Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by tanya

How To Claim For A Pallet Truck Accident

Common Injuries, Risks, and Compensation

 

Pallet trucks are essential tools in many workplaces – but accidents can and do happen, so if you’ve been injured at work, here’s how to claim for a pallet truck accident.  There are some common injuries sustained in pallet truck accidents, particularly to feet and hands.

However, they can also lead to a range of different injuries. So, while they’re designed to make moving heavy goods easier, they can also post serious risks. This may particularly be if a pallet truck has not been maintained properly or the correct training for its use has not been provided.

While pallet trucks are used as everyday tools in many workplaces, they can cause injuries if safety protocols aren’t properly followed. Employers have a responsibility to minimise these risks through regular equipment maintenance, adequate staff training, and ensuring a safe working environment.

At First Personal Injury we can help if you’ve suffered from an injury which was not your fault and are considering claiming for compensation for an injury at work.

 

What is a Pallet Truck?

A pallet truck (also known as a pallet jack or pump truck) used to lift and move pallets within a warehouse or similar setting. It is also known as a pump truck or pallet jack and  they come in two main types:

 

• Manual pallet trucks: Operated by hand, using a lever to lift pallets off the ground.
• Powered pallet trucks: Electrically operated, often with a motorised lift and drive function. While this requires less physical effort, it does need careful handling.

 

Though relatively simple in design, both types can cause significant injuries if mishandled or if proper safety precautions are not observed.

 

Common Injuries Sustained in Pallet Truck Accidents

Injuries from pallet truck accidents  may range vary in severity. Here are some of the most frequently reported:

 

Foot Injuries

One of the most common accidents involves the pallet truck running over a worker’s foot. This can happen if the operator loses control, moves the truck without warning others, or if the area is too crowded.

Injuries can range from crushed toes and broken bones to severe soft tissue damage.

 

Hand and Finger Injuries

Operators or nearby workers may trap their hands or fingers in the moving parts of a pallet truck. This is especially risky during loading and unloading. Crush injuries, fractures, and even amputations can occur if safety guards are missing, or correct procedures aren’t followed.

 

Back and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Manual handling remains a significant workplace hazard. Using a manual pallet truck often involves pulling or pushing heavy loads. This may result in strains, sprains, or long-term back problems if proper lifting techniques aren’t used or if the load exceeds safe handling limits.

 

Leg and Knee Injuries

Tripping over the forks of a pallet truck is another common incident. In a fast-paced workplace, like warehouses, it’s easy to overlook the low-profile forks. This may see trips and falls occurring, resulting in  sprained ankles, knee injuries, or fractures.

 

Head and Facial Injuries

Though less frequent, serious head injuries can occur if a worker falls after tripping over a pallet truck or is struck by shifting goods being moved on a truck. Furthermore, in incidents where heavy goods fall from a pallet during transport, they can cause head trauma, facial fractures, or concussions.

 

Crush Injuries

Crush injuries can occur if a person becomes trapped between a pallet truck and a wall, shelving unit, or another vehicle. Powered pallet trucks may cause severe crushing accidents due to their increased force and speed.

 

What Are the Risks Associated with Pallet Trucks?

There are several factors which may increase the likelihood of accidents involving pallet trucks in the workplace:

 

• Inadequate training: Many pallet truck accidents happen because employees aren’t properly trained in how to operate them safely. Or, fail to follow correct manual handling procedures.
• Poor maintenance: Worn-out or faulty equipment increases the risk of malfunction, such as brake failures, hydraulic leaks, or broken wheels.
• Overloading: Exceeding the safe load capacity of a pallet truck can make it unstable. This will heighten the risk of tipping, load shifting, or excessive strain on the operator.
• Unsuitable flooring: Slippery, uneven, or cluttered floors can cause pallet trucks to become unstable or difficult to control.
• Congested work areas: Busy, narrow aisles or areas with poor visibility increase the risk of collisions and trips.
• Fatigue and rushing: In high-pressure environments with tight deadlines, workers may take shortcuts or operate machinery while fatigued. However, this increases the risk of mistakes and accidents.

 

When Can You Make a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident involving a pallet truck and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect employees from foreseeable harm, including providing safe equipment, adequate training, and a hazard-free working environment.

You may have grounds for a claim if:

 

• The equipment was faulty or poorly maintained
• You were not provided with appropriate training or supervision
• Your employer failed to conduct risk assessments
• The workplace was unsafe (e.g., cluttered, slippery, or poorly lit floors)
• You were asked to handle a load beyond safe limits
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) wasn’t supplied or enforced

 

What Can You Claim For?

A personal injury claim may typically cover a range of losses and expenses, including:

 

• Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Loss of earnings if you had to take time off work
• Medical expenses (including physiotherapy, surgery, or prescriptions)
• Travel costs to and from medical appointments

 

How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?

You have three years from the date of the accident, or from when you first became aware of your injury, to start your personal injury claim. There are exceptions for claims involving children or those lacking mental capacity, where different rules apply.

 

What To Do Next

If you’ve suffered an injury in a pallet truck accident at work, your first priority is to seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to your employer.

It is advisable to arrange a consultation with personal injury solicitor who can assess your case and guide you through the claims process.

We specialise in helping individuals affected by workplace negligence. We work with expert lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online for a free, no-obligationn consultation.