Manual handling injury accident claims can be brought by employees, contractors, and self employed workers against negligent employers. Employers are responsible for ensuring workers safety during manual handling operations. To do so, they should conduct risk assessments, provide proper training and lifting equipment, and otherwise adhere to relevant legislation and regulations. Where they fail to do so, workers can sustain a variety of injuries for which the employer is liable.
If your employer is found liable for your manual handling injury, you could seek compensation from them. Your compensation could cover your financial losses caused by the injury as well as the physical pain and mental suffering.
At Accident Claims we understand the impact that accidents at work can have, from physical injuries to financial losses, and even the inability to return to work. Our team could support you if you have been injured during manual handling operations at work. An advisor could begin by reviewing your case and explaining how an expert solicitor could help, before connecting you to one of our No Win No Fee solicitors.
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Jump To A Section
- What Are Manual Handling Injuries?
- What Laws Protect Workers From Manual Handling Injuries?
- Can I Claim Compensation For A Manual Handling Injury At Work?
- Manual Handling Injury Accident Claims Examples
- Common Examples Of Injuries Caused By Manual Handling
- How Much Manual Handling Injury Compensation Could I Claim?
- What Will I Need To Claim For A Manual Handling Injury?
- Claiming For Manual Handling Injuries With Accident Claims
- Learn More
What Are Manual Handling Injuries?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling injuries are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These are conditions and injuries which affect soft tissues, such as muscles and connective tissues, nerves, and spinal discs. They can leave workers in chronic pain, with acute symptoms, and can reduce mobility.
Manual handling injury accident claims could be made against negligent employers. At Accident Claims, our solicitors are experts at filing complex manual handling injury claims. Having a dedicated solicitor who understands the impact injuries can have on you can give you additional help and support while you focus on getting your life back.
What Laws Protect Workers From Manual Handling Injuries?
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, and other key laws, are designed to protect workers from manual handling injuries. Legislation requires employers to take steps such as conducting risk assessments, providing training on lifting heavy objects, and prioritising the use of lifting equipment where necessary.
Key laws include,
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
This is the primary law protecting workers. It requires employers to avoid hazardous manual handling operations where practicable, conduct risk assessments for tasks which can not be avoided, and to use equipment, training, and safe systems of work to reduce risks to their lowest reasonably practicable level.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
This is the main article of workplace health and safety legislation in the UK. Per this, employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of all workers. Whilst not specifically targeted at manual handling operations, it provides an overall framework for workplace health and safety.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
This works alongside the above legislation, further requiring employers to conduct risk assessments, identify, control or eliminate risks, and to have a competent person in place to oversee workplace health and safety.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
This law applies to any lifting operations and equipment. It requires that a competent person plan any lifting operations, equipment must be strong, stable, and suitable. It also requires that any defects in equipment are reported and addressed and that all loads are properly secured.
In addition to these laws, employers must report certain work accidents and injuries to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). The HSE monitor health and safety in Great Britain’s workplaces.
Accident Claims can assess your case, help you understand your rights, and negotiate with other parties to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
Can I Claim Compensation For A Manual Handling Injury At Work?
You can claim compensation for a manual handling injury at work if you can show that your employer breached their responsibilities under the legislation highlighted above. Below, we look at the basic criteria that manual handling injury accident claims have to meet.
1. Your Employer Owed You A Duty Of Care
This duty of care is owed under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act outlined above. Under these articles, your employer has a legal duty to ensure your safety when carrying out manual handling operations at work. This can extend to your place of work, or other locations if you are a delivery driver or other such worker.
2. They Breached This Duty
You need to show that they breached this duty. This may be by failing to act in line with the relevant legislation such as not carrying out risk assessments or failing to provide proper training or lifting equipment.
3. You Were Injured
Finally, you need to show that this failure caused you to suffer a manual handling injury. Manual handling injuries can include musculoskeletal disorders, crush injuries, and other conditions explored in a subsequent section.
Accident Claims specialises in accident at work claims and helps clients navigate the claims process with clarity and confidence.
Manual Handling Injury Accident Claims Examples
Examples of manual handling injury accident claims can include musculoskeletal injuries caused by lifting heavy objects without training or equipment, soft tissue injuries caused by moving awkward items, and crush injuries caused by unsecured roll cages.
