Forklift Truck Accident Claims

Introduction

Forklift trucks are essential in warehouses, construction sites and logistics centres, but they are also among the most dangerous types of workplace equipment. When safety procedures are not followed, accidents involving forklifts can lead to life-changing injuries and complex legal claims.

At Osbornes Law, we specialise in helping injured workers claim compensation for forklift-related accidents. Whether you were struck by a reversing truck, injured by an unsecured load, or harmed due to poor training or supervision, we’re here to help.

• No win, no fee forklift injury claims
• 50+ years’ experience in workplace accident law
• Recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500

Why Are Forklift Trucks So Dangerous?

Forklifts are often used in tight, fast-paced environments, operating in close proximity to pedestrians, other vehicles, and heavy stock. They typically weigh over 3 tonnes and can lift loads up to 5 tonnes, meaning any impact can cause severe injury.

Common issues include:

• Poor visibility when reversing
• Lack of warning systems (lights/sirens)
• Inadequate separation between pedestrian and vehicle routes
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Inexperienced or unsupervised operators

Forklift accidents are almost always preventable with proper safety systems, training and equipment maintenance. If your employer failed in these duties, you may have a valid claim.

Preventing Forklift Truck Accidents: Employer Responsibilities

Employers are legally required to take steps to protect workers from forklift-related injuries. This includes:

Workplace Safety Measures

• Designated pedestrian walkways, clearly marked and separated from vehicle zones
• Speed limits for forklift operation
• Warning signs, mirrors, lighting and physical barriers where needed
• Suitable traffic management plans, regularly reviewed

Vehicle Maintenance

• Daily safety checks logged and actioned
• Functional warning lights, sirens and reversing alarms
• Properly secured and balanced loads
• Immediate repair or removal of unsafe vehicles from operation

Forklift Driver Safety

• All operators must be trained, licensed, and familiar with the specific vehicle type
• Ongoing refresher training
• Awareness of site-specific risks and procedures
• Supervision by qualified managers
• Zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication

Failure to meet these legal obligations may amount to negligence. Osbornes Law can advise on whether your employer breached their duty of care.

What Does the Law Say About Forklift Safety?

Several health and safety laws apply to forklift use at work, including:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

These laws require safe work systems, proper equipment, and adequate training. If your injury was caused by a breach of these duties, we can use this to support your civil compensation claim.

Common forklift injuries we see

Pedestrian collisions. Pedestrians struck by a moving forklift suffer some of the most severe injuries we deal with. Common outcomes include leg amputations, spinal damage and head injuries. Sites without segregated walkways, marked pedestrian zones or physical barriers between traffic and foot routes almost always carry employer liability.

Crush injuries from falling loads. Loads that are poorly stacked, badly secured or lifted with the wrong attachment can topple onto workers below. Crush injuries from pallets, drums or steel often cause multiple fractures, internal injuries or amputations. Lifting operations must follow the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

Forklift overturns. Forklifts overturn on slopes, kerbs, ramps, soft ground and when turning at speed with a raised load. Operators who try to jump clear are often crushed by the falling overhead guard, suffering catastrophic spinal injuries and brain injury. Properly worn seat restraints and operator training are required by PUWER.

Falls from forks used as platforms. Lifting a worker on the forks, or on a pallet balanced on the forks, is illegal except using a purpose-built integrated work platform: workers needing height access should be using a properly assessed ladder, scaffold or MEWP instead. Falls in this scenario cause fractures, head injuries and spinal damage. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply.

Foot and leg injuries. Forklifts running over a foot cause crushing fractures, soft tissue damage and sometimes partial amputation. These incidents typically happen in busy aisles or at loading bays where speed limits, mirrors at blind corners and safety footwear are inadequate.

Loading bay and dock plate falls. Forklifts driven onto unsecured trailers, missing dock plates or lorries that pull away during loading send workers and machines into the gap below. Resulting injuries range from foot and ankle fractures to fatal crushing.

Long-term back and vibration injury. Long shifts driving on uneven warehouse floors cause back pain, sciatica and prolapsed discs over time. Counterbalance and reach trucks also transmit whole-body vibration through the seat, which is reportable under RIDDOR where it leads to diagnosed injury.

Visit our serious injury claims page for more information on catastrophic forklift injuries.

Case Studies: Forklift Injury Claims We’ve Won

£250,000 for Worker Injured by Inexperienced Forklift Truck Driver

The driver of the forklift truck, who was new to the job, incorrectly started unloading hay bales from the lorry without warning our client. The forklift driver lost control and dropped a bale of hay on the back of our client’s neck. Find out more here.

£100,000 for Lorry Driver Run Over by Forklift

Mr R, a lorry driver, was walking across his depot yard when a forklift reversed and ran over his legs. He sustained multiple fractures and tissue loss requiring skin grafts. There was no clear pedestrian walkway, and the forklift had no audible reversing signal. The employer denied responsibility, but following legal proceedings, we secured £100,000 in compensation. Find out more here.

£85,000 for Warehouse Operative with Foot Injury

We represented a warehouse worker who sustained severe ankle fractures when a forklift ran over his foot. The employer’s insurer alleged our client was partially to blame. We rejected early settlement offers of £25,000, £48,000, £50,000 and £70,000. With ongoing support and rehabilitation funded by the third-party insurer, we settled for £85,000 — the full value of the claim. Find out more here.

Can I Make a Forklift Injury Claim?

Yes, if the accident happened within the last three years and you believe your employer (or another party) was at fault, you may be able to claim.

You can claim whether you’re:

• Full-time, part-time or on a zero-hours contract
• A temporary or agency worker
• A visitor or contractor injured on someone else’s site

Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be eligible for partial compensation under contributory negligence.

Why Choose Osbornes Law?

• Decades of experience in workplace injury law
• National reputation for winning complex claims
• Accredited specialists, rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
• Multilingual team — we advise clients in Hungarian, Spanish, Polish and more
• Access to private medical care and rehabilitation
• No win, no fee funding available

Speak to an expert

If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident at work, our expert personal injury solicitors can help you claim the compensation and care you deserve.

• Call 020 7485 8811
• Request a callback using our quick online form