Machinery Related Accident at Work Solicitors in Sunderland, Newcastle, and the North East

What Counts as a Machinery Related Accident at Work?

A machinery related accident at work occurs when you are injured due to the use of, or exposure to, workplace machinery or equipment. Employers have a legal duty under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the Machinery Directive to ensure that all machinery is safe, properly maintained, and fit for purpose.

Machinery accidents at work can include:

• Crush injuries caused by unguarded moving parts
• Amputations from cutting or shearing machinery
• Entanglement injuries from rotating equipment
• Fractures and broken bones from machinery contact
• Lacerations and deep cuts from sharp machinery
• Burns from machinery overheating or electrical faults
• Eye injuries from flying debris or sparks
• Injuries caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment
• Accidents due to inadequate training on machinery use

Steps to Take After a Machinery Accident at Work

If you have been involved in a machinery accident at work, you should ensure the incident is recorded in the workplace accident book as soon as possible. The record should be accurate and include full details of the machinery involved, how the accident occurred, and any injuries sustained.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. Machinery injuries can be complex and some complications may not be immediately apparent. A prompt medical assessment will also provide important documentation to support your claim.

You should also take note of any witnesses and, where possible, photograph the machinery and the scene of the accident. Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor such as Thompson & Co Solicitors as soon as possible, as early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim.

Machinery Accident at Work Compensation

If your machinery accident at work claim is successful, you may be able to claim compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, as well as any financial losses you have incurred as a result of the accident, such as:

• Cost of medical treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation
• Loss of earnings during your recovery period
• Future loss of earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work
• Travel costs to and from medical appointments
• Care and assistance provided by family members or carers

It is important to keep a record of all financial losses and retain any relevant receipts, as these will be required to support your compensation claim.

The amount of compensation awarded in machinery accident cases depends on the severity and long-term impact of the injuries sustained. In serious cases involving permanent disability or loss of a limb, compensation payouts can exceed £400,000. Every case is assessed individually, and we encourage you to contact our specialist solicitors for an accurate assessment of your claim.

What is the Time Limit for Machinery Accident at Work Claims?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your machinery accident at work to issue Court Proceedings. If proceedings are not issued within this three-year period, your claim will ordinarily become time-barred, meaning you will lose the right to pursue compensation.

In some circumstances, the Courts have the discretion to allow a claim to proceed outside of the three-year limitation period, particularly where there was a valid reason for the delay. However, this is not guaranteed, and it is always advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible.

If you have been injured in a machinery accident at work within the past three years, you should seek legal advice without delay to ensure your claim is protected. Even if you believe your claim may be out of time, it is still worth seeking advice, as the Courts may be willing to exercise their discretion in your favour.