At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we recently helped a client secure £5,500 in compensation after he was injured by a reversing forklift truck while visiting a builders’ merchant.
Although the accident happened while he was collecting materials for work, the claim was not brought against his employer. Instead, it was pursued as a public liability claim against the builders’ merchant responsible for the safety of its premises.
The Forklift Truck Accident
Our client, a 53-year-old man from Nottingham, attended a builders’ merchant to collect supplies on behalf of his employer.
While walking through the designated customer area, a forklift truck reversed into him, trapping his left foot and ankle beneath the vehicle. The impact pulled off his trainer and caused painful injuries to his foot and ankle.
Following the accident, he contacted our personal injury solicitors for advice about making a compensation claim.
Why Was This a Public Liability Claim?
Businesses that invite customers, contractors and visitors onto their premises have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep them safe.
In this case, the builders’ merchant failed to properly protect customers from the risks posed by moving forklift trucks within the yard.
Because the forklift truck driver was carrying out their duties as an employee of the builders’ merchant, the business was legally responsible for the accident.
After we investigated the circumstances, the builders’ merchant’s insurers accepted liability and admitted that the accident had been caused by failures on the premises.
The Injuries Sustained
To support the claim, we obtained independent medical evidence from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.
The medical evidence confirmed that our client had suffered:
- A fracture to his left big toe
- Soft tissue injuries to his left foot and ankle
- Ongoing pain and reduced flexibility
Although he was able to return to work after around a week, he continued to experience discomfort during physically demanding activities for some time afterwards.
How We Helped
Our personal injury team guided our client through every stage of the claims process, explaining the legal process in plain English and obtaining the medical evidence needed to support his claim.
As our client did not suffer any loss of earnings or incur significant financial expenses, we focused on ensuring the compensation reflected the pain, discomfort and lasting effects of his injuries.
By presenting clear medical evidence and negotiating with the insurer, we were able to secure a fair settlement without the need for court proceedings.
The Outcome
Following negotiations with the builders’ merchant’s insurers, we secured £5,500 in compensation for our client.
The settlement recognised the injuries he sustained, together with the impact the accident had on his daily life while he recovered.
Injured in a Public Place?
If you’ve been injured because a business, shop, supermarket, builders’ merchant or other organisation failed to keep its premises safe, you may be entitled to make a public liability compensation claim.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our experienced personal injury solicitors help people recover compensation following accidents on business premises, in public places and at commercial properties. We will explain your legal options clearly, investigate the circumstances of your accident and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
To speak to one of our specialist personal injury solicitors, contact Oliver & Co Solicitors today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, no-obligation discussion about your circumstances.
