No Win No Fee Forklift Accident Claims Solicitors | Middlesbrough

Forklift accident claims and compensation in Teesside | Middlesbrough and Redcar

Forklift trucks are used in factories, warehouses, construction sites, distribution centres, farms and many other workplaces throughout Teesside.

Although they play an important role in moving heavy goods and materials, forklifts can cause serious injuries when they are operated incorrectly, poorly maintained or used in an unsafe working environment.

If you have been injured in a forklift accident that was caused by your employer, a colleague or another organisation, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

What types of forklift accidents can lead to a claim?

Forklift accidents can happen in many different ways. Some involve the person operating the forklift, while others involve pedestrians or workers carrying out tasks nearby.

Common examples include:

• Workers being struck or run over by a forklift
• Forklifts overturning or tipping over
• People being trapped between a forklift and a wall, vehicle or piece of machinery
• Goods falling from forks or unstable pallets
• Accidents caused by excessive speed or unsafe reversing
• Falls while entering or leaving a forklift
• Accidents caused by mechanical or equipment defects
• Forklifts being operated by people without adequate training
• Injuries caused by poorly designed traffic routes

You may still be able to make a claim if you were operating the forklift when the accident happened. Employers must provide suitable equipment, appropriate training, adequate supervision and a working environment in which risks are properly managed.

What type of injuries can be caused by forklift accidents?

Because forklift trucks are heavy and powerful vehicles, the resulting injuries can be severe.

Forklift accident claims may involve:

• Crush injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Amputations
• Internal injuries
• Serious cuts and lacerations
• Muscle, ligament and soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Fatal injuries

Askews’ personal injury solicitors have experience handling claims ranging from relatively minor workplace injuries to accidents that result in life-changing consequences.

Where an injury affects your ability to work or live independently, we will consider both your immediate needs and the financial support you may require in the future.

Who can make a forklift accident claim?

You do not necessarily need to have been directly employed by the organisation responsible for the forklift.

A claim may be possible if you were working as:

• An employee
• An agency worker (Learn more about agency worker claims)
• A contractor or subcontractor
• A delivery driver
• A temporary or casual worker
• A self-employed person working on another organisation’s premises

Visitors and members of the public may also be able to claim if they are injured by a forklift on commercial premises.

The organisation legally responsible will depend on how the accident happened. It may be your employer, the company controlling the premises, another contractor or the organisation responsible for maintaining or supplying the forklift.

Our solicitors will investigate the circumstances and identify the party or parties against whom the claim should be made.

Our Middlesbrough and Redcar-based solicitors are forklift accident claims experts

Our priority is to secure the compensation, treatment and rehabilitation you need to make the best possible recovery.

Depending on the circumstances of your claim, we may be able to assist with recovering compensation for:

• Your pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Past and future loss of earnings
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Care and assistance provided by relatives or professionals
• Specialist equipment or adaptations
• Pension losses
• Other financial expenses caused by the accident

The value of a forklift accident claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the effect on your employment and the extent to which the accident has affected your everyday life.

No win no fee forklift accident claims

Most people do not want, or cannot afford, to fund a personal injury claim directly.

Askews can usually handle forklift accident claims under a No Win No Fee agreement. This means you will not normally have to pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful, subject to the terms of the agreement explained to you before you proceed.

Our solicitors will ensure you understand how the arrangement works, including any deductions that may be made if your claim succeeds.

Other ways to fund a forklift truck accident claim

You should also check whether you or a member of your household has legal expenses insurance as part of a household, motor or other insurance policy.

Legal expenses insurance may cover the cost of pursuing your forklift accident claim. As the policyholder, you may have the right to choose your own solicitor rather than using the firm suggested by your insurer.

We can speak to the insurance provider on your behalf and establish whether suitable cover is available.

We can also explain any other funding options that may apply to your case.

Why choose Askews for a forklift accident claim?

Our solicitors are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers recognising the specialist knowledge and experience required to handle personal injury claims effectively.

We will listen carefully to what happened, explain your options clearly and develop a strategy based on your individual circumstances.

You will be kept informed throughout your claim and provided with straightforward advice at every stage.

Starting a forklift accident claim in Teesside | Middlesbrough and Redcar

The claims process begins with a free, confidential and no obligation enquiry.

To help us understand what happened, we may ask:

• When and where did the accident happen?
• What work were you carrying out?
• Were you operating the forklift or working nearby?
• How did the accident occur?
• What injuries did you suffer?
• Was the accident reported to your employer?
• Were there any witnesses or CCTV recordings?
• Who do you believe was responsible?

We will provide initial advice and explain whether there may be reasonable grounds for a claim. You can then decide whether you wish to proceed.

Investigating a forklift accident and the next steps

If you instruct Askews, our team will investigate the accident and develop a strategy designed to achieve the best available outcome.

The precise steps will depend on the circumstances. Your solicitor will guide you through the process and explain what is required from you.

Will I have to go to court for a forklift accident claim?

Most workplace accident claims are resolved through negotiations between solicitors and insurers.

Once responsibility is admitted or established, the parties will usually focus on the appropriate amount of compensation.

Sometimes court proceedings are required because responsibility is disputed, the value of the claim cannot be agreed or the limitation deadline is approaching. Starting court proceedings does not necessarily mean your case will proceed to a trial.

If a hearing is required, our solicitors will prepare your case carefully and represent your interests throughout the proceedings.

The time limit for forklift accident claims in England & Wales

You will generally have three years to begin legal proceedings for a personal injury claim. This usually runs from the date of the forklift accident, although different rules can apply if the injury or its cause was not immediately known.

You should seek advice as soon as possible. Workplace records, CCTV footage and witness recollections can become more difficult to obtain as time passes.

To learn more about the limitation period, visit: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?

Arrange a free enquiry with a Middlesbrough or Redcar-based forklift accident claims solicitor

If you have been injured in a forklift accident within the last three years, Contact Us without delay.

Our forklift accident claims solicitors will listen to what happened, explain your legal options and do everything they can to guide you towards the best possible outcome.

Visit Road Traffic Accidents or Accidents at Work to learn more about our services.