If you were hurt lifting, carrying or moving something at work because you weren't given proper training, help or equipment, you can usually claim compensation, with no upfront fees.
A manual handling claim is a claim for compensation for an injury caused by lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling at work, where your employer didn't take proper steps to protect you.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (NI) 1992 set out what employers must do to reduce the risk of injury from handling loads at work, including assessing the risks.
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.
You can claim for an injury caused by repeated lifting, not just one accident. The three-year time limit usually starts when you first knew the injury was serious enough to claim for and linked to your work.

These injuries can take time to heal, and some cause lasting damage. See a doctor and get legal advice as early 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're hurt while lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving something as part of your job.
Yes. While it's best to report it as soon as possible, we can still help even if there was a delay in reporting.
You can still claim for repetitive strain or wear-and-tear injuries caused by ongoing unsafe practices at work.
Yes. Medical reports are key in proving the extent of your injury. We'll help you get what you need.
If you weren't given the proper support, equipment, or training, your employer may still be held responsible.
Common injuries include back pain, slipped discs, hernias, shoulder strain, and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident or when the injury became apparent.
Yes. Returning to work doesn't stop you from making a valid claim for the injury and any financial loss.
Yes. Even if you're not a full-time employee, you still have rights, and we can help you pursue compensation.
You may still be able to claim if unsafe working conditions, poor training, or lack of help contributed to the accident.
Yes. Employers have a duty to manage workloads responsibly and provide a safe environment. Overexertion may be grounds for a claim.
Seek medical attention, report the injury to your employer, and note any witnesses or unsafe conditions.
Possibly. An independent medical assessment helps support your claim and shows how your injury affects your life.
Most claims are resolved through negotiation. If court is necessary, we'll represent and support you fully.
Yes. If your injury or the circumstances around it caused anxiety or stress, these may be considered in your claim.
No. Even seemingly minor injuries can have lasting effects. If it has impacted your health or income, it's worth exploring.
Yes. You can include the cost of ongoing care, rehab, and time off work in your compensation claim.
That's common. We'll investigate your case, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Usually your employer's insurer. Employers in Northern Ireland must hold employer's liability insurance, so compensation doesn't come out of their own pocket.
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 specialises in legal services relating to Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients.
Contact us today to arrange your FREE initial consultation relating to any of the above matters.
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