Industrial Injury Claims
Make a Factory Accident Claim
The mixture of machinery, hazardous substances and working in close proximity means that factory workers are at risk of injury. Our personal injury lawyers, specialise in serious injury claims. We will guide you through the claims process seeking to win the best financial and care award for you.
“They punch well above their weight. The quality of service they provide equals that of any of the larger top-name firms in this area.”
“A niche firm that punches well above its weight in the catastrophic injury sector, borne out by the quality of work they obtain.”
The manufacturing industry employs 10% of the British workforce but accounts for 25% of all fatal workplace accidents and 16% of reported work accidents.
The factory can be a dangerous environment and whilst there have been improvements in worker safety over recent decades there is still room for improvement.
The main source of safety improvements has been the imposition of European legislation over the last 20 years, which built on the 1961 and 1974 Factories Acts. This legislation covers a wide area of activities in the workplace and ensures that risk assessments are at the centre of operations.
Machinery injuries and strict liability
In factories, machinery poses a particular risk. The regulations mean that if a machinery is defective, for whatever reason, and this causes injury to a worker, then the employer will be liable to pay compensation for those injuries. This is one of the few examples of ‘strict liability’ in UK law, where it is not necessary to prove fault on the part of the defendant. Strict liability is imposed in this situation for the protection of workers – there is an inequality of status between the employee and employer, which would make it difficult for the employee to produce the necessary evidence to prove that a machine malfunctioned because of some negligence on the part of the employer.
So for example, Osbornes acted for Mrs V, a Bulgarian lady who worked in an industrial bakery in London and spoke little English. She was operating a machine on the production line, a machine she was trained on and had no problems with before, when suddenly and without warning part of the machine, a metal block, swung out and hit her on the head, throwing her across the factory floor and knocking her out. She was unable to say what the part was and how or why it ejected from the machine and she had no details of witnesses. Proving fault on the part of her employer would have been extremely difficult, but because the machine had malfunctioned the employers were strictly liable and so she was compensated for the head injury that interfered with her work for the next three years.
Strict liability does not apply to most other work activities, so for most employees, it is necessary to prove the cause of an accident and to show that the employer was at fault in some way. Fortunately, there are other regulations that help, because they impose various safety duties on employers. Legislation controls how machinery and other work equipment is used and how the factory is organised so that worker safety is taken into a consideration. For example, many factories have vehicles such as forklift trucks and pallet trucks moving about on the ‘shop floor’ and there are rules about how pedestrian walkways should be used to keep traffic away from pedestrians. This is an elementary safety procedure but it is surprising how many cases we come across where a factory worker has been injured by a vehicle that has been allowed to operate in an area where pedestrians are moving about.
Hazardous and toxic substances are often used in the manufacturing process, and there are regulations designed specifically to control their use so as to minimise the dangers to health and safety.
Common sense approach
Much is said about the ‘health and safety culture’ and the need to apply a common-sense approach to risks and to reduce the burden of bureaucracy. This may be true in some areas, but in the factory setting, it is vital that there are proper rules, strictly applied, to make sure that employers take their responsibilities for worker safety seriously. So it is a real concern that the Government has rushed through parliament an amendment to the Enterprise Bill to prevent injured workers from relying on the safety regulations in a claim for compensation. If the amendment is made law accident victims will once again have to rely on proving negligence by their employers and we will be left with a Victorian-style safety regime where it will be much more difficult to succeed with a claim against an employer.
"They punch well above their weight. The quality of service they provide equals that of any of the larger top-name firms in this area"
The group is noted for its expertise in matters relating to cycling injuries, and is the official legal partner of the London Cycling Campaign charity.
"A small but high-powered team, dealing with cases of significant value and complexity."
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
"Osbornes Law have captured the magic of keeping the customer service levels of a smaller firm whilst having all the expertise and power of the biggest firms."
"A superb boutique catastrophic injury firm."
"Really good at dealing with people who have suffered a serious injury."
"Affable and charming with very good client-handling skills."
"superb firm with consummate professionals and a human touch."
Osbornes now has a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers; particularly strong on high-value quantum cases, workplace accidents and claims involving foreign workers injured in the UK.
The team provides fantastic strength-in-depth for personal injury claims. It is also particularly well placed to service clients from Eastern Europe with specialist native language speakers. From the smallest case to a multimillion-pound spinal injury case, Osbornes has the right staff to manage every claim.
Ben Posford remains pre-eminent in his field with expert understanding of litigating cases of the upmost severity. His experience builds on Stuart Kightley’s running of the firm with recent partner additions of Rob Aylott making a fantastic addition.
A firm going from strength-to strength-which retains its client care whilst being able to offer a full personal injury service.
