Forklift accident claims

A forklift accident at work can leave you with serious injuries and real uncertainty about the future. If the accident wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to make a forklift accident compensation claim.

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Author

Stephen Hussey

Associate, Head of Personal Injury

Reviewer

Jenny Stevenson

Associate & Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

18th July 2026

Can I make a forklift accident claim?

You may be able to make a forklift accident claim if you were injured because of someone else’s negligence – which most often means your employer’s failure to keep you safe. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. If that duty was breached and you were hurt as a result, you may have a valid claim.

Forklift accidents can happen for many reasons. Common causes include being given inadequate training, having poor risk assessments – or missing them entirely – being provided with faulty or badly maintained equipment, and insufficient PPE.

If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident at work, even if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, or if some time has passed, it’s still worth speaking to us. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your injury to make a claim, but there are exceptions, so please get in touch. We can tell you if you have a case.

Example of a forklift accident claim

Imagine a warehouse operative who is struck by a forklift truck operated by a colleague. The operator hadn’t been provided with adequate training, and no risk assessment had been carried out for that area of the warehouse. The worker suffers a serious crush injury to their leg. If the employer failed to ensure proper training and a safe working environment, this could be a valid forklift accident claim.

Common accident at work claims we support

What compensation can help with

Recovering lost income and covering the cost of your recovery.

Compensation after a forklift accident can support your recovery and help you manage the financial and practical consequences of your injuries. A claim can ensure you have the financial support you need to move forward, whether that’s in the weeks after your accident or over the longer term.

Serious forklift injuries can cause significant disruption to your life. They can affect your ability to work, your mobility and your daytoday independence. Often, these injuries are serious and may also require further surgery, long-term rehabilitation and a prolonged period of recovery. Compensation reflects just the immediate medical costs, but the wider financial and practical consequences for you and your family.

A successful forklift accident claims may help fund:

Medical treatment, surgery and hospital costs
Rehabilitation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Psychological support and counselling
Loss of earnings, both current and future
Care and support needs at home
Travel costs related to your treatment and recovery
Home adaptations or specialist equipment if needed

Understanding the potential value

Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, your claim may cover a range of costs and losses. We supported a delivery driver who was injured after being trapped between a forklift and his van after a colleague failed to secure the vehicle. He suffered painful soft tissue injuries to both legs and faced a long recovery period, which was particularly challenging, as he lived alone. We secured £8,000 in compensation, helping him move forward after an avoidable and distressing accident. Settlements vary depending on the circumstances, and the amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, the impact on your ability to work, and any care or rehabilitation you need. More complex injuries typically result in higher settlements.

Understanding interim payments

Serious forklift injuries can leave you unable to work, needing prolonged rehabilitation, or requiring support with daytoday tasks. When this happens, the financial impact can escalate, and be difficult to manage. Your recovery should take priority, and where the circumstances allow, we will look to secure interim payments on your behalf. Interim payments are made during the claims process, before a final settlement is reached. They can help cover essential costs such as medical treatment, rehabilitation or everyday living expenses while your case continues. You shouldn’t have to wait until the end of your claim to access the support you need.

Expertise you can trust

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4,000+ client outcomes achieved in the last 12 months

Specialist forklift accident solicitors

Our team has decades of experience handling serious accident at work claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your forklift accident claim?

Forklift accident claims need specialist insight into how these injuries affect everyday life and the detailed investigation required to hold an employer to account. We have over 40 years’ experience supporting people who are seriously injured at work, and we’re recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise. You’ll have a dedicated team on your side, guiding you with care and confidence throughout your claim.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist accident at work solicitors with decades of experience in serious personal injury law
Ranked among the top personal injury firms in the UK by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners
Recognised for handling high-value and complex trauma cases, including serious workplace injuries
Clear, honest advice at every stage so you always know where you stand
No win, no fee – so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand that life can change after a workplace injury.

