How are manual handling accidents caused?
Manual handling claims account for just under 50% of all workplace accidents and commonly occur in or on building sites, farms, factories, warehouses, hotels, hospitals and care homes.
Manual handling of loads may cause a strain to your body through continuous lifting/handling activities.
Factors that can increase the risk of injury are:
- Loads being too heavy
- Loads being too large
- Loads being difficult to grasp or becoming unstable
- Tasks being too strenuous
- Tasks involving awkward postures or movements
- Work environments lacking sufficient space
Manual handling claims: employer’s responsibility
Your employer has a duty to reduce the risk of an injury occurring whilst at work. They need to make sure that the correct training and equipment is provided to allow you to do your job safely. When manual handling work isn’t carried out correctly it can cause serious injury such as:
- Dislocated shoulders
- Fractures
- Hernias or aggravation of a hernia
- Strains and sprains
- Low back injuries
An injury caused by manual handling can, unfortunately, affect your day to day activities which includes the mobility that you require to allow you to work.
At Stephensons, our specialist accident at work solicitors will investigate your claim on your behalf to determine whether your employer has done the following:
- Provided adequate training on how to lift, carry, pull or push items
- Carried out risk assessments
- Taken steps to ensure that manual handling tasks are only completed if absolutely necessary and unavoidable
- Considered the work environment to determine whether it is suitable for manual handling to be carried out
- Organised manual handling tasks in a safe way, with loads, split appropriately and suitable rest periods being provided
Our solicitors have years of experience in dealing with manual handling claims and have the knowledge and skill set to get you or your loved one the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you would like to discuss pursuing a claim for compensation call us on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form.
Manual handling injury compensation FAQs
For more information on Manual handling injury compensation claims please read the below FAQs. If you have a question that is not answered below, then contact our Legal 500 recognised solicitors on 01616 966 229.
How to start a manual handling injury compensation claim?
If you suffered an injury due to manual handling in the workplace, and it was not your fault, then you may be able to claim compensation. Here are the basic steps on how to start a manual handling injury compensation claim:
- Call our solicitors or make an appointment to speak to one face to face. We will listen to your story and from this free no-obligation meeting we will be able to establish whether or not you have a case
- We will then ask your employer if they'll accept liability for the accident
- Gather evidence from independent medical professionals and health and safety specialists.
- The information given by these experts will then help guide the amount of compensation we ask for
- Negotiating a settlement with your employer
Manual handling claims rarely go to court. However, if your employer will not accept responsibility or does not agree with the level of compensation asked for, then it is possible that your case may end up in court.
Manual handling injury compensation: how much will I get?
Compensation for a manual handling injury will be calculated by taking in several factors including:
- Loss of earnings
- The seriousness of your injury
- The impact it has had on your life
- Out of pocket expenses
- The kind of treatment or rehabilitation will be needed in the future to help your recovery
What if my employer is no longer trading since I have had a manual handling injury?
If your employer was insured when your workplace injury occurred, then their insurance company will have to pay the compensation claim if your case is successful.
To speak to us about your manual handling injury compensation claim today, contact our accident at work solicitors on 01616 966 229.
