If you work in a warehouse, it’s likely you play a vital role in one of many various sectors across the UK, from retail to construction, and agriculture to electronics. Due to the nature of warehouse work, health and safety should always be adhered to. However, accidents in warehouses are sadly more common than you might expect — with around 1 in 20 UK warehouse employees suffering an injury each year.
Despite the dangers that surround you while working in a warehouse, it’s still down to your employer and warehouse owner to make sure you are safe at work. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure the workplace is as safe as possible. This duty of care applies to both full-time and part-time employees.
There are all sorts of ways employers can keep you safe in a warehouse job, here are some of the most effective:
- Providing training for using machinery and manual handling
- Providing proper PPE (personal protective equipment
- Regular and thorough risk assessments
- Addressing any hazards as they occur
- Maintaining equipment regularly
If you believe your employer has failed in their duty of care, and you’ve suffered an injury as a result, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.
Can I make a claim for a warehouse accident?
If you’ve been injured in a warehouse accident, to successfully make a claim for compensation, you’ll have to prove the following:
- Your employer breached their duty of care.
- The accident was preventable and occurred because of the breach.
- You suffered an injury directly because of the accident.
Put simply, if you’ve suffered an injury at your workplace and you believe your employer is responsible — and it can be proven — you could be eligible for compensation.
How much compensation could I get for a warehouse accident claim?
As with many personal injury claims, warehouse injury compensation falls into two categories:
- General damages — This compensation covers pain, suffering and loss of amenity due to your immediate injury.
- Special damages — This compensation covers financial losses that happened because of the injury, from loss to earnings to medical bills and ongoing care.
Compensation is determined differently for each case — check the Judicial College Guidelines to see the level of rate based on the type and severity of injuries. For example, minor back injuries could lead to compensation between £2,450 and £7,890 but a serious head injury could result in payouts between £13,000 and £200,000, depending on severity.
The amount you could receive depends on your specific circumstances, including the impact of your injury on your daily life.
Common causes of warehouse accidents
Warehouse environments can be hazardous — accidents can result from a wide range of scenarios. The most common of these accidents include:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Injuries from falling objects
- Manual handling
- Forklift accidents
Of course, there are many other scenarios that take place in a warehouse where accidents are likely to occur. However, slips, trips and falls are by far the most common type of accident to happen in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that in 2022, this type of accident was responsible for 30% of all non-fatal injuries that impacted employees in the workplace. This was followed by handing, lifting and carrying at 18%.
Common types of injuries from warehouse accidents
There are a huge range of injuries that can happen as a result of warehouse accidents. These can also range from minor to extremely severe or even fatal. These are the most common injuries that can happen in a warehouse to be aware of:
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Joint injuries (shoulder, ankle, knee)
- Crush injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
No matter the injury, if it was caused by your employer’s negligence, you might be entitled to claim compensation.
What evidence do I need to make a warehouse accident claim?
If you want to kick off a warehouse accident claim, having the evidence that proves your employer’s negligence is key. Not only will this strengthen your case, but it’ll also help to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Accident report: Inform your employer immediately and make sure the incident is logged in the accident book. This proves that the accident happened.
- Take photographs: Capture images of the accident scene and any hazards that contributed to your injury.
- Identify witnesses: Collect contact details from colleagues who witnessed the accident. Their statements can support your version of events.
- Seek medical attention: Make sure to get your injuries properly assessed and treated. Medical records provide an official record of your injuries.
- Request CCTV footage: If your warehouse has security cameras, ask for any footage that captured your accident. This provides a clear visual account of the incident.
- Ask for employment records: These verify your employment status, job title, and duties at the time of the accident.
- Record your financial losses: Keep receipts and invoices for all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills and travel expenses for appointments.
- Save any correspondence: Keep any emails, letters, or messages exchanged with your employer about the accident or your injuries. This shows your employer’s knowledge of the incident and their response.
- Keep a diary: Make notes on the impact of your injury on your daily life, including pain levels, mobility issues, and how it affects your work and personal life.
If you need any help with this process, our team at Injury Lawyers 4U is here to help. The full impact of your injury must be accounted for and evidenced when compiling a claim to ensure you receive the best possible outcome and maximum compensation.
Is there a time limit to begin a claim for a warehouse injury?
Typically, you have three years from the date the incident took place to file your claim, as set out in the Limitation Act 1980. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
Delayed symptoms
If you only become aware of your injury or illness later on (for example, with conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma), the three-year period starts from the date of your diagnosis.
Mental capacity
If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, there is no time limit until they regain capacity. If they never regain capacity, a claim can be made at any time on their behalf.
Children
If the injured person is under 18, the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday, giving them until they turn 21 to make a claim.
Accidents abroad
If the accident occurred while working abroad, the time limits might be different depending on the country’s laws where the incident happened. It’s important to check local regulations and seek legal advice quickly.
No matter your situation, it’s best to start your personal injury claim as soon as possible. This allows your legal team plenty of time to gather evidence and build the strongest possible case. Contact us today to discuss your case and start your claim.
How do I claim for a warehouse accident?
If you’ve suffered an injury while working in a warehouse, the first step is to report the accident to your employer and seek medical attention.
Once the immediate danger has passed, get in touch with a solicitor. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will assess your case and let you know if you have grounds for a claim. If your case is strong, we’ll guide you through the entire claims process.
Injured while working in a warehouse? Get in touch with our no-win no-fee solicitors
Living with the consequences of an accident at work is tough. The accident itself can be a traumatic experience, the injury can be severely painful and impact lifestyle, and is often followed by months of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation before the injured person can return to work and ‘normal life’. This often means a significant loss of earnings while trying to get life back on track.
If you’ve been injured in a warehouse accident and wish to pursue a claim, don’t hesitate. Contact InjuryLawyers4U by calling 0333 400 4445 or filling in an Enquiry Form online. Our expert solicitors are ready to fight your case, and will give you professional, personal advice to help secure compensation on a no-win no-fee basis.
