According to HSE’s latest published figures, “struck by moving object” was the second most common cause of fatal workplace injury in Great Britain with 18 worker deaths, while “struck by moving vehicle” accounted for 14 worker deaths.
Accidents involving moving workplace vehicles or falling, swinging or shifting objects can cause serious injuries if not managed properly in the workplace. It is your employer's responsibility to make sure the correct health and safety procedures are in place to reduce those risks.
If you were injured at work because you were struck by a vehicle or object, and the accident was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries, lost income and other related losses. Premier Legal Assist can put you in touch with specialist personal injury solicitors who can fight your corner on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Get in touch with Premier Legal Assist today to find out whether you may be eligible to claim against your employer for your work accident.
It is important to note that if your claim is successful and you receive compensation, your solicitor will take a pre-agreed "success fee" from your compensation. This percentage is legally capped, currently at 25% of your general and past special damages, to help ensure that you keep the majority of your payout. You may be charged cancellation fees by the legal service we introduce you to if you cancel your agreement after any applicable cooling-off period and before the claim is concluded.
Accidents involving being struck by a vehicle or object can happen in many workplaces where manual labour is required such as in warehouses, building and construction sites, farms and factories. Where there are risks involved, clear safety guidelines and procedures need to be followed to minimise the risk of injury to employees carrying out the work.
Some of the most common causes of these types of accidents at work include:
Even when all reasonable steps appear to be taken, accidents can still occur if proper safety checks, risk assessments, and training are not closely followed.
Every employer, site manager or contractor has a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect your safety while at work. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, they must assess workplace risks, provide adequate training and safety equipment, also known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (such as helmets, high visibility clothing, steel toe capped boots, gloves), maintain safe systems of work, and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of workers being struck by vehicles, moving equipment, loads, tools or other objects.
Depending on the workplace and the nature of the work being carried out, this may include separating pedestrians from vehicle routes, managing reversing movements safely, ensuring loads and materials are stored securely, maintaining workplace vehicles and equipment properly, and making sure staff are appropriately supervised, trained and given the right PPE.
If any of these duties are breached, and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds to claim compensation. Establishing negligence does not mean your employer intended to cause harm, it simply means that they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a foreseeable risk of injury.
We understand how upsetting a workplace accident can be, particularly when you believe it could have been avoided if the right procedures had been followed.
Our team is here to help by putting you in touch with a trusted panel of personal injury solicitors who specialise in accidents at work, ensuring that your claim is handled with care and professionalism, and if your claim is eligible, they will seek to recover the compensation you are owed.
I was hit by a vehicle or object at work. How do I know if I can bring a claim?
If you were injured at work after being struck by a vehicle or object, you may have the basis for a claim, provided the accident happened within the relevant time limits and there is evidence of negligence or a breach of duty by your employer.
Premier Legal Assist is a FCA regulated claims management firm that works with experienced solicitors specialising in workplace accident claims, including those involving moving vehicles, unstable loads and falling objects.
What’s the process if I want to claim compensation following an accident at work?
The first step is to complete our short online form explaining what happened and the injuries you suffered.
Once your enquiry has been reviewed, and if your case is eligible, you may be referred to one of our panel solicitors who specialises in workplace accident claims. If they agree to act for you, they will take over the legal process, collect evidence, deal with your employer and their insurers, and work to recover compensation on a no-win, no-fee basis.
What compensation will I receive following my accident at work claim?
If your compensation claim is successful, then its value will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and the wider impact they have had on your life, work and recovery. There is no fixed amount that applies to every case.
Compensation is usually made up of two parts:
Less serious injuries may attract awards worth a few thousand pounds, whereas more severe or long-term injuries can lead to much higher settlements. If your claim is eligible, your solicitor will use medical evidence and financial evidence to assess what your case may be worth.
What are the common types of injuries seen in these types of work accidents?
These accidents can cause a broad range of injuries depending on the size, speed and weight of the vehicle or object involved, as well as the force of the impact and the surrounding conditions.
Examples include:
In more serious cases, especially where the injuries are multiple, permanent or life-changing, compensation can be substantial, particularly where long-term treatment, care or loss of income is involved. If a solicitor takes on your case, they will normally arrange medical evidence to assess the full impact of your injuries.
