Mechanical garages pose certain risks to employees and visitors due to heavy machinery and the equipment used in such environments. There are legal protections in place that should limit the threat to your well-being. Unfortunately, accidents do occur. When another party is liable, garage and motor repair injury claims can help those affected. Monetary compensation allows successful claimants to prioritise their health and recovery. This is because financial stresses, such as lost income and payments for medical treatment, can be compensated.
Key Takeaways
- Such personal injury claims are often made by employees or visitors of a garage
- Injuries are commonly caused by crushing incidents and slip, trips and falls
- Compensation can cover lost income due to time taken off work during recovery
- One of our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you with claiming without charging any upfront or ongoing fees for their services
- According to the HSE, in the last 12 months there were 3,520 workplace accidents reported in the wholesale and retail sector (which includes the motor vehicle repair industry)
At this stage, you may not be sure about how to claim for an accident at work or a public liability claim. This is why our dedicated enquiries team offer free advice, without there being any pressure to proceed. Whether you are looking for further information about the process or hoping for an estimate of your compensation total, they can help. You are also welcome to ask them about working with one of our solicitors if you are interested in expert No Win No Fee legal representation.
- Call us on 0800 073 8801
- Submit an online contact form
- Use the live chat pop-up in the corner to speak with an advisor
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Select A Section
- How To Make Garage And Motor Repair Injury Claims
- What Accidents And Injuries Could Happen In A Garage?
- Motor Vehicle Repair And Garage Industry Health And Safety
- Compensation For Garage Or Motor Vehicle Repair Injury Claims
- What Do I Need To Make A Claim For A Garage Injury?
- No Win No Fee Garage Or Mechanic Accident Claims
- Learn More
How To Make Garage And Motor Repair Injury Claims
Garage and motor repair injury claims require you to have suffered an injury due to another party’s failure to uphold health and safety laws. In other words, they have failed to enact a duty of care.
There are several scenarios where this could apply. In this section, we will detail personal injury claims relating to accidents at work and as a visitor. We also explain whether you can claim for injuries caused by negligent repair services.
Can I Claim As A Mechanic Injured At Work?
Yes, you could claim as a mechanic injured at work due to your employer’s negligent actions or inactions. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, your employer has a duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety. Your employer can uphold this by providing any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and regularly checking equipment, amongst other things.
If your employer fails to do so, and this causes you to be injured, you could make an accident at work claim.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured As A Customer Of A Garage?
Yes, you could claim if you were injured as a customer of a garage due to their negligent actions or inactions. As an occupier (party in control of a space open to the public), the garage has a duty of care to take the necessary steps to ensure the reasonable safety of those who are visiting. This is set out within the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
If they fail to do so and this causes you to be injured, you could make a public liability claim.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured As A Result Of Negligent Repairs To My Car?
Yes, if you were injured during a car accident that was caused by negligent car repairs, you may have the option to claim compensation. Should the motor repair garage be found liable, the garage’s insurance company will pay your compensation.
It can be difficult to understand the specifics of the duty owed to you. However, there is no need to figure this out on your own. Why contact our enquiries team for a free initial consultation?
What Accidents And Injuries Could Happen In A Garage?
Many accidents, such as back injuries, crush injuries and slips, trips and falls, can occur in a garage. Keep reading for further details of incidents that can give rise to garage and motor repair injury claims.
Garage Accident Back Injuries
Working in a garage can require a lot of manual work. This needs to be done safely, as the improper lifting of heavy objects can cause serious harm, especially to your back. For example, you could claim compensation if:
- Despite the fact that you have not had any manual handling training, your manager asks you to carry a delivery of motor parts into the garage. You use your back while lifting, causing you to slip a disc in your spine.
- Your manager instructs you to manually lift a heavy load that is far too heavy for one person. You pull a muscle in your back when attempting the lift.
