Delivery Driver Seriously Injured After Being Crushed by Forklift at Work

Lawyer: Barbara Dytwinska

Claim Type: Fletchers Personal Injury – Personal injury Case

Compensation: £8000

Following the expert support of our solicitor, Barbara Dytwinska, our client was able to take steps towards a better recovery and justice after an entirely avoidable workplace accident for which they were in no way at fault. Our personal injury claims team’s dedication helped him move forward from a painful and distressing experience, providing closure despite the initial lack of accountability.

What you’ll find in this case study:

• The unsafe workplace circumstances that led to the incident.
• Details of our client’s injuries and the impact on his day-to-day life.
• The steps our Personal Injury experts took to ensure accountability and secure fair compensation.
• Why workplace safety standards are critical.
• Guidance for anyone who has suffered an injury while at work.

How the workplace accident happened

Our client, a 60-year-old delivery driver, was injured while at work. After exiting their van, a colleague operating a forklift failed to turn off the engine and secure the vehicle appropriately. The forklift then rolled and collided with our client, crushing him between a pallet and their van. Barbara Dytwinska, from personal injury team, acted on behalf of the client to ensure they received the support and compensation they were entitled to.

The extent of our client’s injuries

Our client was pinned between a pallet and his van. Alongside the fear and trauma of the incident, he sustained physical injuries, including soft tissue damage to both ankles and legs. These injuries had a significant but temporary impact on his mobility, daily activities, and ability to work.
As he lives alone, the recovery period was particularly challenging, with limited support at home or for everyday tasks, adding further strain to an already difficult situation.

Outcome

Through careful negotiation and thorough representation, we successfully settled the case, securing compensation in the region of £8000.

Barbara commented:
” The recovery period from the client’s injuries took over 2 years. Robert was keen to attend our medical appointments with GP and Orthopaedic Expert and was pleased with the outcome.”

Why Workplace Safety Matters

Despite stringent Health & Safety legislation, around 1,300 people are involved in forklift-related accidents in Britain each year. Interestingly, the greatest danger is often to those working nearby – as demonstrated in our client’s case.

Workplace accidents can happen even in environments that appear routine. When systems fail or procedures are ignored, the consequences for injured workers can be far‑reaching – physically, emotionally and financially.

Guidance for Injured Workers

Workplace accidents can happen even in environments that appear routine. When systems fail or procedures are ignored, the consequences for injured workers can be far-reaching.

If you have suffered an injury at work that was not your fault:

1. Report the accident to your employer without delay.
2. Document what happened, including dates, times and any witnesses.
3. Contact an experienced no win, no fee personal injury solicitor as soon as you can, even if you are unsure about liability. You can start your claim here.
4. Keep records of all related expenses, loss of earnings and impact on your daily life – these can be important in a claim.