Amazon Accident Claims

Amazon workplace accidents – Can I make a claim?

If you have been injured while working at an Amazon warehouse, you can make a compensation claim. Whether you are a permanent employee, agency worker or contractor, you have a legal right to make a claim if your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer negligence.

Amazon is one of the world’s largest employers with a global workforce of 1.5 million – 75,000 of whom are based in the UK. A large portion of Amazon’s UK workforce operates out of the company’s fulfilment centres. These workers are at risk of sustaining warehouse accident injuries when safety measures are not taken seriously.

Overall, Amazon has a good safety record. Their injury rate was 75% lower than the warehousing industry average in 2023/24. Even so, more than 1,000 injuries were reported at Amazon sites across the UK in the five years from 2016-2021, including fall injuries, fractures and breathing difficulties.*

*Sources: Amazon injury rate reported by Amazon and based on official Health and Safety Executive data. Amazon worker safety data collected by GMB Union.

Our expertise in work accident claims

Osbornes Law has been representing injured workers for over 50 years and is one of the UK’s leading personal injury firms. Our award-winning department specialises in high-value and complex claims involving serious injuries sustained in workplace accidents including warehouse accidents.

Our team of specialist personal injury solicitors are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and recognised as leading practitioners by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. Our solicitors prioritise early rehabilitation and work tirelessly to secure interim payments so you can access the treatment and support you need while your claim progresses.

What types of accidents can I claim for at Amazon warehouses?

Amazon warehouses present numerous hazards due to the physically demanding nature of the work and the pressure to meet productivity targets. Examples of Amazon accidents include:

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls account for the greatest number of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK.​ In Amazon warehouses, they often occur due to cluttered walkways with discarded boxes or packaging ties, uneven surfaces or poor lighting. Falls from elevated work areas or ladders can result in particularly serious injuries including fractures, head injuries and spinal damage.​

Manual handling injuries and back problems

Amazon warehouse workers are required to lift, move and stack heavy packages throughout their shifts, often repetitively.​ Without proper training, adequate rest breaks or mechanical lifting aids, workers commonly suffer back strains, muscle sprains, herniated discs and other musculoskeletal disorders. See our back injury at work page for additional information.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

The constant scanning, packing, lifting and sorting required in Amazon fulfilment centres puts workers at high risk of repetitive strain injuries. Around 87% of Amazon workers report being in constant or occasional pain due to their workloads and how quickly they are required to perform their tasks.* Unlike other injuries, RSIs develop over time and can include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in the wrists, hands, arms, shoulders and neck.​

*Source: GMB union survey cited by the Trades Union Congress in their report “Challenging Amazon” published in December 2024.

Forklift truck accidents

Forklift accidents are among the most dangerous incidents in warehouse environments. Approximately 1,300 UK workers are hospitalised each year following forklift accidents, and these incidents account for around 27 fatalities annually in the UK. Common forklift accidents include:​

• Being struck by a moving forklift
• Forklift tipping or rolling due to imbalanced loads
• Crushing injuries when workers become trapped
• Falling loads striking workers​

These accidents can result in fractures, dislocations, broken bones, traumatic head injuries, spinal damage and amputations.​

Falling objects

Warehouses store goods at height on racking systems and shelving. When items are not properly secured or shelving is poorly maintained, falling objects can strike workers below, causing serious head injuries, shoulder damage, concussions or brain injuries.

Machinery accidents and equipment failures

Amazon warehouses use various types of machinery including conveyor belts, pallet trucks, cherry pickers and packaging equipment. When this machinery is poorly maintained, lacks proper safety guards or workers receive inadequate training, serious accidents can occur.​​

What is Amazon’s duty of care to warehouse workers?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and various other legislation, Amazon has a legal duty of care to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers at their facilities. Amazon’s legal responsibilities include:

• Providing a safe working environment, e.g. by removing hazards, providing safe access and exit routes and keeping floors clean and free from obstructions.
• Ensuring safe working practices, including policies on handling heavy loads, operating machinery safely and ensuring adequate rest breaks.
• Giving workers proper training tailored to their specific roles.
• Ensuring all equipment and vehicles are maintained and safe to use.
• Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
• Supplying any necessary PPE to workers at no cost.

If Amazon fails to meet any of these obligations and you suffer an injury as a result, you can make a compensation claim. Your employer’s breach of their duty of care forms the legal basis for your claim.​

“Many warehouse injuries are completely preventable if safety rules are followed. Amazon workers should not be pressured to work at unsafe speeds or skip breaks, as this significantly increases the risk of injury. Every employee deserves a safe workplace where productivity never comes at the expense of their health.”

How do I make a claim for an Amazon workplace accident?

Step 1: Report the accident immediately

Notify your supervisor or manager about your injury as soon as possible. Your employer is legally required to record the incident in the workplace accident book and must also report serious injuries to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).​

Step 2: Seek medical attention

Visit a doctor or hospital as soon as you can, even if your injury seems minor. Medical records provide crucial evidence for your claim and document the nature and extent of your injuries. ​

Step 3: Gather evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This should include:

• Photographs of your injuries and the accident scene
• Photographs of any hazards or faulty equipment involved
• Contact details of colleagues who saw the accident
• CCTV footage if available
• Copies of any written reports you made to your employer
• Records of any safety complaints you raised before the accident

The more evidence you gather, the stronger your claim will be. Your solicitor will use this evidence to build your case and prove that Amazon’s negligence caused your injury.

