Forklift Accident Claims
Check if you can claim compensation
If you were injured in a forklift accident at work that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. We will explain your options clearly and help you understand the next steps.
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Can you claim for a forklift accident at work?
You may be able to make a forklift accident claim if you were injured in the last three years and your employer, or another party, was responsible. Employers have a legal duty to keep you reasonably safe, including how lift trucks are maintained, how operators are trained, and how vehicles and people are kept apart.
You would usually be claiming against your employer’s insurance, not against the business itself or a colleague, and you cannot be sacked for making a genuine claim. This applies whether you were the operator, a pedestrian on foot, or working nearby. If you are not sure, our team can check for you.
Why forklift accidents lead to a claim
Forklift trucks are among the most common causes of serious injury in warehouses and factories. Industry figures suggest around 1,300 people a year in the UK are hospitalised after a forklift accident, most of them preventable. Because a loaded truck is heavy and hard to stop, the injuries can be severe.
Employers must manage these risks under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), and the HSE Approved Code of Practice L117 for rider-operated lift trucks. Where those duties were not met and you were hurt, you may be able to claim. Our solicitors will explain where you stand and handle the claim for you.
is usually the time limit to start a forklift accident claim, from the date of the accident, or from when you knew your injury was linked to it. Different rules apply for children. If you are unsure, we can check for you.
Common causes of forklift accidents
You may be eligible to claim if the accident was caused by your employer’s or another party’s negligence.
Poor training or supervision
Operators or pedestrians who were not properly trained, or a site where forklift movements were not supervised or controlled.
Faulty or unmaintained trucks
Brakes, hydraulics, tyres or warning devices that failed, or a truck that was not inspected and maintained as PUWER and LOLER require.
Unsafe loads and layout
Overloaded or badly stacked pallets, loads that fell, or a warehouse where vehicles and people on foot were not kept safely apart.
However your accident happened, if someone else was at fault you may have a claim. Tell us what happened and we will let you know where you stand.
How much compensation for a forklift accident?
A forklift accident can cause serious harm, including crush injuries, fractures, back and spinal injuries, head injuries and, in the most serious cases, amputation. A claim is usually made up of two parts: compensation for the injury itself, and compensation for the financial impact.
Every claim is assessed individually. Your solicitor will explain what your claim may be worth once an independent medical report sets out how the injury has affected you.
- Pain, suffering and the effect on your daily life
- Lost earnings, now and in the future
- Treatment, rehabilitation and travel costs
- Care, support and home adaptations if needed
For serious injuries, an interim payment can sometimes be arranged before the claim ends, to help with immediate costs such as lost wages or treatment. Your solicitor will explain whether that is possible in your case.
Evidence that supports your claim
Clear evidence helps show how the accident happened and how the injury has affected you. You do not need to gather everything before you get in touch.
We can help.
Not sure what to collect? You do not have to work this out on your own. Tell us what you have, and we can request the accident report, CCTV and records on your behalf.
No Win No Fee forklift accident claims
You can start a forklift accident claim without paying anything upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay a fee for our work, subject to the terms of your agreement.
If your claim succeeds, an agreed success fee is deducted from your compensation. Your solicitor will explain this clearly before you commit to anything.
You will see the full terms in writing before your claim begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before starting your claim.
Can I claim if I was injured by a forklift at work?
Yes, if your employer failed in its duty to keep you reasonably safe, for example through poor training, a faulty truck, or not keeping vehicles and people apart, and that led to your injury. You are claiming against the employer’s insurance, and you cannot be dismissed for making a genuine claim. It does not matter whether you were the operator or on foot nearby.
Who is responsible for a forklift accident?
Usually the employer or the business in charge of the site, because they are responsible for training, maintenance and safe systems of work. Depending on what happened, a contractor, the truck’s owner or a maintenance provider may also share responsibility. You are normally claiming against an organisation and its insurer, and we will identify the right party for you.
Will I be sacked for claiming against my employer?
No. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss or treat you unfairly for making a genuine personal injury claim. Employers must hold liability insurance for exactly this reason, so the compensation is paid by the insurer, not out of the business. If you are worried about this, we can talk it through with you.No. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss or treat you unfairly for making a genuine personal injury claim. Employers must hold liability insurance for exactly this reason, so the compensation is paid by the insurer, not out of the business. If you are worried about this, we can talk it through with you.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be able to claim. This is known as contributory negligence, where responsibility is shared. Your compensation can be reduced to reflect your share, but you are not automatically prevented from claiming. Tell us what happened and we will give you a straight view of where you stand.
How much compensation could I receive for a forklift injury?
It depends on how serious the injury is and how it has affected your life, work and finances. Compensation covers the injury itself, plus losses such as lost earnings, treatment and care. We cannot promise a figure, but once an independent medical report is prepared, your solicitor can explain what your claim may be worth.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases you have three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. For children, the three years usually starts on their 18th birthday. If you are unsure, contact us and we will check whether you are still in time.
Check if you can make a claim
Tell us what happened and we will review your details and get back to you. We will explain your options in plain English, with no obligation to go ahead.
- Free, no-obligation review
- No Win No Fee available
- SRA-regulated solicitors
Check if you can make a claim
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Find out where you stand
Most forklift accident claims must be started within three years. Tell us what happened and we will explain your options clearly, with no obligation to go ahead.
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