Skip to content 
Manual Handling Accident Claims in London
If you’re based in London and want to make a manual handling accident claim, we can help.
100% No Win No Fee
Free Case Check
If you’ve suffered an injury while lifting, carrying or moving objects at work, there is a chance that you’re entitled to compensation. Despite laws like the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, our experience tells that workers across the country are injured when lifting at work. Therefore, we’ve produced this article to explain when manual handling claims are possible and how they work.
At Personal Injury Solicitors London, our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of manual handling accident claims. With our support, you’ll be guided through collecting evidence, establishing liability, and securing the compensation you deserve, regardless of your location or the borough where your accident occurred.
If you’re unsure where to start, read on for clear guidance. Alternatively, you can contact our team online or call 020 7362 2085 for confidential advice and support.
When Are Manual Handling Accident Claims Possible?
Manual handling accidents are unfortunately common, especially in industries like retail, construction, healthcare, and logistics. You may be entitled to claim compensation if your employer did not do enough to keep you safe. Generally, you must prove that:
Your employer owed you a duty of care, i.e. you were employed and working at the time of your accident.
A breach of that duty caused you to be involved in an accident.
You suffered an injury as a result of that breach (for example, a back injury, hernia, or muscular strain).
If any of these circumstances led to your injury, whether it happened in a warehouse near Heathrow, a supermarket in Croydon, or during an office move in Canary Wharf, you could have grounds to claim. Therefore, why not contact us today to check your options for free?
Common Manual Handling Accidents
Manual handling accidents can happen anywhere, from building sites in Hackney to hospitals in Chelsea. Here are some incidents often caused by employer negligence:
Lifting or carrying too-heavy loads: Moving boxes, crates, or equipment without assistance or machinery.
Awkward or repetitive movements: Twisting while lifting, or repeatedly carrying loads during long shifts.
Trips and slips: Obstacles or spillages left in walkways force staff to take unsafe shortcuts with loads.
Dropped objects: Carrying bulky items that block your view or make it impossible to hold safely.
Inadequate rest breaks: Insufficient time to recover leads to fatigue and increased risk of accidents.
Lack of risk assessments: Employers must check if lifting can be reduced and whether machinery or tools can replace any lifting.
Every London workplace, must follow proper procedures to keep you safe. If you’re hurt at work and suspect any of these factors played a part, you may have the right to start an accident at work claim. So, why not give us a call today?
Reviews Of Our Service
Meet Our Personal Injury Solicitors
Patrick Mallon
Patrick is the head of our personal injury claims department. He has been qualified as a solicitor for over 20 years and strives to get the very best result for his clients.
Emma Pomfret
Emma is a Chartered Legal Executive with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about helping people claim compensation after suffering harm in car crashes
How We Can Help
Making a manual handling accident claim may seem daunting, especially if you’re focused on recovery or worried about confronting your employer. That’s where Personal Injury Solicitors London steps in: we handle every step, from initial consultation through to settlement or court proceedings.
Here’s what you can expect:
Free initial assessment: We’ll review your circumstances confidentially and honestly assess your case.
Building your case: Our solicitors gather essential evidence, from accident reports to medical assessments, to prove your employer’s liability.
Making your claim: We submit your compensation claim and negotiate directly with insurers or your employer’s representatives.
Supporting you throughout: We give advice about medical care, rehabilitation, and can help protect you from unfair treatment for claiming.
If your claim is successful, you could receive compensation for pain, lost earnings, medical expenses, and more.
Common Injuries Caused By Manual Handling Accidents
Injuries from manual handling can be immediate or develop over time. Some of the most frequently seen injuries include:
Back injuries such as slipped discs or muscle strains.
Hernias caused by overexertion.
Shoulder and arm strains.
Hand, foot or knee injuries from awkward lifting or dropping heavy items.
Chronic pain from repetitive movement injuries.
It’s important to seek medical attention after any accident, this not only aids your recovery but also provides crucial evidence.
Time Limits For Manual Handling Claims
For most manual handling accident claims, you must start your case within three years of your accident date or the date of your injury. However, some manual handling injuries can develop over time. In this scenario, your 3-year limitation period starts from the date your injury was diagnosed (your date of knowledge).
Evidence To Support Manual Handling Injury Claims
It is important to provide as much evidence as you can when presenting your case to your employer’s insurers. Examples of evidence that can help include:
CCTV Footage – Visual proof of the accident.
Witness Statements – Independent accounts confirm events.
Accident Book Entry – Official record of the incident.
Photographs of Scene – Shows hazards or conditions.
Medical Records – Documents injuries sustained.
Evidence of Previous Complaints/Reports – To prove that your employer hadn’t made changes.
Don’t be too concerned if you don’t have all of this evidence yet. If your claim is accepted, a solicitor from our team may be able to secure further evidence on your behalf.
FAQs About Manual Handling Accident Claims
What if my manual handling accident happened while I was working as a temporary or agency worker?
You might still be eligible to make a claim even if you were working through an agency or on a temporary contract at the time of the accident. Responsibility for your safety at work could fall to either the agency or the company where you were working, depending on who controlled your work environment and health and safety precautions.
Can I claim if the injury developed over time rather than from a specific accident?
You could potentially make a manual handling claim if your injury developed gradually from repeated lifting, carrying, or other manual tasks. The success of your claim might depend on proving that your employer did not take reasonable steps to prevent long-term injuries such as these.
What kind of compensation could I receive for a manual handling injury?
The amount you might recover could vary, depending on the seriousness of your injury, how long you have been affected, and whether you’ve lost earnings or had extra expenses. Compensation could also sometimes include payments for future medical needs or care.
How long might it take to resolve a manual handling accident claim?
The time a claim takes might differ greatly—some straightforward cases could resolve within a few months, while more complex situations involving serious injuries or disputes about liability might take a year or longer to settle.