1. Accidents At Work
Whether it is a power tool on a building site not working as it should or a belt in a factory causing an injury, you have a right to expect the machinery you use to be safe. If you have been injured due to a mechanical failure or poorly maintained equipment from a company in Northern Ireland, MMW Claims is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Your employer has a strict legal obligation to ensure that all work equipment is suitable for its purpose, regularly maintained, and safe to operate. When these standards are ignored, and an avoidable injury occurs, you are entitled to claim compensation.
2. Knowing when you've had an accident
Defective equipment injuries can range from minor cuts to life-altering trauma. Common examples include:
- Mechanical Failures: Accidents caused by brake failures on mobile plant machinery or sudden malfunctions in assembly lines.
- Missing Safety Guards: Injuries sustained when protective shields have been removed or were never fitted to dangerous moving parts.
- Poor Maintenance: Equipment that has not been correctly serviced, leading to unexpected faults or collapses.
- Inadequate Training: If the machinery itself is fine, but you were not properly trained on how to use it safely, your employer may still be held liable.
- Lack of PPE: Failure to provide necessary safety gear, such as anti-slash gloves for sharp equipment or ear protection for loud machinery.
3. Getting help after an accident
Our team will guide you through the legal process with ease. In Northern Ireland, you typically have 3 years from the date of the accident to start your claim. If a design or manufacturing fault is discovered later, the 3-year limit may start from the date the fault was identified.
At MMW Claims, we understand the impact that machinery accidents can cause. Whether it is a straightforward case of faulty equipment or a complex investigation into third-party maintenance contractors, our highly skilled team is equipped to handle your case. We work to recover lost earnings, medical expenses, and compensation for any long-term physical or emotional impact.
4. The claim process for defective machinery
We offer a clear, straightforward process with guidance at every stage of the claim.
- Reporting the Injury: Seek medical attention immediately and ensure the incident is formally recorded in your employer’s accident book.
- Contacting a Solicitor: Get in touch with the MMW Claims team for FREE legal advice.
- Gathering Evidence: We will obtain medical records and, if possible, equipment inspection logs, photos of the fault, and witness statements.
- Specialist Assessment: You will attend an appointment with a medical consultant to produce a formal report detailing the extent of your injuries.
- Negotiating Your Compensation: We will negotiate with your employer’s insurers to secure a fair settlement.
- Receiving Your Payout: Once an agreement is reached, your payout will be made as quickly as possible.
In Northern Ireland, compensation is assessed using the 6th Edition of the Green Book (Judicial Studies Board Guidelines). The final amount someone can get from a defective machinery claim depends on:
- The severity of the injury (e.g., fractures, crush injuries, or amputations).
- The level of financial loss, including past and future lost wages.
- The impact on your quality of life and any need for long-term care.