Beneath Ben Posford’s calm and reassuring presence, which clients love, lies a formidable tactical and legal brain. His experience tells and he gets it right at every stage of the process from arranging the best possible rehabilitation, to ensuring, so far as possible, a polite relationship with those acting for the defendant in order to ensure best and early resolution of the claim.
"Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team."
"They have an expanding profile in personal injury and clinical negligence and offer a superb, broad service in accidents abroad, enabled by their recruitment of bilingual legal executives who can guide non-English speakers through complex litigation."
"Solid personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims arising from fatalities and severe head and spinal injuries."
"Offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Stuart Kightley is an incredibly empathetic solicitor who is very knowledgeable about traumatic brain injury."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"Osbornes has a growing influence and impressive work load and is gaining a reputation for handling complex catastrophic work."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The hard-working, thorough and committed Robert Aylott, who brings significant heavyweight personal injury experience."
"Key team members include the energetic and personable Stuart Kightley who is head of the personal injury department."
"Catastrophic injury cases head Ben Posford is an excellent practical litigator who offers exceptional service."
Thank you for the hard work and patience and for being so patient with my constant questions.
"I have found Osbornes to be thorough, clear and understanding from the initial call. They do exactly what they say they will and with passion! I would recommend them to anyone".
Very good efficient service. Would not hesitate to use again.
I will use Osbornes for any future needs.
I don't think I could have asked for anything more. One of the best dealings I've had with the legal profession.
Sam was excellent and very professional in dealing with our claim.
Head of the personal injury department, Stuart Kightley is a first-rate practitioner, wholly focused on getting his client the best outcome in a pragmatic, sensible and consensual manner.
As a real specialist in spinal cord injuries, Ben Posford is always looking at new angles on how to maximise his cases.
Ben Posford is one of the best catastrophic injury lawyers around.
They provide exceptional service, great knowledge and understanding of the law, excellent client care and tactical nous
Stuart Kightley is praised for his expertise in catastrophic and fatal claims. Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team.
My claim was dealt with efficiently and professionally. Communication was excellent, and timely. Shrewd and sound advice was provided at every stage of the claim from beginning through to completion. On the basis of my personal experience I would strongly recommend Osbornes.
I just wish to thank you for your hard work and successful outcome. I am pleased with the result and would recommend you and your firm to anyone in the future.
Ben Posford … is ‘tactically astute’ and ‘one of the best personal injury solicitors around’.
Ben Posford ‘knows how to maximise the value of the claim for his clients’.
Client StoriesVIEW ALL
17.11.2021£100,000 settlement for tripping at work
Osbornes Law secures £100,000 settlement for Hungarian woman who tripped over a shopping bag at work Siobhan McIvor, a Partner in...
Read more
17.11.2021£165,000 settlement for factory accident
Siobhan McIvor, a Partner in the Personal Injury Department of Osbornes Law, has secured a £165,000 settlement, with the help of...
Read more- 18.5.2021
Construction Site Accident at Work
Our client suffered numerous fractures to their left leg requiring surgery following a work accident on a construction site. He...
Read more - 18.5.2021
Compensation Awarded Following Amputation Accident on Construction Site
Our client worked as a carpenter/bricklayer on a building site at a residential property in North London. He was...
Read more - 2.9.2020
Lasting damage to ankle following construction accident settles...
Sam Collard, an Associate in the Osbornes’ catastrophic injury team, recently settled an employer’s liability claim for a Romanian...
Read more - 13.8.2019
Boatyard worker awarded multi-million pound settlement
A boatyard worker who was injured in a workplace fall has been awarded a compensation settlement worth £7.2 million. Kevin Cleightonhills,...
Read more - 13.8.2019
Basement fatality convictions highlight health and safety regulations
Conrad Sidebottom, 46, and Richard Golding, 43, were jailed for their part in causing the death of Anghel Milosavlevici. Osbornes Law partner...
Read more - 19.6.2019
Man loses hand in accident at work
A company that owns a factory in Knowsley has been fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs after an employees...
Read more - 19.6.2018
Ladder accident results compensation claim
A shop worker who fell from a ladder has won £9,600 in compensation. The worker who was employed as a senior...
Read more - 19.6.2018
Worker suffers life-changing injuries in accident at work
A windows company has been fined and ordered to pay costs after a double glazing worker suffered multiple injuries in...
Read more - 2.4.2018
Osbornes settles serious workplace injury case for six...
The personal injury team at Osbornes has recently represented a baker after he got his arm caught in a faulty...
Read more - 6.8.2017
Compensation for construction worker with serious ankle injury
The Claimant, PB, a Polish male in his late 40s, was injured when he fell off a ladder whilst working...
Read more 
19.6.2016Osbornes helps hotel bar man claim compensation
Osbornes were instructed after our client, a hotel barman fell down a flight of stairs at work. The man had...
Read more- 19.6.2012
Man who fell in freezer in work accident...
