Manual handling is a key part of almost all workplaces, from warehouses and factories to offices and hospitals. However, when lifting, pushing, or carrying tasks are not managed safely, serious injuries can occur.
If you’ve suffered a manual handling injury at work due to employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether your injury was caused by heavy lifting, repetitive strain, poor training, or unsafe working conditions, Injury Lawyers 4u can help you make a claim.
With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, we are experts in manual handling injury claims. Get in touch today to find out if you’re eligible for no-win, no-fee compensation.
What is a manual handling injury?
A manual handling injury occurs when muscle damage, strains or other physical harm is caused by lifting, carrying or pulling objects. These injuries don’t have to be caused by heavy lifting, they can also be from repetitive movements, bad posture or excessive force.
Common types of injuries
Manual handling accidents can cause a range of injuries, including:
- Back injuries — Muscle strains, slipped discs and spinal damage.
- Neck and shoulder injuries — Sprains, muscle tears and dislocations.
- Upper and lower limb injuries — Including wrist, elbow, knee and ankle sprains.
- Hernias and abdominal injuries — Caused by excessive strain on the body.
If you or a loved one has suffered a manual handling injury while at work or in a public place, contact Injury Lawyers 4u to see if you could claim compensation.
Common causes of manual handling injuries
No matter your working environment, manual handling can happen anywhere. These are the most common causes:
- Lifting heavy objects without assistance or lifting aids.
- Repetitive movements that lead to chronic strain injuries.
- Poor posture or awkward lifting positions that increase strain on muscles.
- Lack of training on safe manual handling techniques.
- Unsafe work environments, such as cluttered spaces, uneven flooring or unstable loads.
In which industry do manual handling injuries happen?
Though manual handling accidents can happen anywhere, these are the most common workplaces:
- Construction — Lifting heavy materials and tools.
- Warehousing — Repetitive lifting and stacking of stock.
- Manufacturing — Repetitive strain from assembly line work.
- Health and social — Lifting and moving patients.
- Agriculture — Handling heavy feed bags, tools, and equipment.
Who is responsible for manual handling injuries at work?
Employers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe working environment and reduce the risk of manual handling injuries. If an injury occurs due to unsafe working conditions, lack of training, or poor risk management, the employer may be held responsible.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Provide proper training sessions on manual handling
- Maintain a safe working environment
Can you make a manual handling injury claim?
In order to make a successful personal injury claim, you must prove that another party is at fault. If your employer failed to follow health and safety regulations, did not provide proper training, or allowed unsafe working conditions, they may be considered negligent.
As with all personal injury claims, you have three years to make a claim for a manual handling injury from the date of the injury or doctor’s diagnosis. If you’re unsure whether you can claim, contact Injury Lawyers 4u today.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation for a manual handling injury is divided into two categories:
- General damages — Covers the pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life caused by your injury.
- Special damages — Covers financial losses related to your injury, including medical expenses, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, and future care needs.
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on how severe your injury is, the long-term impact it has on your life and the financial losses you’ve both incurred and will face in the future. For an estimate of your potential general damages, try using our compensation calculator.
What evidence do you need to make a claim?
To support your manual handling injury claim, you should gather as much evidence as possible. Key evidence includes:
- Photographs — Take clear pictures of the accident scene, any equipment involved, and your injuries.
- Medical records — Include your diagnosis, treatment plans, and doctor’s reports to document the extent of your injuries.
- Witness statements — Collect contact details and statements from colleagues or anyone who saw the accident.
- Accident report — Ensure the incident is recorded in your workplace’s accident book, as required by law.
- CCTV footage — If available, request a copy from your employer to provide clear evidence of the accident.
- Financial records — Keep documentation of lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any other financial losses caused by your injury.
How do you start a manual handling injury claim?
Follow these simple steps to get started on a manual handling accident claim:
- Get in touch with one of our specialist solicitors at Injury Lawyers 4u and we’ll will assess your case
- Gather medical records, CCTV footage certificates, witness statements and more
- We will help you submit the claim to the responsible party
- We’ll negotiate with your employer or their insurers and hope to reach a settlement outside of court
Frequently asked questions
How long does a manual handling claim take?
The length of time a manual handling claim will take depends on the complexity of the case. Cases with more severe injuries associated or with less evidence will likely take longer, while simple cases can be swift.
What if I was partly responsible for my injury?
You can still make a claim if you were partly responsible for your injury, but compensation may be adjusted based on shared responsibility.
Will making a claim affect my job?
Under UK law, employers cannot fire or penalise employees for making a legitimate injury claim.
How much will it cost to make a claim?
If you bring your case to Injury Lawyers 4u, we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee, which means you won‘t pay a penny if your claim is unsuccessful.
Can I make a claim if I’m self-employed?
Yes. If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, you may still be entitled to compensation. Your employment status, whether full-time, part-time, or self-employed, does not affect liability. The responsible party is typically the owner or operator of the workplace where the incident occurred.
Start your manual handling injury claim today
If you or a loved one has suffered a manual handling injury due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Start by getting in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u. We offer a free consultation and a no-win, no-fee guarantee for our clients, which means you won’t pay a penny in legal costs unless we bring you a successful claim.
Take the first step – contact us today and see how we can help.