Forklift Truck Accident Claims

Forklift trucks (FLTs) are used in a variety of industries, but when these vehicles aren’t driven, maintained or loaded to the correct standard, accidents can happen.

Both forklift trucks and reach trucks, which are used to place and recover items stored in a high position, can be referred to with the name “forklift”. Accidents involving these vehicles may not only injure the driver, but can affect other workers and members of the public.

Employers should ensure your safety (and the safety of the public) at all times by putting in place measures to avoid forklift truck accidents. Our workplace accident solicitors are here to help if this hasn’t happened, and could help if you make a compensation claim if you’ve been in an accident which involved:

Forklifts colliding with pedestrians
Loads falling from trucks
Unsafe driving causing trucks to topple
Pedestrians being crushed between a truck and object
Forklift trucks being driven into another object/vehicle

Our experienced lawyers specialise in accident at work claims, so we know what it takes to make a difference after you’ve been injured. We’ll always put your first, helping you access care and support to aid your recovery. Your compensation can also cover any time you’ve had to take off, so you can have peace of mind while you recuperate.

Most forklift truck accident claims we handle are on a No Win No Fee basis*. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront, and that you won’t pay a thing if your claim is unsuccessful.

To find out more about making a claim, call us free on 0800 056 4110 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.

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Client Story

“Before the accident I was strong, healthy and enjoyed my job working in a busy factory - but the injury completely turned my life upside down.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make A Forklift Accident Claim?

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 shouldn’t block your vision. Pallets should be in good condition and shouldn’t 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’ve been in place to protect you. To find out more about making a compensation claim, contact us today on 0800 056 4110.

What Injuries Could I Claim For?

Forklift accidents can cause considerable pain and suffering, requiring you to undergo rehabilitative treatment and for you to take time off work to recover. Our lawyers could help you make a claim if a forklift accident caused you to suffer from injuries including:

Broken bones and fractures
Spinal injuries
Head injuries
Neck injuries
Internal injuries
Crush injuries (bleeding, bruising, compartment syndrome, fractures etc.)
Chronic pain
Ligament damage
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Not only can our lawyers help with your case, but our support and rehabilitation coordinators can work with you to help you access care and support, using their contacts based across the UK.

We can talk you through the cases we handle and how we could help you in a free initial consultation. To find out more about more about making a claim or to organise your meeting, contact us today on 0800 056 4110.

What Regulations Should My Employer Have Followed?

To use a forklift truck in the workplace, several pieces of legislation need to be considered. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a guide for those responsible for the safe operation of the trucks to avoid any accidents. These documents includes supervisions such as:

The main legal requirements to operate forklift trucks
The Approved Code of Practice
Training and stacking guidance

Other relevant legislation which must be considered includes:

Health & Safety at Work Act
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM)

Employers should always consider these regulations to ensure your safety. If you’ve had an accident and safety precautions weren’t being followed, we could help you make a claim.

You can make a claim against your current or past employer if you’ve been injured in a forklift truck accident. We know that claiming against your current employer can seem daunting, but the law states that your employer should have liability insurance which means they'll be protected if a claim is made against them. This insurance will also mean that they won’t be damaged financially if you make a successful claim, as your compensation will be paid by their insurer.

By making a claim, you’ll also be highlighting that a safer working environment is necessary. This could protect other members of staff from getting injured as safety precautions will be put in place.

If you’re thinking about making a claim, contact our experts today to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

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Forklift Truck Accident Claims

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