Examples may include,
- No training at work – an employee is repeatedly asked to carry out manual handling tasks, such as carrying and lifting heavy objects, without training. They suffer a herniated disc and chronic lower back pain.
- A lack of or defective work equipment – a warehouse worker sustains an acute back injury due to being asked to move heavy boxes without proper lifting equipment such as a forklift, trolley, or hoist. They are unable to work for an extended period of time due to their back injury.
- Unsafe working conditions – a worker is asked to move an oversized load down a sloped walkway. Their vision is obscured by it and they do not see trip hazards which have been left on the floor. They trip over, falling down the walkway and suffering a head injury.
These are just some examples of how manual handling injuries at work could be caused. Please speak to a member of our team if you have been injured in the workplace.
Common Examples Of Injuries Caused By Manual Handling
Common examples of injuries caused by improper manual handling operations could include musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue injuries, herniae and slipped discs, as well as lacerations, broken bones, and serious injuries.
They could include,
- Back injuries, including acute spinal injuries, strained muscles, slipped discs, and chronic injuries.
- Sprains and strains, including torn ligaments or connective tissues in the wrists, elbow, knee, or shoulders.
- Long-term injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, or nerves due to repetitive lifting activities.
- Other limb or joint injuries, such as rotator cuff damage, dislocated shoulders, and similar injuries.
- Crush injuries causing broken or fractured bones.
- Head and brain injuries where struck by falling objects.
- Soft tissue injuries including lacerations and bruising caused by sharp or heavy objects.
This is a non-exhaustive list of some of the different manual handling injuries people could sustain. Please get in touch with our team for expert help with your case.
How Much Manual Handling Injury Compensation Could I Claim?
How much compensation you could claim for a manual handling injury will depend on how you were harmed and how severe it was. In general, the more seriously you are injured, the more you may be awarded. Legal professionals, such as our solicitors, may refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when valuing your claim.
This resource contains examples of different injuries with brackets for severity and levels of compensation. We’ve taken figures from this resource to create the table below, with the exception of the first figure. We use this to illustrate how a full settlement could be valued once multiple injuries and incurred costs are considered. Please only use this table as a guide. It does not represent the specifics of your claim.
| Injury | Notes | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries and special damages for lost income, medical costs, and care bills. | Including the most severe injuries. | Up to £1,000,000+ with special damages. |
| Very severe brain damage. | The person is left with little to no language function and double incontinence and requiring nursing care. | £344,150 to £493,000. |
| Severe back injuries (ii). | Nerve root damage and loss of sensation as well as impaired mobility. | £90,510 to £107,910. |
| Severe neck injuries (iii). | Dislocations and fractures severe enough to damage soft tissues. | £55,500 to £68,330. |
| Severe shoulder injuries. | Shoulder injuries associated with injuries to the neck. | £23,430 to £58,610. |
| Moderate pelvic or hip injuries (i). | Significant injury, but any permanent disability will not be major. | £32,450 to £47,810. |
| Less severe elbow injuries. | No significant disability and no surgery required, though function is impaired. | £19,100 to £39,070. |
| Less severe wrist injuries. | Resulting in some permanent degree of disability. | £15,370 to £29,900. |
| Modest ankle injuries. | Fractures which are minor or undisplaced, sprains and ligament injuries. | Up to £16,770. |
| Minor achilles tendon injuries. | Turned ankle causing some tendon damage. | £8,870 to £15,370. |
Can Manual Handling Injury Accident Claims Cover Financial Losses?
Manual handling injury accident claims can cover various financial losses you may have incurred, such as medical bills, income losses, and domestic care costs. You could be compensated for financial losses, such as,
- Lost income and expenses caused by taking time off work to recover from your manual handling injury, such as an acute back injury.
- Medical bills for care, rehabilitation, and support services necessary to treat your injury.
- Care costs, for domestic and/or specialist care required during your recovery.
You may also be compensated for things such as the cost of travelling to medical appointments and other losses. Your solicitor will also require verification of these losses, such as bank statements, and invoices.
Contact Accident Claims’s solicitors are ready to take on your case today (if eligible). We are here to provide you with clear and concise advice and to explain your legal options.
4.8What Will I Need To Claim For A Manual Handling Injury?
