James Davies
Partner
Forklift Truck Accident Claims
You might be able to claim for compensation if you were injured in a forklift truck accident that was down to someone else’s negligence—get in touch to tell us what happened.
Why choose Irwin Mitchell to make a compensation claim for a forklift truck accident?
You can access all the care and support you need to aid your recovery with the help of our workplace accident lawyers.
Not only will you get expert legal advice in your claim for compensation, but you will also get access to our in-house team of Support and Rehabilitation Coordinators to help you through this.
We can work around you and your needs as we handle your no win no fee compensation claim from beginning to end, ensuring you get the best possible outcome after your forklift truck accident.
Meet a specialist from our team
Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.
What are some common causes of forklift accidents?
A number of factors can contribute to forklift accidents in the workplace. Things can go wrong because of operational mistakes, the design of your workplace, hazardous loads and mechanical faults.
We can help with claims when the following precautions haven’t been made:
- Poor training: When adequate training isn’t provided, the driver might not know how to manoeuvre around obstacles and changes in surface.
- Equipment: Attachments and accessories should be fitted correctly, and the forklift itself should be maintained to a good standard to avoid parts malfunctioning. You should be provided with the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), including fluorescent jackets and hard hats.
- Speeding: Going too fast in a forklift truck can mean that the drivers’ reaction time shortens. It’s advised that forklifts don’t go faster than 5mph.
- Stacking/piling loads: Loads should be stacked in the most stable way possible and should not block your vision. Pallets should be in good condition and not be overloaded.
- Elevated loads: Drivers should carry loads as close to the ground as possible to improve the stability of the vehicle.
- Turning: Going around a corner too fast, even without a load, can mean that the vehicle tilts to one side. It’s advised that drivers slow down and keep a gradual speed throughout the turn.
- Marked zones: It should be marked where forklifts are being used, including signs and floor tape.
- Operation areas: Where forklifts are being used, aisles should be kept uncluttered with obstructions being removed from doors and intersections.
- Rides: Drivers shouldn’t give rides to other workmates or attempt ‘stunt’ driving.
Our experts can advise you what precautions should have been in place to protect you.
How do I know if I'm eligible to make a forklift accident claim?
If you believe your forklift accident was caused by someone's negligence, the first you should be is contact us. We can advise you whether we believe you have a claim.
The key things to consider when trying to understand whether you're eligible to make a claim, are:
- Negligence: The accident was caused, in part or full, by another party (employer, colleague, or site manager)
- Time limits: Generally, you must start your claim within three years of the accident date. There are some exceptions to this, and we can help you understand these exceptions
- Documentation: Evidence of the injury and proof of fault is required. We can help you collect evidence, if you haven't already.
What do I need to make a forklift accident claim?
There are several things you will need when making a forklift truck accident claim. This includes:
- Documentation of the incident: Accident book entry, CCTV footage or photographs/videos
- Supporting documentation: Witness Details, maintenance Logs
- Medical and financial records: Medical records, financial loss evidence.
If you don't have these, don't worry, our team can assist you with this.
Information to help with your claim
We can help with legal guidance and advice as well as other services you might need to aid your recovery and get your life back on track.Get the help you need
Contact us today for a free initial consultation to talk through your claim for a forklift truck accident
Call us free on 0370 1500 100
Making an enquiry
We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.
Frequently asked questions about forklift accident claims
Get the help you need to recover from an injury that was caused in a forklift truck accident, especially if it was because of someone else’s negligence. We can support you at every stage of your recovery.Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.