Machinery Accident Claims at Work

An accident involving machinery can happen in a split second, but the impact can stay with you for much longer. You may be facing a serious injury, ongoing pain or a lengthy recovery, while also worrying about your job, your income and when you will be able to return to work. It can be difficult to know what to do, particularly when you are trying to recover.

If you were injured by machinery at work because something was unsafe or the right precautions were not taken, you may be able to make a claim. At Watson Woodhouse Solicitors, our Personal Injury team will take the time to listen to what happened, explain your options clearly and support you through the process.

Free Initial Discussion

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors on 01642 247656, or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What Is a Machinery Accident At Work Claim?

A machinery accident at work claim is a claim that can be made if you have been injured by machinery while working and the accident happened because the equipment was unsafe or reasonable steps were not taken to protect you.

Machinery can be dangerous when it is faulty, poorly maintained or not suitable for the work being carried out. Accidents can also happen when workers have not been given the right training, supervision or safety equipment.

If you have been injured because these risks were not properly managed, you may be able to claim compensation.

What Can Cause a Machinery Accident at Work?

Machinery is used in many different workplaces, from factories and warehouses to construction sites, workshops and farms. Accidents can happen when equipment is not properly maintained, used or managed. Common causes of machinery accidents include:

• Faulty or defective machinery
• Machinery that has not been properly maintained or inspected
• Missing, damaged or inadequate safety guards
• Emergency stops or other safety features that do not work
• Machinery that is unsuitable for the task
• Poorly planned or unsafe working procedures
• Lack of training or supervision
• Clothing, hair or body parts becoming caught in machinery
• Unsafe repairs, cleaning or adjustments
• Inadequate personal protective equipment

A machinery accident is not necessarily the result of something you did wrong. Sometimes the equipment or the conditions you were working in created a risk that should have been identified and dealt with.

What Injuries Can Be Caused By Machinery?

Machinery can cause serious injuries, especially when moving parts, cutting equipment or heavy machinery are involved. Common workplace machinery injuries include:

• Crush injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Cuts and deep wounds
• Amputations or loss of fingers and limbs
• Burns
• Nerve damage
• Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
• Back, neck and spinal injuries
• Head injuries
• Eye injuries

Some injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation or a significant amount of time away from work. For more serious injuries, the effects can continue long after the accident itself.

Can I Claim Compensation For a Machinery Accident At Work?

You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured by machinery at work and someone responsible for your safety failed to take reasonable care. This could include situations where:

• The machinery was faulty or defective
• Equipment was not properly maintained or inspected
• Safety guards were missing or damaged
• You were not given suitable training
• You were not properly supervised
• The equipment was unsuitable for the work
• Safe working procedures were not followed
• Known risks were not properly managed

Every workplace accident is different. We can listen to what happened and help you understand whether you may have a claim. Call our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors on 01642 247656, or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

Can I Claim If I Was Using the Machinery Correctly?

Yes. If you were using machinery as you had been instructed and were injured because the equipment was unsafe or something went wrong, you may be able to make a claim.

Your employer should provide equipment that is suitable for the work, properly maintained and safe to use. You should also receive appropriate information, instruction and training.

If you believe you were injured despite following the correct procedures, we can talk through what happened and explain your options.

Can I Claim If I Made a Mistake?

You may still be able to make a machinery accident claim if you believe you made a mistake that contributed to your injury.

Workplace accidents can happen for a number of reasons, and it is not always straightforward to know who was responsible. Your employer may still have failed to keep you safe if, for example, the machinery was defective, you were not properly trained, or adequate safety measures were not in place.

We can look at the circumstances of your accident without making assumptions about what happened.

What Should I Do After a Machinery Accident At Work?

After a machinery accident, your health should always come first. If you can, taking a few simple steps can also help keep a record of what happened. You should try to:

• Report the accident to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible.
• Ask for the accident to be recorded in the accident book or workplace records.
• Seek medical attention and follow any advice you are given.
• Take photographs of the machinery, accident scene or your injuries, if it is safe to do so.
• Make a note of anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Keep medical records and details of any treatment or appointments.
• Keep a record of any time off work or financial losses.

If possible, do not make changes to or dispose of the machinery involved in the accident before it has been properly investigated.

Can I Claim If I Am Still Working For The Same Employer?

Yes. You can still make a claim for a machinery accident even if you remain employed by the same company.

It is understandable to feel worried about making a claim when you still work with the people involved. You may be concerned about your job or how your employer will react.

In most cases, workplace accident claims are dealt with through your employer’s insurance. If you are unsure about your position, we can talk through your concerns before you decide whether to make a claim.

How Much Compensation Could I Receive For a Machinery Accident?

The amount of compensation depends on the injury you have suffered and the effect it has had on your life. Compensation can take account of the pain and suffering caused by your injury as well as financial losses such as:

• Lost earnings
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Care or support you have needed
• Future loss of earnings
• Any longer-term impact on your ability to work
• Changes you may need to make to your home or everyday life

The impact of a machinery injury can extend beyond the initial accident. Once we understand what has happened and how you have been affected, we can explain what your claim may include.

How Long Do I Have To Make a Machinery Accident Claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim.

There are some exceptions, including claims involving children or people who do not have mental capacity. It is usually best to seek advice sooner rather than later, particularly where the machinery involved may need to be examined or other evidence may need to be gathered.

Why Choose Watson Woodhouse Solicitors?

We understand that an accident involving machinery can affect far more than your physical health. You may be dealing with pain or a long recovery while worrying about your job, your finances and what the future may look like.

Watson Woodhouse Solicitors has been supporting clients for over 30 years. Our Personal Injury team will take the time to listen to what has happened, explain your options in plain English and guide you through the process with clear, practical advice.

You do not have to know whether you have a claim before speaking to us. We can help you understand your options and decide what feels right for you.

Speak to Our Personal Injury Team

If you have been injured in a machinery accident at work, Watson Woodhouse Solicitors can talk through what happened and help you understand whether you may be able to make a claim.

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors on 01642 247656, email us at info@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.