The man who was in a walk in freezer at the time slipped on ice which had built up on...
Read more - 19.6.2012
Injury to wrist results in £100,000 for lorry driver
A lorry driver has received a settlement for injuries and financial losses suffered in an accident at work. Jarek Lemancyk...
Read more - 19.6.2012
Worker paralysed at work awarded £120,000 in compensation
A 38 year old worker was left paralysed from the chest down after an accident at work in which a reel...
Read more
Essential reading
Personal Injury Accreditations
Insights From our Personal Injury Lawyers VIEW ALL
- 5.5.2022
Top 10 Major Highway Code Changes for Cyclists
New Highway Code rules for cyclists At the end of January 2022, the Highway Code was updated to make British roads...
Read more - 20.1.2022
What to do immediately after a cycling accident?
If you have been involved in a cycling accident, you may experience shock and disorientation at the scene. Depending on...
Read more 
24.11.2021Ben Posford named catastrophic injury lawyer of the...
Osbornes Law are delighted to announce that Ben Posford has been named as ‘Catastrophic Injury Lawyer of the Year’ at...
Read more
23.9.2021Croydon Tram Crash Inquest Recommendations Welcomed
The families of victims killed in the Croydon tram crash today welcomed a coroner’s recommendations to prevent another tragedy....
Read more
16.9.2021The law around E-bikes and E-scooters explained
Why are electric bikes legal but not scooters? E-bikes and e-scooters are the new rides on the block. To many,...
Read more
26.8.2021Osbornes Sponsor Leading Medico-Legal Conference
Osbornes Law is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Cambridge Annual Medico-Legal Conference. This year conference, which is...
Read more- 2.8.2021
London Tube Sign Causes Head Injury
Serious brain injury claim after falling London tube sign knocks pedestrian unconscious. An airline pilot ‘miraculously’ survived after a 20kg...
Read more - 22.7.2021
Croydon Tram Crash Inquest Concludes
Families of Croydon tram crash victims disappointed by Inquest conclusion The families of victims killed in the Croydon tram crash...
Read more - 2.2.2021
Compensation Tables for Personal Injury
What are the Ogden Tables? If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may...
Read more - 5.1.2021
Farming accidents high risk for self-employed
Agriculture represents a dangerous industry in the UK, and according to the Health and Safety Executive’s report 2020/2021, farm deaths...
Read more 
31.12.2020Bike Boxes – what are the rules?
Cycle boxes at traffic lights I read a post recently on a London cycling forum in relation to some confusion...
Read more- 2.11.2020
Highway Code changes just the start in protecting...
The 2020 changes to the Highway Code do not go far enough to change driver behaviour and protect cyclists and pedestrians,...
Read more - 15.10.2020
Fatal Accidents In The Workplace
A new article from the BBC takes a looked at fatal accidents at work. The report states that since 1981, there...
Read more 
13.10.2020When To Seek Advice Following An Accident At...
Autumn is upon us and it’s the start of another academic year. With a 7 year old boy recently being...
Read more- 8.10.2020
Pedestrian hit by car on zebra crossing settles...
Blanca Diego, Solicitor in the Osbornes Personal Injury Department, recently settled a claim for a Spanish client who sustained injuries...
Read more - 21.9.2020
Motorcyclists – Could your actions be invalidating your insurance?
Insurance cover for you and your bike is vital in the event of an accident or theft but beware – insurance...
Read more 
17.9.2020Osbornes partners with leading Brain Injury Charity
Lights, Camera, Legal Advice! This week marks the launch of a new series of 16 legal advice videos with brain injury...
Read more- 30.7.2020
Self-Employed Injury At Work
Dealing with a personal injury claim as a self-employed worker Being self-employed has its advantages, including independence, creative freedom, job...
Read more 
15.7.2020Osbornes Law joins legal panel of national road...
Osbornes are delighted to announce that the firm has joined the legal panel of the national charity for road crash...
Read more
29.6.2020The Dangers of Working on Farms
According to the Health and Safety Executive, over the last 10 years, almost one person a week has been killed as...
Read more- 19.6.2020
Changes to employer’s liability for work accidents
As it now stands employers are automatically liable for some workplace injuries, (without the Claimant having to prove “fault”) is...
Read more - 19.6.2020
What happens if a solicitor goes bust?
What happens if my solicitor has ceased trading? Like many business, some solicitors’ practices are struggling at the moment financially...
Read more 
9.6.2020The importance of parks for cycling
I ventured outside the comfort of my home this past weekend for the first time in 11 weeks. As I walked...
Read more- 9.6.2020
Senior Catastrophic Injury Solicitor Robert Aylott gains further...
Rob Aylott, senior solicitor in the Personal Injury team has recently been confirmed as an APIL Accredited Fatal Accidents Specialist (...
Read more
