What Every Employee Should Know About Claiming Compensation for Manual Handling Accidents

28 Mar What Every Employee Should Know About Claiming Compensation for Manual Handling Accidents

Manual handling accidents can happen in any workplace where lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects is part of the job. Whether you work in construction, retail, healthcare, or any other industry, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to claiming compensation for manual handling accidents. Seeking legal advice promptly after an accident can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and prevent similar incidents in the future through improved workplace safety measures. In this post, we’ll explore what every employee should know about this process to ensure they receive the support and compensation they deserve.

Understanding Manual Handling

Manual handling refers to any activity that involves lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, or moving heavy objects by hand or bodily force. While manual handling is an unavoidable aspect of many jobs, it also poses significant risks to employee health and safety. Common manual handling injuries include strains, sprains, muscle tears, and even more severe conditions like hernias and spinal injuries.

Your Rights as an Employee

As an employee, you have the right to work in a safe environment free from unnecessary risks to your health and safety. Employers have a legal duty to assess and minimise the risks associated with manual handling tasks. This includes providing appropriate training, equipment, and supervision to ensure employees can perform their duties safely.

Reporting Manual Handling Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a manual handling accident at work, it’s crucial to report it to your employer as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Your employer should have procedures in place for reporting accidents, and they must record the details in their accident book. This documentation is essential if you later decide to make a compensation claim.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to seek medical attention after a manual handling accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time if left untreated. Seeing a doctor also provides you with a medical record of your injuries, which can be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a compensation claim.

Understanding Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a manual handling accident that was caused by your employer’s negligence or failure to provide a safe working environment, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses resulting from your injury.

Factors Affecting Compensation Claims

Several factors can affect the success and amount of compensation awarded in a manual handling accident claim. These include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, whether your employer was at fault, and any contributory negligence on your part. Consulting with a legal expert who specialises in workplace injury claims like Faircloughs can help you understand your options and navigate the claims process effectively.

Time Limits for Claims

It’s essential to be aware that there are time limits for making a compensation claim following a manual handling accident. In the UK, most personal injury claims must be made within three years of the date of the accident or the date when your injuries first became apparent. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe could result in your claim being dismissed.

How to Make a Claim

To make a compensation claim for a manual handling accident, you’ll typically need to gather evidence to support your case, such as medical records, witness statements, and documentation of your financial losses. It’s advisable to seek legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims, as they can guide you through the process and represent your interests.

Have Peace of Mind with Faircloughs

Manual handling accidents can have serious consequences for employees, both in terms of physical health and financial wellbeing. By understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding compensation claims, you can ensure that you receive the support and compensation you’re entitled to if you’ve been injured at work. Remember to report accidents promptly, seek medical attention, and seek legal advice to protect your interests and achieve a fair outcome.

To secure reputable legal advice, we encourage you to get in contact with our experts at Faircloughs as soon as possible. One of our experts will be on hand to guide you through the process of your claim and ensure you have all the relevant information needed. Simply give us a call on 01942 665 700, send your enquiry to us via our email address info@faircloughs.net or fill in the relevant information into our online contact form and we will be happy to assist you during this time.