1. Forklift Accidents At Work
Forklift accidents often happen in a split second but can result in life-changing injuries. Employers have a strict legal duty to ensure that all lifting equipment and industrial vehicles are managed safely. Under health and safety regulations , your employer must ensure forklifts are fit for purpose, and operators are fully trained.
If you have been injured in a forklift accident while working for a local company, either as an operator or a pedestrian/worker on site, MMW Claims can provide legal support to help navigate the claims process.
2. Knowing when you've had an accident
Accidents commonly occur in factory/warehouse settings, but can also happen in public-facing environments like retail. Remember that a claim can be made whether you were an employee, subcontractor, customer or visitor.
Accidents involving forklifts can fall into several categories:
- Collisions with Pedestrians: Lack of designated walkways or poor visibility leading to workers being struck by a moving forklift.
- Falling Loads: Unstable or overloaded forks causing goods to fall and strike workers below.
- Forklift Overturns: Vehicles tipping over due to uneven ground, speeding, or incorrect loading.
- Inadequate Training: Accidents occurred because the operator lacked the required certification or refresher training.
- Mechanical Failure: Faulty brakes, steering issues, or lack of regular maintenance (thorough examinations).
3. Getting help after a forklift accident
At MMW Claims, we make the process clear and straightforward. To be eligible for a claim in Northern Ireland:
- You must generally start your claim within 3 years of the accident, although this can be further extended if you obtain an injury that is diagnosed later on.
- It must be shown that the accident was caused by the negligence of an employer, a colleague, or a third party (such as a maintenance contractor).
Forklift accidents can be complex, often involving detailed site investigations and technical reports on vehicle maintenance. Our highly skilled team is equipped to handle these complexities, helping you recover lost earnings and secure compensation for medical expenses and rehabilitation.
4. The claim process for a forklift accident
We follow a proven structure to ensure you are supported, and as part of our commitment, we take the following approach:
- Reporting the Incident: Ensure the accident is recorded in the site accident book and seek medical attention immediately.
- Free Legal Advice: Contact MMW Claims for a FREE initial consultation to discuss your options.
- Gathering Evidence: We will secure maintenance logs (LOLER records), CCTV footage, and witness statements.
- Medical Assessment: We arrange for you to see an independent specialist to provide a formal report on your injuries.
- Negotiating Your Settlement: We handle all communications with the insurers to reach a fair outcome.
- Receiving Your Payout: Once agreed, your compensation is paid out promptly.
Because forklift accidents often involve heavy impact or crushing, injuries can be severe. While claim amounts will vary based on severity, the 6th Edition of the Green Book (2024) provides guidance for valuing your claim based on Northern Ireland’s specific legal guidelines. Compensation amounts are affected by areas such as:
- Physical & Psychological Injury: Covering everything from fractures and crush injuries to PTSD.
- Financial Loss: Including immediate loss of wages and potential future loss of earnings if you cannot return to work.
- Specialist Care: Costs for physiotherapy or home adjustments following a serious injury.
Again, we recommend that a complete assessment be carried out before any suggested amount can be considered.