A serious forklift accident can affect every part of your life at once. Suffering this type of injury often means that you are unable to work – which can create financial pressure and leave you with concerns about your own wellbeing, and your family’s security. The load can be more difficult to bear when you feel someone else was to blame. Particularly when workplace safety measures, proper training, risk assessments or equipment checks haven’t been adhered to.

Many people feel unsure about speaking up after an accident, especially if it means bringing a claim against their employer or a previous employer. That hesitation is completely understandable. We’ve supported many people who were in exactly this position, unsure of their rights and anxious about taking the first step.

Often, what they needed was someone to take the complexity off their shoulders, and to guide them through the process with clarity and care. That’s what we’re here to do. We’ll handle the legal work, keep you informed throughout, and work hard to secure compensation that reflects the full impact of what’s happened to you.

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Rehabilitation support

We go beyond legal advice to support you, not just your case, making sure the right care and practical help are in place throughout the compensation claim process.

A message from our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team

We work alongside Fletchers Solicitors’ legal experts – listening carefully to your needs, helping you understand what support is available and creating a personalised recovery plan.

Led by rehabilitation manager Julie Chorlton, we bring together expertise across healthcare, therapy and welfare support, and can help arrange access to treatment and financial support. We also work with accredited mental health professionals, giving you and your family access to counselling quickly.

OUR REHABILITATION & WELLBEING TEAM

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FAQs about forklift accident claims

What should I do after a forklift accident at work?

If you’ve been injured in a forklift accident, try to report it to your employer as soon as you can and make sure the incident is recorded in the accident book. If possible, gather any details that may help later, such as photographs of the scene, witness names or information about the equipment involved. Your health comes first, so seek medical attention straight away, even if your injuries seem minor at the time. When you’re ready, get in touch with us and we’ll explain your options clearly

How much will a forklift accident claim cost me?

We work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront to start your claim. You only pay for our legal services if your claim is successful. This means you can pursue the compensation you deserve without worrying about the financial risk of bringing a claim.

How long do I have to make a forklift accident claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your injury to make a forklift accident compensation claim. This applies to anyone aged 18 or over at the time of the accident. If you were under 18 when the accident happened, the three-year period doesn’t start until your 18th birthday.

There are some exceptions to the three-year rule. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, please get in touch with us as soon as possible – we’ll be able to tell you honestly whether you have a claim, and the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case.

How long does a forklift accident claim take?

The length of a claim depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries and whether your employer accepts responsibility. Straightforward claims can settle within months, while more serious injuries requiring longterm rehabilitation may take longer. We’ll keep you updated throughout so you always know what to expect.

Who can make a forklift accident claim?

Anyone who has suffered a forklift injury that was caused in whole or in part by the negligence of another party may be able to bring a claim. This includes workers directly involved in an accident, as well as bystanders injured by a forklift operated by someone else.

If a loved one has been seriously injured and is unable to pursue a claim themselves, you may be able to start the process on their behalf. Get in touch with us and we’ll explain how this works.

Can I claim if the forklift accident was partly my fault?

Yes, in many cases you can still make a claim even if you were partly responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence – which means that your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of the fault, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent you from claiming altogether. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your situation when you get in touch.

Does it matter which solicitor I choose for my forklift accident claim?

It can make a significant difference. Forklift accident claims often involve complex evidence, employer liability, and detailed investigation – so it’s important to choose a firm with genuine specialist experience in serious workplace injury claims. We’d always encourage you to research your options carefully, ask about a firm’s experience with similar cases, and make sure you feel confident in the advice you’re receiving.

If you’re currently represented by another solicitor and you’re not satisfied with the service you’re receiving, you have the right to switch. It’s your claim, and your choice.

Can I change my solicitor?

Yes. You have the right to decide who represents you in your claim, and you can change solicitors at any stage of the process if you’re not happy with the advice or service you’re receiving. If you’d like to speak to us about taking over your case, get in touch and we’ll explain how it works.