Manual Handling Claims

If you have sustained an injury at work that was caused by somebody else’s negligence while lifting or pulling heavy goods, our experienced solicitors can help you claim compensation. If your employer failed to provide appropriate training, assess risks, or do anything else legally required of them, and you were injured as a result, you are entiteld to claim compensation.

Our award-winning team of solicitors will build a strong case on your behalf, helping you to secure the maximum compensation amount following a manual handling accident. This can help you to focus on your recovery, without having to worry about loss of income while you are injured, or to think about returning to work before you are ready.

We understand the devastating impact that a workplace injury can have on your life, as well as your future career prospects, which is why we will work tirelessly to help you to rebuild your life following this event.

Contact our solicitors today to start your heavy lifting accident claim by calling 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and let us know the best time to contact you.

How JMW Can Help

Our legal experts have many years of experience in dealing with lifting and manual handling claims, so you can rest assured we have the know-how required to secure the outcome you are looking for.

We are widely recognised for our high standards of communication, and our specialist solicitors will ensure you are kept up to date at every stage of the process. We will endeavour to explain your options throughout legal proceedings in a clear and easy-to-understand manner so you can have confidence in your chances of success.

JMW Solicitors has helped employees across a wide range of industries to secure compensation following a manual handling accident at work, including:

• Construction workers
• Agricultural and farming staff
• Manufacturing and warehouse employees

No matter what industry you work in, if you have been affected by an injury while carrying out heavy lifting in your place of work due to the negligence of another member of staff or your employer, we can help you to make a claim.

Compensation awarded in a manual handling claim will help to cover any loss of earnings and limit the impact of your injury on your day-to-day life. It will also provide recompense for your pain and suffering, so if you have been injured in a manual handling accident you should contact a solicitor as soon as possible.

What are Employees' Legal Rights After Manual Handling Accidents?

Employers are legally obligated to provide safe working environments for their employees. This includes adequate training and proper equipment for lifting and manual handling tasks. If these standards are not met, employees have the right to seek legal recourse. This right extends to cases where an injury results from a breach of safety protocols or negligence. Compensation can cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other related costs.

Employees are legally protected against any form of retaliation from their employer for making a claim. This includes any unfair treatment, dismissal or discrimination following a claim.

To facilitate legal recourse, employees have the right to seek advice and representation from legal experts. Our team can advise you on your situation and guide you through the entire process of making a manual handling injury claim to ensure your rights are upheld and you receive the maximum compensation possible.

What are My Employer's Responsibilities Relating to Manual Handling Injuries?

Employers have a duty of care to minimise the risk of injuries sustained by poor manual handling techniques. To reduce the risks involved with lifting or carrying objects, employers must do the following:

• Provide training on how to adequately lift items
• Carry out risk assessments
• Make sure that a manual handling task is only undertaken if it is unavoidable
• Consider whether the working environment is safe and suitable for the task
• Ensure sufficient lifting equipment is available to employees
• Assign the relevant number of employees to carry out the task

If you believe you have been injured as a result of an accident that was caused by your employer breaching their duty of care, get in touch with our solicitors to pursue a claim for the compensation to which you are entitled.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For a Manual Handling Accident?

Lifting heavy objects without appropriate training can result in a variety of injuries to the arms, shoulders and spine, while a dropped object could do damage to your foot and even result in crush injuries. The compensation you are entitled to will depend on the severity and type of injuries you sustained, as well as the circumstances surrounding your accident.

The figures below provide a rough guide of how much you might be able to claim for an injury in a factory, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much you could claim, based on the specifics of your case, get in touch with the team today. We can give you a precise estimate that takes into account all of the details about your injury and circumstances.

A financial reward will compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, and will also help to support you while you are recovering. Compensation can cover the cost of unexpected medical bills, rehabilitation and any required care from family and friends. In addition, compensation will cover any time you have taken off work due to your injury.

How Can I Prove My Employer Was at Fault for My Manual Handling Injury?

Establishing that an injury is work-related requires strong evidence that clearly shows the reason for the injury and the impact it has had on your life. Here is a list of the key forms of evidence you may need to provide to make a successful manual handling compensation claim:

1. Documenting the incident: it's essential to record the incident as soon as possible. This includes writing an accident report and ensuring it's logged in your workplace's accident book. These records are vital pieces of evidence.
2. Medical evidence: seek immediate medical attention for your injury. Medical reports and records provide authoritative evidence of the injury's nature and its correlation to the manual handling incident. This is a key component of any personal injury claim.
3. Witness statements: if colleagues or other individuals witnessed the incident, their statements can be influential. They provide an independent account of what happened, further bolstering your claim.
4. Photo or video evidence: photographs of the scene can help demonstrate unsafe working conditions or improper manual handling equipment, which may have contributed to the injury. If your workplace has CCTV, this may have captured the incident and can be difficult to dispute.
5. Expert testimony: in some cases, we may seek the input of occupational safety experts. Their professional assessment can provide critical insights into how the injury could have been prevented and where negligence occurred.
6. Employment records: demonstrating a history of your own safe work practices can strengthen your claim by showing that the injury was a result of workplace conditions or practices, rather than personal negligence.

As well as proving that your employer was responsible for your injury, you will also need to prove that it has had a significant impact on you. To prove your physical or psychological injuries, photos, medical reports and statements from people around you can help. If you are planning to claim for any lost finances, you will need to provide financial records of your spending, which may cover medical and care costs, lost earnings, travel expenses and any future costs that you may predict arising.

Your solicitor will meticulously gather and present all relevant evidence to construct a compelling manual handling injury compensation claim on your behalf. Our expertise ensures that every detail is accounted for, maximising your chances of a successful outcome.

Are There Time Limits for Making Manual Handling Claims?

Generally, you have three years from the date of the manual handling accident to make a claim. However, in some instances, injuries or their full impact may not be immediately apparent. In such cases, the three-year limit starts from the date you became aware that your injury was related to the manual handling incident.

There are exceptions to these time limits, particularly in cases involving minors or individuals with limited mental capacity. In these cases, different rules apply regarding when a claim can be made. For those under the age of 18, a claim can be made on their behalf at any time until they reach 18. From here, they have until the age of 21 to make their own claim. For someone who lacks the mental capacity to make their own claim, there may be no time limit.

Seek legal guidance as soon as possible after your injury. This not only ensures you meet the time limits, but it also makes it easier to collate the evidence while it is still available.

The sooner you start the process, the sooner we can work towards securing your lifting injury compensation. Delaying could potentially weaken your claim or render it invalid due to the lapse of the statutory time limit.

Why Choose JMW?

When seeking legal representation for a manual handling claim, choosing the right solicitors is essential to success. JMW has a long-standing history of success in personal injury claims. Each year, our personal injury lawyers secure millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. Our dedication and proactive approach ensures that we present the strongest case on your behalf. We are recognised by prestigious legal institutions like the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Guides, affirming our expertise and excellence in this field.

We understand the impact a personal injury can have on your life. Our team prides itself on providing exceptional customer service, focusing on your needs and wellbeing throughout the process. All of JMW's personal injury claims, including manual handling claims, are made with a no win, no fee agreement. This approach minimises your financial risk, as you will only pay legal fees if we win your case. The fees are then included in your compensation payout, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.

Our approach is tailored to each client's unique situation. We work diligently to ensure your case is handled quickly and efficiently while aiming for the maximum compensation possible.

Find out how we helped one client to successfully make a manual handling claim for thousands of pounds by reading our case study here, or browse our wider array of personal injury claim success stories here.