Forklift Truck Accident Claims

Why are forklift trucks so dangerous?

Forklift trucks are common in many different industries. And when used safely, they can be a helpful tool for carrying objects like pallets and crates that are too heavy for manual lifting.

But forklift trucks can also be very dangerous. Their size and weight mean that they’re difficult to operate. And it’s not uncommon for the machines to fall over – which poses a risk to both the driver and any bystanders.

On average, forklift trucks are involved in about a quarter of workplace transport accidents. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Failure to maintain equipment
• Lack of clear traffic routes
• Lack of training and supervision
• Overloaded pallets
• Uneven surfaces

Whatever the reason, if you’ve been injured in a forklift accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Our friendly claims advisors can talk to you about what happened in more detail and let you know if you have a strong claim.

What are the most common forklift truck accidents?

When forklift trucks aren’t used safely, the consequences can be severe. Some of the most commonly seen accidents involving forklifts include:

• Collisions between two forklift trucks
• Crushing accidents where an employee is pressed up against a wall or another object
• Forklifts toppling over due to poorly secured loads
• Items falling from forklifts and striking employees
• Tripping when entering or exiting a forklift truck

Suffering any kind of forklift truck accident can have a life-changing impact. Some of the most frequently seen injuries resulting from forklift accidents are:

• Crushing injuries
• Fractures
• Head and brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Sprains and torn ligaments

In the worst cases, forklift truck accidents can be fatal. According to the Health and Safety Executive, employees being struck by moving vehicles was the third most common cause of work-related fatalities in 2022/23.

How can First4Lawyers help?

If you or a loved one has suffered a forklift truck accident, you have a right to compensation and support.

We work with specialist accident at work solicitors who are experienced in helping people in situations similar to yours. They’ll work on your behalf to build the strongest case possible, so you can focus on getting better.

Your solicitor may also be able to help you access medical treatment, such as physiotherapy, to support your recovery process.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you won’t have to worry about paying any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

Who is responsible for forklift truck accidents?

Your employer is responsible for ensuring the safety of the workforce. This means that they are required to make sure that the use of forklift trucks is safe. The Provision Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require employers to ensure that all working equipment is:

• Suitable for its intended use
• Safe for use and well maintained
• Only used by people who are fully trained

If your employer has not done their duty and ensured all forklifts meet these standards, they could be held accountable for any resulting injuries in the workplace.

Forklift accident claims FAQs

Can I be dismissed for making a claim against my employer?

We know that the thought of taking legal action can feel daunting. And you might have worries about your employer’s reaction. But by law your employer is not allowed to dismiss you for making a claim. If they do, you could bring an unfair dismissal claim against them. 

If you work for a small business, you may be concerned about their ability to pay out for your compensation. You shouldn’t let this put you off. All companies are legally required to have insurance in place to cover the cost of claims made against them, so they won’t be left out of pocket.

How much compensation could I get for a forklift truck accident?

Any compensation you receive will depend on your specific injury and the impact it’s had on your life. For an estimate of how much you may be entitled to, you can use our compensation calculator.

As a real-world example, one of our clients received £5,000 after suffering leg injuries from a forklift truck accident.

To find out more about how much your claim could be worth, get in touch with our knowledgeable claims advisors.

I’ve been injured in a forklift accident – what should I do?

If you’ve been injured in a forklift truck accident and it wasn’t your fault, you should get in touch with our claims team to see how we can help you.

We’ll listen to the details of your accident and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the claims process.

When you get in touch, there’s no obligation to go forward. We understand that you may need time to think over your decision, and there’s always the option to call us back.

To speak to our claims advisors, you can call the number at the top of the screen or request a callback. There’s also the option to fill in our quick and simple online claims form.