When can I claim for a crush injury at work?
A crush injury can happen when a person is caught between moving objects, trapped by machinery, struck by a workplace vehicle or pinned by a load. A claim depends on the facts: the injured person must usually show that someone owed them a duty of care and failed to take reasonable steps to protect them.
Employers should assess risks, provide suitable training and supervision, keep plant and work equipment safe, and separate people from vehicle routes where necessary. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 can be relevant where machinery or equipment is involved.
What evidence is useful?
Report the incident and ask for the accident-book entry. Keep photographs of the area and equipment where safe to do so, the names of witnesses, medical records, payslips and receipts for travel or care. A solicitor can also seek risk assessments, maintenance records, training records and any CCTV before it is overwritten.
How compensation is assessed
Damages are not a fixed tariff for every crush injury. The medical severity, surgery, permanent symptoms, impact on work and any financial losses all matter.
| Loss considered | Examples |
|---|---|
| Injury itself | Fracture, nerve damage, scarring, loss of function or amputation |
| Financial loss | Lost earnings, treatment, travel and help with daily tasks |
| Future needs | Rehabilitation, adapted work, care or future earnings loss |
What should I do now?
Get medical help, make sure the incident is recorded, and avoid signing an insurer's settlement offer without understanding what it covers. The usual court time limit is three years, but exceptions can apply; see our guide to claim time limits.
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Can I claim compensation if a machine crushed my hand at work?
Possibly. The key question is whether the machine was properly guarded, maintained and used with suitable training and supervision. A solicitor can review the equipment records, risk assessment and medical evidence before advising you.
What if I was partly to blame for my crush injury at work?
Being partly responsible does not automatically prevent a claim. Compensation can be reduced to reflect a proven share of responsibility, so it is still worth getting advice on the full facts.
How long do I have to claim for a crush injury at work?
The usual time limit is three years from the accident date. Different rules can apply to children, people who lack capacity and some disease cases, so seek advice as early as possible.
Can I claim if a forklift crushed me at work?
You may be able to if inadequate segregation, training, maintenance, supervision or route planning contributed to the accident. Read our forklift accident guide for the particular safety issues that may arise.
Will I lose my job for claiming after a crush injury?
Your employer should not dismiss or punish you simply for pursuing a genuine personal-injury claim. See our guide on being sacked after a claim for more detail.
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