If you were hurt by a forklift, machine or other work equipment because it was faulty, unguarded or used without proper training, you can usually claim compensation, with no upfront fees.
It's a claim for compensation for an injury caused by machinery, a forklift or other work equipment, where your employer or another company didn't take proper steps to keep you safe.
You can usually claim whether you were operating the equipment or working nearby when someone else was.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (NI) 1999 require equipment to be suitable, safely maintained, fitted with the right safety measures, and used only by people who have been trained.
Lifting equipment, including forklift trucks, is also covered by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (NI) 1999.
In Northern Ireland, a breach of health and safety regulations that causes an injury can be the basis of a claim in its own right, under Article 43 of the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, unless the regulations say otherwise.
If the equipment was faulty, the Employer's Liability (Defective Equipment and Compulsory Insurance) (NI) Order 1972 treats your injury as your employer's fault, even if the fault came from the manufacturer.
Three years from the date of the accident in most cases, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.
These injuries can be severe or life-changing. Get legal advice as soon as you can.
You pay nothing to start your claim and nothing while it runs.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims, from first advice through to court if it comes to that.
If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
Our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed.
We'll look at what happened and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. There's no pressure to go ahead.
Workplace claims are run by Paul Kearney, a solicitor advocate and former barrister, with trainee solicitor John Deeney.
We help clients across Northern Ireland, in person or by phone, email or video.
It's a legal claim for compensation if you were injured while using, operating, or working near workplace equipment like forklifts, presses, or other industrial machines.
Yes. If someone else's actions or faulty equipment caused your injury, you may still be eligible to make a claim.
You could have a strong case. Employers are legally responsible for maintaining equipment and ensuring it's safe to use.
No. We gather the evidence, including accident reports, maintenance records and witness statements.
Possibly. You may still be able to claim compensation, though the amount may be adjusted based on shared responsibility.
Crush injuries, broken bones, head injuries, amputations, spinal trauma, and deep cuts are all common and can be serious or life-changing.
Yes. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. If the injured person is under 18, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday.
Yes. If the accident caused lasting emotional or mental distress, we can include this as part of your claim.
Medical evidence is a key part of your case. We'll help arrange any necessary assessments and guide you through what's needed.
Most claims are settled outside of court. If yours does go to court, we'll handle all the legal work and represent you throughout.
Yes. You still have rights. Employers and site managers must ensure a safe working environment regardless of your employment status.
Lack of training is a common cause of forklift and machinery injuries. If your employer failed to provide training, you may have a valid claim.
Yes. You may be able to claim against a third-party company responsible for safety on the site.
You can claim for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, future care, and any other financial impact caused by your injury.
Yes. The claim is made against your employer and dealt with by their insurer. Employers in Northern Ireland must hold employer's liability insurance, so compensation doesn't come out of their own pocket.
Yes. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
No win, no fee agreements aren't permitted in Northern Ireland. Instead there are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
Nothing. Your first conversation with us is free and there are no upfront fees.
Yes. If you're unhappy with your current legal support, we'll handle the transfer process at no cost.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims. There are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
Kearney Law Group Ltd is a solicitors' practice regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI663222. Registered office: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR.
Kearney Law Group only handles personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
We act for clients across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Craigavon and Bangor. See all the areas we cover.
Contact us to arrange your free first conversation.
Belfast: Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
02890 912 938
Derry: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR
02871 362 299
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
