Manual Handling Claims

Our specialist solicitors have a proven track record in managing manual handling claims, helping employees secure the compensation they deserve.

We offer a free consultation and claim assessment, so speak to our manual handling solicitors today.
No win no fee policy
Regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Manual handling injuries are among the most common reasons for workplace compensation claims in the UK. If you have been injured while lifting, carrying, or moving loads at work, you may be eligible to make a manual handling claim to cover your pain, recovery costs, and lost earnings.

The impact of these injuries is significant. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that 511,000 workers were suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (new or long-standing) in 2024/25. A significant portion of these were caused by manual handling incidents, particularly affecting the back and upper limbs.

A back injury or muscle strain can be debilitating. It can stop you from working, prevent you from driving, and affect your day-to-day life for months or even years. You may be worried about paying bills if you cannot work, or concerned that a pre-existing condition will stop you from claiming.

You have a right to be safe at work. If your employer failed to follow the regulations and you were injured as a result, our specialist solicitors can help you claim the compensation you need to support your recovery.

What is a manual handling claim?

A manual handling claim is a legal action taken against your employer for injuries caused by lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads at work.

Your employer has strict legal duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. These regulations require them to avoid hazardous manual handling tasks where possible. If a task cannot be avoided, they must assess the risk of injury and take steps to reduce it. This is often done using a TILE assessment (Task, Individual, Load, Environment).

They must provide lifting equipment (like hoists or trolleys), split heavy loads into smaller packages, or provide specific training. If they fail to do this and you get hurt, they are liable.

If you think your employer missed these steps, you can contact us today to discuss your case.

Common causes of manual handling injuries

Most manual handling injuries are not accidents; they are the result of poor planning or inadequate safety measures. We handle claims involving:

Excessive weight: Being asked to lift loads that are simply too heavy for one person.
Lack of training: Being asked to move items without being taught safe lifting techniques (such as bending the knees and keeping the load close).
Awkward loads: Lifting items that are large, unstable, or difficult to grip, causing you to twist or strain.
Repetitive lifting: Performing the same lifting motion repeatedly without adequate breaks, leading to cumulative strain injuries.
Unsafe environment: Carrying loads over uneven floors, up unstable ladders, or through cluttered walkways.
Failure to provide equipment: Being forced to lift items manually when a trolley, hoist, or pallet truck should have been provided.

Am I eligible to make a claim?

You may be eligible to make a common law claim if you can answer “yes” to these two questions:

Were you injured while performing a manual handling task at work within the last three years?
Do you believe the accident was caused by a lack of training, equipment, or help from your employer?

It is important to know that you can often claim even if you had a pre-existing back condition. If your employer’s negligence made your existing condition worse or accelerated your pain, you are entitled to compensation for that specific aggravation.

If you are unsure whether you have a valid case, you can verify your eligibility instantly with our free online claim checker.

What should I do after a manual handling injury?

Your health is the first priority, but taking the right steps can also strengthen your legal case:

Seek medical attention: See your GP or visit a hospital. This creates an official medical record of your injury, which is vital evidence.
Report the incident: Ensure the accident is recorded in your workplace Accident Book. Be specific about what you were lifting and why it was dangerous.
Check for risk assessments: Ask if a risk assessment was carried out for the task. If not, this is strong evidence of negligence.
Speak to us: Contact our team immediately. We can offer free initial advice and help you preserve key evidence.

How much compensation can I claim?

Every claim is unique, but compensation is calculated in two parts:

General Damages: For the pain, suffering, and impact the injury has had on your life.
Special Damages: To cover all your financial losses, such as lost earnings, the cost of physiotherapy, prescription costs, and travel expenses.

Our team calculates the full value of your claim to ensure you are not left out of pocket.

No Win No Fee manual handling claims

We handle all manual handling claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there is zero financial risk to you. You will not pay any upfront fees, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay us a penny.

This allows you to pursue the compensation you deserve with complete peace of mind, knowing you are protected from legal bills.

Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?

Expert legal representation. We are a dedicated law firm with over 20 years of experience, not a claims management company. This means you are represented by a qualified solicitor who is personally committed to securing the maximum compensation for your specific injury, rather than being passed around a call centre.

Support with recovery. We know that back and muscle strains can be complex and long-lasting. Our service extends beyond just financial compensation; we assist you in accessing private physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help you return to full health.

You can be confident in our professionalism. We are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and accredited by The Law Society. We keep the process clear and straightforward, keeping you informed at every stage of your claim.

Start your manual handling claim today

If you’ve suffered a back injury or strain at work, you have every right to ask for fair compensation. We’re here to make that happen.

Manual handling claims are just one area our specialist solicitors handle. You can learn more about our full Accidents at Work Claim service here.

Speak to one of our expert solicitors for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.

Call us on 800 970 2727 or request a call back.
We operate on a No Win No Fee basis.

Other Services

Road Traffic Accidents

Accident at Work

Slips and Trips

Medical Negligence

Sports-Related Injuries

Product Liability

Public Liability

Industrial Disease

FAQs

My employer didn't provide training, can I claim?

Yes. A lack of training is one of the most common grounds for a successful claim. Your employer is legally required to train you on how to lift safely and how to use any lifting equipment provided. If they failed to do this, they have likely breached their duty of care.

Is there a weight limit for what I can be asked to lift?

Surprisingly, there is no strict legal weight limit. However, employers must follow HSE guidelines. For example, lifting a load of more than 25kg at elbow height is considered high risk. If you were asked to lift something clearly too heavy for you, your employer may be liable.

Will I be sacked for making a claim?

No. You are protected by law from ‘unfair dismissal’. Your employer cannot legally fire you or treat you unfairly for making a legitimate claim. The compensation is paid by their insurance, not the company directly.

Can I claim if I didn't report the accident straight away?

Yes, but it is better if you did. If you didn’t report it immediately (perhaps because you thought the pain would go away), you should report it now. Make sure to see your doctor so there is a medical record linking your injury to your work dutie

How much does it cost to make a new claim?

We handle all manual handling claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you. There are no upfront fees. If we win your claim, we are paid a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation you receive. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay us nothing.

Challenges faced by claimants?

Our professional team of solicitors will help you overcome the challenges you face in claiming compensation.

Making workplace accidents compensation claim could be a gruelling task. It demands a lot of patience and is time consuming.

Some key challenges faced by claimants are:

Lack of proper tangible evidence

Denial from employer’s side

Authentic medical evidence, complex medical assessments

Time limit as the claimant can only make a compensation claim within 3 years of the accident

Exhausting long legal procedures

Mental and physical stress

How we can help

The consequences of accidents at work can be drastic. You could be dealing with multiple parties at once. There is an essential need for guidance in such situations so that you can get what you deserve. Claim Solicitors specialises in accident at work claims. Get in touch today and get a free consultation now.

By providing expert guidance

Our team of solicitors make sure you are fully aware of your rights and are well informed at every step... of the legal process. We at Claim Time Solicitors deal with all the critical paperwork on your behalf, meeting all the deadlines and assisting you throughout with a positive approach.

In depth investigation

We conduct a complete examination of the case and dig deep into the case to get the insights... of it and understand the circumstances that led to the accident at work. Our aim is to hold the responsible party accountable for the mishap and create a strong, compelling case on your behalf.

Negotiation and settlement

Our qualified negotiators will play a major role in the settlement process. Our injury at work solici...tors will engage with the insurance company of the employer and make sure you receive your rightful compensation which would cover all your monetary loses that you have incurred.

Client-centered approach

Our priority is our client's well-being, and we work seamlessly to attain success and get you the... justice you deserve. We acknowledge the mental, physical and financial stress our clients go through during the complex legal process. We are here to provide you with assistance and help you claim maximum compensation. Our team of solicitors try their best to contribute to the success of your case in the best possible manner.

Manual Handling Claims

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