Not necessarily. Duties relating to workplace safety can extend beyond full-time permanent employees. Depending on the circumstances, protection may also apply to part-time workers, agency staff, temporary workers, self-employed contractors and visitors on site.
If you were lawfully on the premises and were injured because workplace risks were not managed properly, you may still be able to bring a claim.
Is there a deadline for making this type of workplace accident claim?
In most cases, yes. Under the Limitation Act 1980, adults generally have three years from the date of the accident to begin a personal injury claim. For someone injured while under the age of 18, the usual three-year period normally begins on their 18th birthday.
What sort of evidence helps prove a work accident claim?
Strong evidence can make a significant difference to bringing a successful workplace accident claim. The exact evidence will vary from case to case, but it often includes:
If your claim is taken on by a solicitor, they will help identify and gather the evidence needed to support both liability and the value of your injuries and losses.
Could my employer dismiss me or treat me unfairly for making a work accident compensation claim?
An employer should not dismiss, victimise or penalise a worker simply for bringing a genuine workplace accident claim. If an employee is treated unfairly because they have exercised that right, there may be grounds for a separate employment-related complaint or claim.
It is also worth remembering that successful workplace injury claims are usually paid through the employer’s liability insurance rather than directly by the employer personally.
Will I have to attend Court if I make a claim?
Usually not. Most workplace accident claims of this type settle without a full Court hearing, often through negotiations between the injured person’s solicitor and the employer’s insurer.
If liability or the value of the claim cannot be agreed, Court proceedings may become necessary. If that happens, the Court will consider the available evidence, decide who was responsible and, where appropriate, determine the compensation payable. A solicitor acting for you will manage that process on your behalf.
Will I have to go to Court for my farming accident claim?
It is very rare for agricultural or farming related accident claims to go to Court. Most cases are settled outside of the courtroom through negotiations between the claimant's solicitor and the employer's insurance provider.
Both sides generally prefer to avoid Court proceedings due to the associated costs, time, and uncertainty. However, if a settlement agreement cannot be reached amicably, then going to Court remains an option. This is where a judge would review all evidence and decide on who is responsible for the accident (also known as ‘liability’) and if the employer is found to be responsible, and if it hasn’t already been agreed, the Court will determine the amount of compensation you should receive given all the medical, loss of earnings etc evidence.
Your solicitor will handle all communication and negotiations with the employer and their insurers. Your lawyers will push for fair compensation for your injuries and losses, ultimately going to Court if necessary.
Will I have to pay up front to make my work accident compensation claim?
In many cases, no. Our panel of specialist personal injury solicitors commonly handle eligible workplace accident claims on a no-win, no-fee basis. That means there is usually nothing to pay at the outset, and if the claim does not succeed, you would not usually be responsible for your solicitor’s fees.
If your claim is successful, an agreed success fee may be deducted from your compensation. That fee is capped by law, and your solicitor will explain the arrangement clearly before your case begins.
You may be charged cancellation fees by the legal service we introduce you to if you cancel your agreement after any applicable cooling-off period and before the claim is concluded.
If you’ve been injured after being struck by a vehicle or object at work, you do not have to deal with the aftermath on your own. Premier Legal Assist can help you take the next step towards the compensation and support you may be entitled to.
If your claim is eligible, we’ll connect you with our panel of specialist personal injury solicitors who handle workplace accident claims on a no win, no fee basis, so there is nothing to pay upfront, and no cost if your claim is unsuccessful.
Premier Legal Assist is a claims management company. You do not need to use a claims management company to make your complaint, you can complain to the organisation you are complaining about directly. If the issue is not resolved, you can refer it to the relevant independent Ombudsman service for free.
For personal injury claims, you do not need to use a representative to make a claim for low-level personal injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. You can claim through the online Official Injury Claims portal yourself, for free. If your injury damages exceed the small claims limit, we recommend you use a specialist legal service.
For all other types of personal injury, including medical negligence, employment claims and workplace injuries, we always recommend discussing your claim with a legal professional. You should only proceed with a claim when you understand the risks and associated costs.
