A manual handling injury claim allows workers who have sustained injuries while performing physical tasks at work to seek compensation if the accident resulted from employer negligence. Employers have a legal duty to provide proper training, risk assessments, and equipment to minimise the risks associated with manual handling.

Who Can Make a Manual Handling Injury Claim?

✔ Factory, warehouse, and construction workers – Lifting and moving heavy materials without proper equipment or training.
✔ Healthcare professionals – Injuries from lifting or assisting patients in hospitals, care homes, or clinics.
✔ Retail and hospitality staff – Strains from lifting stock, handling deliveries, or repetitive tasks.
✔ Office workers – Injuries from moving heavy office equipment or furniture.
✔ Delivery drivers and transport workers – Injuries caused by heavy lifting while loading or unloading goods.

If you have suffered an injury due to an unsafe working environment or lack of training, our solicitors will assess your case and guide you through the claims process.

Common Causes of Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling injuries occur in various work settings, often due to employer negligence or failure to provide a safe workplace. Our legal team investigates the cause of the injury to establish liability and secure fair compensation.

Most Common Manual Handling Injuries

✔ Back injuries – Strains, sprains, or spinal injuries caused by incorrect lifting techniques.
✔ Shoulder and neck injuries – Damage to muscles or joints due to excessive strain.
✔ Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) – Continuous movements leading to long-term pain and discomfort.
✔ Herniated discs – Serious spinal injuries from sudden or repetitive heavy lifting.
✔ Fractures and broken bones – Falls or dropped objects resulting in serious injuries.
✔ Soft tissue injuries – Sprains and muscle tears due to overexertion.

Steps to Take After a Manual Handling Injury

Taking immediate action after a workplace injury can strengthen your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our solicitors provide expert guidance on the necessary steps to build a strong case.

What to Do After a Manual Handling Injury

✔ Seek medical attention – Obtain a medical assessment to document your injuries.
✔ Report the incident – Inform your employer or supervisor and ensure it is recorded in the workplace accident book.
✔ Gather evidence – Take photos of the accident location, any unsafe working conditions, and your injuries.
✔ Collect witness statements – Coworkers can provide crucial testimony to support your claim.
✔ Keep a record of expenses – Maintain documentation of medical bills, lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs.
✔ Consult our solicitors – Our legal team will assess your case and begin the claims process.

How to Make a Manual Handling Injury Claim

To successfully claim compensation, you must prove that your injury resulted from employer negligence, such as lack of training, improper risk assessments, or failure to provide lifting aids. Our solicitors manage the entire legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Key Stages in a Manual Handling Injury Claim

✔ Initial consultation – Our solicitors assess your case and advise on your legal options.
✔ Investigating liability – Gathering evidence to prove employer negligence.
✔ Medical and workplace documentation – Strengthening your claim with expert reports.
✔ Submitting the claim – Filing the claim with the responsible party or their insurance provider.
✔ Negotiating a settlement – Ensuring fair compensation for all damages.
✔ Litigation if required – If a fair settlement is not reached, our legal team represents you in court.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed for Manual Handling Injuries?

Compensation aims to cover various losses resulting from the injury, ensuring that workers receive financial relief for medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term suffering.

Types of Compensation Available

✔ General damages – Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
✔ Medical expenses – Covering hospital visits, treatments, and rehabilitation costs.
✔ Loss of earnings – Reimbursement for wages lost due to time off work.
✔ Future loss of earnings – If the injury impacts long-term work capacity.
✔ Care and support – Physiotherapy, counselling, or home adjustments.
✔ Travel expenses – Costs related to medical visits and treatment.
✔ Special damages – Covering additional financial losses directly caused by the injury.

Time Limits for Manual Handling Injury Claims in Ireland

Workers injured due to manual handling accidents must file their claims within the legal timeframe. In Ireland, the standard time limit is two years from the date of the accident.

Important Deadlines to Consider

✔ Report the incident immediately – Delays in reporting may weaken your claim.
✔ Seek legal advice early – The sooner our solicitors assess your case, the stronger your claim.
✔ File within the two-year limit – Claims made after this period may be invalid.

Challenges in Manual Handling Injury Claims

While many manual handling injury claims are straightforward, some cases encounter legal or evidential difficulties. Our solicitors specialise in overcoming challenges to secure fair compensation.

Common Issues in Manual Handling Injury Claims

✔ Employer disputes liability – Companies may argue that safety measures were in place.
✔ Lack of witness statements – Missing evidence can complicate claims.
✔ Insurance company resistance – Insurers may attempt to minimise compensation.
✔ Pre-existing conditions – Employers may claim the injury was not work-related.

Our legal team ensures thorough preparation to address these challenges effectively.

Why Choose Our Solicitors for Manual Handling Injury Claims?

✔ Expert workplace injury solicitors – Specialised experience in manual handling claims.
✔ Comprehensive case management – Handling all legal processes for a stress-free experience.
✔ Maximising compensation – Ensuring fair compensation for all financial losses and suffering.

Contact Our Solicitors for Expert Legal Advice

If you have suffered a manual handling injury at work, our solicitors can help you secure fair compensation.

Contact our solicitors today to discuss your manual handling injury claim in Ireland.