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Case study · Accident at work
£17,000 Compensation for Leg Injuries Caused by Faulty Work Equipment
Our client was working on site when faulty equipment failed without warning and a heavy load fell onto both of their legs. They suffered broken bones and severe ligament damage, spent about a week in hospital and still live with reduced mobility. Their employer was responsible for the unsafe equipment, and NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, secured £17,000 in compensation.
How a workplace equipment failure led to a successful accident at work claim, and what it means if you've been hurt the same way.
- Claim type
- Accident at work
- Cause
- Faulty workplace equipment
- Injuries
- Broken bones and severe ligament damage to both legs
- Hospital stay
- About a week
- Who was at fault
- The employer, for failing to maintain safe equipment
What happened
Our client was carrying out their normal duties on site when a piece of essential workplace equipment suddenly malfunctioned. With no warning, a heavy load fell directly onto both of their legs.
Whether it's new or well used, workplace equipment should be safe and reliable. When it isn't, the consequences can be life-changing.
The injuries
The accident caused serious injuries that needed hospital treatment and continue to affect our client's daily life.
- Broken bones in the legs
- Severe ligament damage
- A hospital stay of around a week
- Long-term mobility problems and ongoing pain
Why the claim succeeded
Employers must make sure the equipment their staff use is safe, properly maintained and fit for purpose. This claim succeeded because the evidence showed that duty wasn't met, and that our client wasn't to blame.
- The equipment wasn't safeThe failure was caused by poor maintenance or defective equipment, which is the employer's responsibility.
- Our client wasn't at faultThe accident investigation confirmed our client had been using the equipment correctly.
- Fault rested with the employerThe employer had failed to meet its safety obligations and equipment standards.
- The injuries were seriousFractures and ligament damage needed significant treatment and rehabilitation, with a lasting effect on our client's mobility, daily life and work.
- The outcomeCompensation of £17,000.
Every claim is different, and the outcome of a past case doesn't guarantee the outcome of yours.
What this case shows about faulty equipment claims
If you've been injured by equipment that failed at work, these are the points that matter most.
Equipment must be safe and maintained
Employers must provide work equipment that's suitable for the job and kept in good working order, under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Lifting equipment needs checking
Equipment used to lift loads must be strong and stable enough and regularly examined by a competent person, under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
Following procedures helps your claim
If you were using the equipment correctly when it failed, that strengthens your claim. You may still be able to claim even if you were partly to blame.
Your employer's insurer pays
Employers must have employers' liability insurance by law, so compensation is paid by their insurer rather than out of your employer's own pocket.
Injured at work? Find out if you can claim
Whether your injury is serious or minor, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.
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Faulty equipment claims: FAQs
Can I claim if faulty equipment caused my injury at work?
Yes, you may be able to. Employers must provide safe, suitable and properly maintained equipment. If equipment fails because it was defective or poorly maintained and you're injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on how serious your injuries are, how long they affect you and what they've cost you, such as lost earnings and treatment. In this case, our client received £17,000. See our accident at work claims page for typical compensation ranges.
What if I was following safety procedures?
That strengthens your claim. If you were using the equipment correctly and it failed because it was faulty or poorly maintained, responsibility usually lies with your employer.
What evidence helps a faulty equipment claim?
Useful evidence includes an accident book entry or incident report, photos of the equipment and your injuries, witness details, maintenance or inspection records, and your medical records. Don't worry if you don't have everything; we can help gather it.
Will claiming against my employer affect my job?
Employers must have employers' liability insurance, so compensation is paid by their insurer. Most employers understand that a claim is a normal part of how injuries at work are dealt with. If you're worried about how your employer will react, talk to us and we'll explain your options.
Is there a time limit for an accident at work claim?
You usually have three years from the date of your accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children and people who lack mental capacity, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago.
Injured by faulty equipment at work?
Talk to our accident at work team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.