What are vehicle related work accidents?
Vehicles in the workplace present a serious accident risk. In fact, across Scotland they are one of the major causes of fatal and serious injuries. However, such incidents are always avoidable. By taking simple safeguarding measures, employers can help ensure that workers remain safe and protected.
Can I make a vehicle related work accident claim?
If your employer has failed to take adequate steps to protect you from harm and you have been struck by a moving vehicle in the workplace, Thompsons' catastrophic injury solicitors in Scotland can help you claim compensation for your pain, suffering, lost earnings and medical expenses.
Similarly, if you are a direct family member, spouse or partner of someone who has sustained fatal injury as a result of being struck by a moving vehicle, Thompsons can help you ensure that you receive recognition for your loss as well as sums to compensate you for the loss of the deceased party's income.
Emma Wheelhouse
Emma Wheelhouse
"We ensure that all the losses are included and properly valued."
What are my employer's obligations when it comes to vehicle safety?
All employers have a duty to protect employees, visitors, and contractors from harm in the workplace as far as is reasonably practicable. This duty is enshrined in many pieces of legislation including::
- The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act)
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015
- Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995
What causes someone to be struck by a vehicle in the workplace?
There are many situations in which an individual may be harmed by a vehicle in the workplace. These include the following:
- The driver was temporarily unfit to drive the vehicle.
- The driver's competency was inadequately assessed.
- The employer failed to properly communicate risks and safety measures.
- Inadequate or unsuitable safety training.
- Unsuitable driving surface.
- Employees were not properly separated from loading or unloading vehicles.
- Inadequate traffic routes for vehicles to manoeuvre and pass.
- Inadequate signposting.
- Unsuitable vehicle speed.
Typically, the causes of moving vehicle accidents in the workplace are as a result of a combination of factors, so it is important that an experienced workplace accident solicitor is engaged in order to understand the laws relating to work accident claims.
What are the most common injuries when struck by a vehicle?
Thompsons Solicitors in Scotland can help you claim compensation for a serious or catastrophic injury sustained as a result of being hit by a moving vehicle in the workplace. We have expertise ensuring compensation for clients claiming for the following:
- Head and brain injuries.
- Neck, back and spinal cord injuries.
- Loss of limb injuries.
- Injuries which later require limb or body part amputation.
- Nerve damage.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What are the statistics when it comes to being struck by a moving vehicle?
According to Health and Safety Statistics for 2018/19:
- Being struck by a moving vehicle was one of just five different types of accident responsible for 75 percent of all fatal workplace injuries
- In total, this type of accident caused 30 fatalities across the reporting year 2018/19.
Can I make a fatal accident claim for a loved one?
If you have lost someone close to you as a result of them being struck by a moving vehicle in the workplace, Thompsons fatal accident solicitors in Scotland can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Parties who may be able to claim include:
- A spouse or former spouse.
- A civil partner or former civil partner.
- A cohabitee (if you have been living as a couple for two years).
- A parent or ascendant.
- A biological child or non-biological dependent child.
- A brother, sister, uncle or aunt.
Can Thompsons help me make a vehicle accident claim?
Thompsons has dedicated departments for both serious and fatal accident claims and can help you achieve civil justice if you or someone close to you has suffered as a result of being struck by a moving vehicle in the workplace.
We are regarded by many as being the leading personal injury firm in Scotland. Each week we secure our clients over £1million in compensation, winning around 90 percent of the cases we take on.
Read more about making a claim on our FAQS for Serious and Fatal Injury Claims page.
Our No Win, No Fee model protects you from all financial risk associated with making a claim, you can undertake the process with confidence. We serve clients from all over Scotland and have offices in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Peebles and Galashiels.
Talk to Thompsons today for a no-obligation assessment of your case.
