that a forklift truck accident can cause, which is why we will do our utmost to ensure the claims process is as stress-free as possible.

We have dealt with a wide variety of forklift accident claims, including cases involving:

• Items falling from high-level racking to injure somebody
• A load falling from a forklift and hitting somebody
• A truck driving over and crushing somebody’s foot
• Collisions between a truck and a person, an object or another vehicle
• A truck toppling over on an unsuitable surface, such as a steep slope or pothole
• Careless driving or travelling at an unsuitable speed

No matter how your injury was caused, if you believe it was due to somebody else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Meet Our Team

JMW’s team provides expert guidance and support for individuals injured in forklift truck accidents at work, helping you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Case Study

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For a Forklift Truck Accident?

Forklift trucks accidents can vary in severity, but can cause serious injuries to drivers and those working alongside them; they can cause broken bones, crush injuries and internal organ damage if you’re unfortunate enough to be caught in a collision, or if an unsecured load falls onto you, or the forklift itself tips over.

The amount of compensation you can claim will be determined based on the injuries you sustained, your expected recovery time, and any financial losses you may incur, including any changes you need to make to your lifestyle.

The figures below provide a rough guide of how much you might be able to claim for an injury in a factory, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much you could be able to claim, based on the specifics of your case, get in touch with the team today. We can give you a precise estimate that takes into account all of the details about your injury and circumstances.

A financial reward will compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, and will also help to support you while you are recovering. Compensation can cover the cost of unexpected medical bills, rehabilitation and any required care from family and friends. In addition, compensation will cover any time you have taken off work due to your injury.

What Are My Employer’s Responsibilities?

Employers are legally required to ensure that forklift trucks can manoeuvre around a workplace easily. There should be clearly marked areas that separate vehicles from pedestrians, and protective barriers should be placed near entrances and exits. Doors should also have transparent panels so that staff can clearly see oncoming traffic.

All employees must undergo the relevant training to be able to drive a forklift truck and must be provided with suitable personal protective equipment, such as high-visibility jackets, hard hats and safety boots.

If your employer has failed in their duty to keep you protected from the dangers of forklift trucks, JMW Solicitors can help you to claim compensation.