Garage Mechanic Crush Injuries
Heavy vehicles and equipment can pose a real risk to people’s safety when they are visiting or working in a garage. Measures should be taken to check equipment and make people aware of any potential risk to their safety. The following example outlines a scenario where the duty of care was not followed:
- While you are working on the underside of a car, the car lift malfunctions. You suffer multiple complex fractures to your leg, which require an amputation. Your employer was aware that the lift was faulty, but they failed to have the issue repaired.
Slipping, Tripping Or Falling Accidents In A Garage
Keeping a garage reasonably clean and tidy is essential to the safety of those using the space. It is important that you have a clear path to walk through the garage and that any spillages are cleaned.
- You slip over on an oil spill and break your arm when you fall. There was no sign to warn you of the risk.
- When you enter a garage to collect your vehicle, you struggle to maintain your footing because the space is extremely cluttered. You trip over some tools that were obstructing your path and suffer an ankle injury.
Injury Or Illness Caused By The Inhalation Of Toxic Fumes
As part of their duty of care, your employer needs to provide you with sufficient PPE, for example:
- You suffer from respiratory issues after being exposed to exhaust fumes. Your boss should have provided you with a protective mask and ensured that the area was adequately ventilated.
Your injury or accident may not have been covered in this section, so get in touch with our advisors to discuss your incident further.
Motor Vehicle Repair And Garage Industry Health And Safety
Various actions, such as having a tidy workplace, performing risk assessments and taking regular maintenance checks, can reduce the risk to people’s health and safety when in a motor vehicle repair garage. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has provided some guidelines for keeping those in the motor repair sector safe. The HSE is the body that monitors whether companies in the UK are taking the necessary steps to protect employees.
They state that most fatal injuries in motor vehicle repair are caused by being crushed under a vehicle which did not have adequate support. Therefore, it is important that your employer trains staff to do this properly and ensures the equipment is free of faults.
If you have any questions about what actions your employer should take to keep you safe, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of advisors. They can explain whether you could have valid grounds to claim compensation.
Compensation For Garage Or Motor Vehicle Repair Injury Claims
Compensation in garage or motor vehicle repair injury claims will account for various factors, such as the physical, financial and psychological impact suffered. General damages are the first part of the compensation to consider. These cover the pain and suffering that has arisen due to the physical and psychological injuries suffered.
Legal professionals often use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when assessing general damages. This document provides compensation guideline brackets for various types and severities of injury.
In the following table, we have included some JCG figures. Although you may find these helpful, it is important to know that these offer no guarantee of the compensation that you could be entitled to. The calculation of compensation is a complex process that must account for each claimant’s experience.
Therefore, you may be interested in the free case assessment service that our advisors offer. This gives you the chance to discuss how your injuries have affected you. Discussing the potential mechanical injury claim is a great way to access advice that is tailored to you. An advisor will explain how the different factors of your case would be reflected under a compensation payout.
The 1st figure below was not taken from the JCG.
Type and Severity of Injury Compensation Guidelines Notes
Multiple severe injuries with special damages Up to £1,000,000+ Multiple types of harm resulting in financial costs such as payments for medical treatment, travel to medical appointments and adjusting the home
Brain injuries- very severe £344,150 to £493,000 There will be a very limited or no meaningful engagement with the environment with little to no language function and double incontinence.
Loss of both legs £293,850 to £344,150 Where both legs are lost above the knee or one leg is lost below the knee while the other was lost above the knee
Amputation of one arm (ii) £133,810 to £159,770 Amputation above the elbow, where those who struggle with a prosthetic would be entitled to the higher end of the bracket
Back- severe (ii) £90,510 to £107,910 Injuries with features that separate them from less severe cases, such as impaired bowel and bladder functioning
Back- moderate (i) £33,880 to £47,320 A variety of injuries may fall within this bracket, such as damage to an intervertebral disc with damage to the nerve root that causes reduced mobility
Knee- severe (ii) £63,610 to £85,100 A leg fracture that extends into the knee joint, resulting in pain that is permanent, permanent and limits the person's movement
Serious hand injuries £35,390 to £75,550 The ability to use the hand may be reduced by around 50% and several fingers may have been amputated
Chronic asthma £32,090 to £52,490 There will be breathing difficulties that require the use of an inhaler from time to time and employment prospects will be restricted.
