Machinery Accident at Work: Know Your Rights After a Serious Injury
A machinery accident at work can cause devastating injuries, including amputations, crush injuries, fractures, and permanent disability. These types of workplace incidents are far too common, especially in sectors such as construction, agriculture, warehousing, and manufacturing. If you’ve suffered an injury involving dangerous or defective machinery, you may have the right to make a personal injury claim.
Common Machinery Risks in the Workplace
Machinery and industrial equipment are vital for many industries, but they can be extremely dangerous if not properly maintained or used. A machinery accident at work can involve equipment such as:
- Forklift trucks
- Conveyor belts and compactors
- Cutting tools, saws, and shears
- Crushers and hydraulic presses
- Motors, engines, and rotating machinery
- Power tools like drills and saws
We support clients who’ve been injured by poorly maintained or inadequately guarded machinery. A machinery accident at work can leave you unable to work and facing ongoing medical treatment, but you don’t need to go through it alone.
Who Is Responsible for Machinery Accidents?
Your employer has a legal duty to protect your safety at work. That includes ensuring all machinery is regularly inspected, properly maintained, and fitted with guards or safety cut-offs. If they’ve failed to take these precautions, and you’ve had a machinery accident at work, you may be able to claim compensation.
Sadly, some employers try to avoid responsibility by blaming the worker or suggesting they were self-employed. In many cases, this is simply untrue. If you operated machinery on their premises, under their supervision, you are likely still entitled to make a claim.
Industries Where Machinery Accidents Are Common
We help injured workers across multiple sectors, including:
- Warehouse and forklift accident claims
- Construction site machinery claims
- Farming and agricultural machinery injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a claim if I’ve left the company?
Yes. As long as you are within the legal time limit, typically three years from the date of the accident, you can still make a claim after changing jobs.
What if my employer says I was self-employed?
This is a common tactic, but being labelled “self-employed” doesn’t necessarily affect your rights. If you followed the company’s direction, used their machinery, and worked fixed hours, you may still be eligible to claim.
Can I be dismissed for making a claim?
No. Your right to claim is protected by law. Employers cannot sack or penalise you for making a legitimate personal injury claim. In most cases, claims are handled by their insurance provider, not them personally.
Long-Term Impact of Machinery Accidents
The impact of a machinery accident at work goes far beyond the initial injury. Many people face extended recovery periods, multiple surgeries, and long-term conditions. This may affect your ability to return to the same job or earn the same income as before.
Compensation can cover lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, mobility aids, psychological support, and more. If you’ve suffered a severe injury—such as a back, neck or head injury—our solicitors will ensure your claim fully reflects your future needs.
What Can Compensation Cover?
If your claim is successful, compensation may include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Prosthetics, specialist care or adapted equipment
We also deal with other injury types such as back injuries, neck pain, road traffic accidents, and medical negligence.
Start Your Claim
If you’ve had a machinery accident at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Stonehewer Moss Solicitors, we offer free initial advice and handle most claims on a no win, no fee basis. Our team will guide you through every step, making sure your rights are protected.
Call us on 01606 872200 or 0800 434 6544, or start your claim online today.