To claim for a manual handling injury, you will need evidence (such as accident reports) showing your employer was at fault, medical records showing how you were harmed, and to act within 3 years of the incident. Below, we take you through the key steps in making a manual handling claim.
Prioritise Medical Care
In the initial moments following your manual handling accident, you should prioritise seeking medical care. This is the most important step you can take, no matter whether you sustained a minor or severe injury. Musculoskeletal disorders may also not present immediately, so it is important to get a full examination to establish the extent of your injury.
File An Accident Report
Filing an accident report is another of the most important steps you can take. Doing so creates an official record of where, when, and how the accident occurred. It may help to indicate the cause of the accident and who may be at fault. Your employer should maintain an accident book in which your incident can be logged.
Secure Evidence And Accident Records
Secure as much evidence as possible as soon as it is safe to do so. In addition to your medical records and the accident report (both highlighted above), you may seek to obtain,
- Photos of the accident scene and visible injuries.
- CCTV, or other video footage.
- The contact details of any witnesses.
A solicitor could help you obtain these resources. View further details of evidence needed in this resource.
Keep A Record Of Your Recovery And Expenses
Keeping an ongoing diary can help to highlight the impact your manual handling injuries have had on your daily life. They may have prevented you from returning to work or from participating in other activities. In addition to this, you can keep detailed records of any financial losses outlined earlier in this guide.
Talk To An Expert Personal Injury Solicitor
Talking to an expert personal injury solicitor from Accident Claims isn’t just a way to get legal advice. Our solicitors and advisors offer a dedicated, client-focused, service. They work to both maximise your compensation settlement by ensuring all of your injuries and financial losses are considered and support you, such as by helping you access rehabilitation services.
Check The Filing Deadline
All personal injury claims are subject to a 3 year time limit (unless exemptions apply) within which the claim may be filed. This period is set by the Limitation Act 1980. After the limitation period ends, the case may become time-barred.
We are ready to help with your manual handling injury accident claim. Contact us today.
Claiming For Manual Handling Injuries With Accident Claims
Claiming for manual handling injuries with a member of the Accident Claims team enables you to access specialist legal help and advice. We can help you to build a strong case, connecting you with independent medical experts and helping to value your injuries, financial losses and future needs.
Why Choose Accident Claims’ Solicitors For Manual Handling Compensation
By choosing Accident Claims’ solicitors for your manual handling compensation claim, you gain access to an expert team as well as a range of additional rehabilitation services. Our team understands the urgency and importance of getting you the help you need as soon as possible. We could provide you with an individually tailored service and support.
Benefits of choosing our team can include,
- Early access to rehabilitation services, prioritising your health and recovery.
- Managing your claim in a clear, efficient, and effective way.
- Ensuring that you have everything you need to cope with your manual handling injuries while you recover.
- No two manual handling injuries are alike, that’s why we’ll strive to ensure that the service we provide is personalised and considers the full extent of your pain and suffering.
- As manual handling injuries can affect mobility, either temporarily or permanently, we can provide an entirely remote service, although home visits can be arranged if necessary.
No Win No Fee Manual Handling Injury Accident Claims
All of our solicitors can handle manual handling injury accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis, by using a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This enables one of our solicitors to work on manual handling injury claims, without the need for you to make any upfront payments towards their fees. It also means that the solicitor will not ask for you to pay any fees for their work during the course of your claim.
If you win your claim, your accident at work solicitor will deduct a success fee. This is calculated as a percentage of your manual handling injury compensation. There is a legal cap on the maximum percentage which may be deducted. This ensures that you receive the bulk of your compensation.
Accident Claims solicitors are experts at successfully concluding a wide range of manual handling claims. Your solicitor will help to restore your financial stability as well as getting you the wider support you need.
Contact Accident Claims
Contact Accident Claims to get dedicated support with your claim.
- Phone an advisor on 0800 073 8801
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Learn More
Learn more about how a manual handling injury solicitor could help you make a claim.
- Check who is responsible for reporting accidents in the workplace.
- Learn more about warehouse accident claims.
- Here we look at whether you will get paid if injured in a workplace accident.
References.
Learn more about Statutory Sick Pay here.
An overview of workplace first aid from the Health and Safety Executive.
Read more about manual handling at work in this resource.
We are here to help with manual handling injury accident claims. Please speak to an advisor to see how we could help you.