Special Damages In Garage And Mechanic Injury Claims
Special damages in garage and mechanic injury claims are awarded for the financial losses associated with your injuries. Therefore, garage and mechanic injury claims can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses- you may seek private medical treatment or accumulate prescription costs
- The cost of travelling between your home and medical appointments
- Rehabilitation costs- many claimants undergo physiotherapy to aid with their recovery
- Payments to a professional carer- severe injuries may mean that you require help with everyday tasks
- The cost of adjusting your home- various adaptations, such as a stairlift or wet room, can make it much easier to live with any resulting disabilities
- Loss of earnings- you may have needed to take time off from work to recover, impacting your income
When claiming special damages, you need to provide evidence of your various expenses. Bank statements and receipts are a handy way to do this. Contact our advisors today to learn more about the benefits of making garage and motor repair injury claims.
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What Do I Need To Make A Claim For A Garage Injury?
To make a claim for a garage injury, you will need to meet the appropriate time limit, prove your injuries, and give evidence of the incident that caused them. Firstly, we will discuss the evidence that you need, which could include:
- Photos of your injuries- this may apply to bruising and lacerations
- Your medical information to show the harm caused and what treatment was required
- CCTV footage- some garages include CCTV cameras, which may have recorded your accident
- A copy of an accident report- you should check with the person in charge of the garage and request a copy if they have made a report
- Contact details of those who saw the accident scene, such as a colleague (your solicitor can later contact them for a supporting statement)
Additionally, you should also consider that most claimants need to start the personal injury claim within 3 years of the accident. This time limit is established by the Limitation Act 1980.
Certain exceptions apply to this time limit for those lacking mental capacity and who are under the age of 18. You can learn more about these in our dedicated guide on the limitation period in personal injury claims.
This may be your first time learning about the process for garage and motor repair injury claims. It may seem complicated at this stage, but the guidance of our advisors may help to make things clearer. Get in touch with them for free advice.
No Win No Fee Garage Or Mechanic Accident Claims
No Win No Fee garage and motor repair accident claims offer a financially viable way of hiring legal representation when making a compensation claim. All of our solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis by offering their clients a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This offers the benefit of not having to pay for your solicitor’s work:
- Before the process begins
- While your personal injury claim progresses
- If you are not successful in getting compensation
However, should you receive compensation, you will owe a success fee to the solicitor who represented you. This is a legally capped percentage of your compensation. This means that you will keep the largest share of the compensation yourself.
You may find yourself asking, ‘How exactly do your personal injury solicitors help claimants?’. Our solicitors have already helped claimants all across the country obtain compensation for their injuries. They understand that most people lead busy lives and want a solicitor to make the process easier for them. Their expert legal services include:
- Assistance with the collection of evidence, which will improve your chances of success
- Providing you with straightforward legal explanations and advice
- Managing professional correspondence with the defendant and other parties on your behalf
- Helping you with an application for an interim payment (some claimants are eligible to receive an advance on the compensation before settlement has been reached)
- Negotiating your compensation to cover the full extent of your pain and suffering
Contact Our Solicitors To Begin Your Claim
If you feel hesitant about claiming or don’t know where to start, our advisors are here to help. They have handled many enquiries of this nature and can provide the answers you need. You may even be eligible to work with one of our solicitors, who will guide you through each stage of the process and provide invaluable support.