Step 4: Contact a specialist solicitor

Speak with an experienced personal injury solicitor who specialises in workplace accident claims. At Osbornes Law, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and advise whether you have a valid claim.

Once you instruct us, we will guide you through all the stages of a personal injury claim. This includes:

• Sending a letter of claim to Amazon and their insurer setting out the details of your accident and injuries.
• Gathering additional evidence including witness statements and expert reports.
• Arranging an independent medical examination to assess your injuries and prognosis, which helps us put a realistic value on your claim.
• Calculating the full value of your claim including general damages for pain and suffering and special damages for financial losses.​

Step 5: Negotiating settlement

If Amazon admits liability, your solicitor will begin negotiating a compensation settlement. Most Amazon accident claims settle without going to court through negotiation.​ If the insurer denies liability or cannot agree on a fair settlement amount, your solicitor may issue court proceedings. Even then, negotiations will typically continue, and the vast majority of claims settle before reaching a court hearing.​

How long do I have to make an Amazon accident claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident to start a personal injury claim. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and applies to most workplace accident claims.​

If your injury developed gradually over time (such as RSI), the three-year period starts from the date you became aware of the injury and its connection to your work.

Evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes, so the sooner you instruct a solicitor, the stronger your claim will be.​

How much compensation can I claim for an Amazon warehouse injury?

The first part of an award is made up of general damages. This is compensation for the physical injury itself and your reduced ability to enjoy life. The amount is calculated according to a set of guidelines which provide indicative compensation ranges for different types of injuries.​

You can learn about typical compensation amounts on our dedicated injury pages:

• Back injury compensation
• Shoulder injury compensation
• Leg injury compensation
• Head injury compensation
• Hand injury compensation
• Broken bone compensation
• Crush injuries
• Serious injury compensation

The second part of an award is special damages, which reimburse you for all the out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred because of your injury. This can include:​

• Loss of earnings (if you have been unable to work during recovery)
• Future loss of earnings (if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous role or working full-time)
• Medical treatment costs (physiotherapy, private consultations, medication)
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
• Care costs if you need assistance with daily tasks
• Cost of adaptations to your home or vehicle
• Damage to personal property​

Special damages are calculated based on receipts, invoices, payslips and other documentary evidence. Your solicitor will help you compile a comprehensive schedule of all your losses to ensure you receive full compensation.

Case study: Six-figure settlement for warehouse worker injured in a fall

Osbornes Law represented a warehouse worker who fell from a step ladder that was missing its rubber feet, suffering a skull fracture and brain bleed. We recovered a six-figure settlement for the head injury by proving the employer failed to maintain safe equipment. Find out more here.

Can agency workers claim compensation for Amazon injuries?

Yes. Agency workers, temporary staff and contractors are all protected under UK law. They have the same right to claim compensation as permanent Amazon employees if unsafe working conditions caused their injury.​

Both Amazon (as the occupier of the premises) and your agency (as your employer) owe you a duty to ensure your safety at work. Your solicitor will determine who should be held liable based on the circumstances of your accident.​

If you were injured in a road accident involving an Amazon delivery driver, whether while driving, walking or cycling, you may also be entitled to compensation. Learn more about making a claim against an Amazon delivery driver.

What if I’m worried about losing my job if I claim?

It’s unlawful for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly because you have made a personal injury claim. If you have concerns about your employment, your solicitor can advise on your rights and how to protect your position while you claim.

What our clients say

“After going through a difficult time due to a workplace accident, I turned to Osbornes Law for legal support. From the very beginning, their team showed great professionalism, transparency, and empathy. Thanks to their guidance, I received the compensation I was entitled to in a short period of time, without unnecessary stress.” – Read the client review on TrustPilot.

“Almost 6 years ago, I had an accident at work. I was initially with another law firm that was hopeless. Luckily, I came across Osbornes Law. Ben, Eloise, Alex, and the entire team are wonderful people and professionals. I felt safe with them, cared for. I have no words to thank them for their work, efforts, professionalism and fighting for my well-being. I am delighted with the end result of my case.” – Read the client review on TrustPilot.

Why choose Osbornes Law as your Amazon accident solicitor?

Recognised experts: We are highly ranked by independent legal directories with specialist partners for complex and catastrophic injury claims.

• Proven results: We regularly secure multimillion-pound settlements for clients with severe workplace injuries, including those from warehouses, construction and industry. Our approach is evidence-based and thorough.
• Outstanding client service: 4.7★ Trustpilot rating and personalised support at every stage.
• Multiple languages spoken: We have specialist legal support teams for clients whose first language is Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish, Hungarian and Spanish.
• No win, no fee: You pay nothing upfront and nothing if the claim does not succeed.

Contact us

If you have been injured while working at an Amazon warehouse you can start a personal injury claim by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811