£112,500 Hand Injury Settlement Secured After Machine Safety Failure at Work

Forbes Solicitors has secured a £112,500 settlement for a Claimant who suffered a life-changing hand injury while operating machinery at work.

The incident highlights the serious consequences that can arise when safety mechanisms fail and the legal complexities that can follow in pursuing compensation.

The accident occurred in 2024 while the Claimant was working alone as a labourer.

During the course of their work, the Claimant was operating a machine fitted with safety features designed to stop the mechanism if a guard was lifted.

However, on this occasion, the safety system failed.

Ordinarily, the machine would stop automatically if the guard was lifted; or if the stop lever was activated.

In this case, neither safety feature functioned as intended. As a result, the Claimant’s hand became trapped in the machine, causing severe and life-changing injuries.

Following the accident, the Claimant instructed Forbes Solicitors to pursue a personal injury claim.

When the Defendant’s insurers were contacted, they accepted primary liability for the accident. However, they raised allegations of contributory negligence. This was based on the argument that the Claimant had originally supplied the machine to their employer and bore some responsibility for its servicing and maintenance.

The insurers also made an early settlement offer. Such offers can sometimes place Claimants under pressure to resolve claims quickly, particularly where there is a risk that contributory negligence could significantly reduce compensation.

In this case, there was a real risk that any finding of contributory negligence could be substantial; and despite the seriousness of the injury, the Claimant had adapted and was managing day-to-day activities reasonably well.

Taking these factors into account, and following expert legal advice, the Claimant agreed to accept the offer.

The claim was successfully concluded by John Bennett, a specialist Personal Injury solicitor at Forbes Solicitors.

The case settled for £112,500, providing the Claimant with compensation for their injuries and the impact on their life.

How Forbes Solicitors Can Help You

Our expert no win, no fee solicitors will discuss your personal injury claim with you and ascertain whether you have a viable claim and a strong chance of success. We offer services nationwide. We can offer consultations by telephone or video call, or in any of our branches across the UK. Our no-win, no-fee solicitors will focus on recovering maximum compensation for your injuries quickly.

If you have experienced an injury at work or need legal guidance, our team is here to help. For more information or to discuss your case, contact our Personal Injury division.