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    Forklift Accident Claims

    Forklift truck accidents are responsible for just under a quarter of all transport related workplace accidents in the UK, amounting to over 21,000 incidents. Resulting injuries can be severe; sometimes fatal and over 15,000 of these cases have meant workers having time off.

    One of the most significant dangers involves forklifts being used in areas where pedestrians are free to walk around. When drivers (or operators) are focused on the load they are carrying it’s possible to overlook fellow workers in the vicinity. Drivers should also be mindful of other potential hazards including uneven floor surfaces, large obstacles and an overall inadequate workplace environment.

    If you have been injured in an accident involving a forklift truck or pallet truck, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury claim must be made within a strict 3-year time limit. We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible. Get in touch with our specialists on 0800 342 3206 to find out if you can claim. Alternatively, complete the form on our website to arrange a no-obligation, conversation with one of our specialists.

    The Health and Safety Executive

    According to the Health and Safety Executive, a combination of poor regulation of Fork Lift Trucks in the workplace and a lack of training are the two major reasons why these vehicles account for such a large volume of transport-related accidents in the workplace.

    In light of the large number of accidents, the HSE has produced an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). This defines the minimum legal requirements FLT operators must adhere to.

    The HSE guidance in preventing accidents involving Fork Lift Trucks includes the following provisions:-

    1. The need for managers and operators to undertake specific Fork Lift Truck training. This training should take place every 3 years and operators must also maintain their vehicle appropriately and report any vehicle faults to their supervisor.
    2. Making sure there is enough space in the workplace for Forklifts to move freely and safely.
    3. Using suitable and safe equipment.
    4. Maintenance of premises where forklift trucks are present.

    Common Causes and Effects of Forklift Accidents

    • Forklift trucks or pallet trucks hitting pedestrians
    • Drivers trapping limbs
    • A load falling onto another employee
    • Lateral tip-over when turning corners
    • Driving off a loading bay
    • Poor lighting
    • Overcrowded environment
    • Insufficient room to operate the vehicle safely

    The majority of forklift personal injury claims cases can be classified as ‘lack of training’. Both employees and employers are under obligation to receive or administer relevant training to minimise risks. Tiredness, stress, poor concentration and inadequate equipment also contribute to the causes of accidents at work claims (including forklift accident claims).

    How can employers and employees minimise risks?

    1. By identifying possible risks and hazards where forklifts are being used.
    2. By finding solutions for risks and hazards and implement actions.
    3. There are a number of different Forklifts available to use for a variety of different jobs. It is important to use the correct vehicle with the correct job.
    4. Forklifts must be maintained and inspected at regular intervals.

    Employer negligence

    If your employer has not ensured any of the above have been taken care of then they are breaching statutory duty. In these circumstances, you are likely to have a strong case for making a personal injury claim if you have been injured as a result of a forklift truck incident.

    Employers are duty bound to protect their staff. They should provide safe and secure surroundings and equipment in the workplace. They should also provide necessary training on how to safely operate any machinery or tools, including forklift trucks or pallet trucks.

    If you have suffered an injury or illness due to a forklift accident, you could be owed compensation. Call our experts today for a no-obligation discussion to find out if you could be entitled to claim.

    There is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim which starts to run out from the date of your accident. Therefore, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to assess your case.

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    AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION  IN forklift accident claims

    All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. The amount of compensation that is awarded is determined by looking at two specific factors – general damages and special damages.

    GENERAL DAMAGES

    The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused is the main factor that is used to determine how much compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that outlines the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity.

    Our compensation calculator gives an indication of how much you might be entitled to based upon your injuries. Jefferies Solicitors will take these different details relating to your injury into account when calculating how much compensation you should be awarded, which will then be put forward to the opposing side and the judge.

    SPECIAL DAMAGES

    However, compensation also takes into account any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries, such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work. If you have had to pay for treatment or travel to treatment, compensation may also be able to cover this as well. Therefore, you should keep any receipts or other documents that help to outline the extent of your financial losses, as caused by your accident/injuries.

    Making Forklift Accident Claims For Compensation

    Prospective compensation will cover any financial losses you’ve experienced as a result of your accident. For instance, this might include the cost of special care, transport to medical appointments or adapted accommodation or transport. If either a preliminary injury or a long-term injury has been sustained then any recompense should cover both.

    If you have suffered an injury following an accident involving a forklift truck or pallet truck, we may be able to help you. Contact Jefferies Solicitors on 0800 342 3206 today or complete our initial accident claims form online and one of our team will come back to you for an informal, yet confidential discussion regarding your prospective claim for accident and injury compensation.

    Other Accident At Work Claims

    At Jefferies, we don’t only deal with forklift accident claims, we deal with a wide range of types of accident at work claims,  including factory accidents, construction accidents and commercial kitchen accidents. If you’ve been involved in another kind of accident, we may be able to help you. Please get in touch with our solicitors on 0800 342 3206 or via this website.

    Start your compensation claim with Jefferies Solicitors today. You can either call us free on 0800 342 3206 or enquire online and one of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your potential personal injury claim in more detail, on an informal and confidential basis.

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    Where next? Read:

    Accident at Work Claims

    Warehouse Accident Claims