- Call us on 0800 073 8801
- Submit an online contact form
- Use the live chat pop-up in the corner to speak with an advisor
Learn More
Read some of our other personal injury claim guides below:
- Find out whether you can claim while working on a production line
- Learn about claiming for an accident caused by inadequate lighting
- Visit our guide on crane accident claims
Other resources:
- Find out how to administer first aid from the NHS
- Read the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advice for motor vehicle repair workers
- Follow the government’s guidance on claiming Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Motor Vehicle Repair Accident Claim FAQs
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding motor vehicle repair accident claims:
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Injured In A Motor Repair Garage?
Immediately after being injured in a motor repair garage, you should seek medical attention, report the accident to the garage or employer, ensure it is logged in the accident book, and gather evidence such as photos, witness details and CCTV if available.
How Can Accidents Be Avoided In A Garage?
Accidents could be avoided in a garage by ensuring proper housekeeping, performing regular risk assessments and making sure all equipment is maintained and fit for use.
Can I Claim Compensation If I Was Partly At Fault For The Garage Accident?
Yes. You may still be able to claim if you were partly at fault for the garage accident under split liability. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Can Self-Employed Mechanics Or Subcontractors Make Garage Accident Claims?
Yes, even if you are self-employed or a sub-contractor, the garage or site that controls your work environment still owes you a duty of care to keep you reasonably safe.
What If The Garage Accident Happened While I Was Working Off-Site Or Mobile?
You may still claim if the accident occurred while performing your duties off-site or mobile, for example, repairing a vehicle roadside or at a customer’s premises, provided negligence can be shown.
Can I Claim For Mental Health Injuries After A Garage Accident?
Yes. Accidents involving crush injuries, explosions, fires or serious hazards can cause conditions such as PTSD or anxiety. These can form part of a personal injury claim if medically diagnosed.
What If The Garage Has Closed Down Since My Accident?
You may still be able to claim through their insurer if the garage has closed down since your accident. Businesses typically maintain employer’s liability or public liability insurance, which can still respond even if the company no longer trades.
Can I Claim If Faulty Tools Or Equipment Caused My Injury?
Yes, you could claim if faulty tools or equipment caused your injury. Employers must ensure tools and machinery are maintained, inspected and safe to use. If equipment failure contributed to your injury, this may form the basis of your claim.
Are Garage Apprentices Eligible To Claim Compensation?
Yes, garage apprentices are eligible to claim compensation as they have the same health and safety protections as employees. If an apprentice is injured due to inadequate training, supervision or unsafe conditions, they may be able to claim.
What If No One Witnessed My Garage Accident?
Even if no one witnessed your garage accident, you could still claim. CCTV, accident book records, medical evidence and expert reports can help support your version of events even without witnesses.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of Someone Else?
Yes, you could claim on behalf of someone else by acting as their litigation friend if they are unable to make their own claim due to being a minor or lacking the required mental capacity.
How Long Does A Garage Accident Claim Usually Take?
Simple claims may settle within a few months, while more complex cases—such as those involving long-term disability—can take longer. Early interim payments may be possible if liability is admitted.
Could I Make A Motor Vehicle Repair Accident Claim For Somebody That Has Died?
Yes, you could make a motor vehicle repair accident claim for somebody that has died. Claims could be made by the estate of the deceased for their pain, suffering and financial losses. They could also be made by certain relatives of the deceased for how the death has impacted them.
Unfortunately, some accidents at work can prove fatal. According to the HSE’s statistics for 2024/25, 124 people suffered fatal injuries in workplace accidents. You can see the cause of these below:
Do I Have To Go To Court To Pursue A Motor Repair Garage Accident Claim?
Most claims settle outside of court. Only a small percentage proceed to trial, usually when liability is disputed or the insurer refuses to make a fair offer.
Do I Need A Lawyer?
You don’t need to work with a lawyer, but doing so could be beneficial, as they can use their years of practice and experience to help you secure the best settlement.
Do I Need To Choose A Lawyer That Is Based Locally?
You don’t need to use a lawyer that is based locally. It is better to find a lawyer who has experience in the type of claim you wish to make.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on garage and motor repair injury claims.
