Being hurt in an accident at work can have consequences that go far beyond the initial injury. Not only can you face a long recovery, but the strain of losing out on income can take its own emotional toll. While compensation can help, you may feel unsure about your rights as an employee to make a claim. You shouldn’t have to face this uncertainty, but our scissor lift accident claim case study can give you the answers you need.
In this case study, you will find out how a warehouse worker suffered multiple severe injuries because their manager failed to act on a risk assessment that highlighted faults with a scissor lift. Working with elevated work platforms like scissor lifts can pose a real danger, so it’s not surprising that falls from height accounted for 35 fatal workplace accidents between 2024 and 2025. Please note that the case study was created for illustrative purposes.
4.8 (466 reviews) Thomas’ £50,000 Payout For A Scissor Lift Accident Claim
Thomas worked in a warehouse that distributed building supplies. One day, his manager instructed him to use a scissor lift to get some stock down from a high shelf. As he used the lift to elevate himself, he leaned on the guardrail to reach the shelf. This rail was unstable and came off its hinges, leading Thomas to fall from a height of around 15ft.
The fall left Thomas with multiple injuries, including head trauma, a fractured forearm, and psychological harm in the form of an anxiety disorder. He had to take 6 months off work as he could not perform his manual job.
Subsequently, Thomas reached out to a specialist No Win No Fee solicitor to determine if they could make a personal injury claim. He received a total compensation award of £50,000 for both his injuries and the financial losses he suffered.
You can keep reading to learn more about Thomas’ scissor lift accident claim, or contact our advisors to discuss your own situation directly.
How Thomas’ Scissor Lift Accident Was Caused By Negligence
Thomas’ scissor lift accident was caused by his employer’s negligent failure to make appropriate repairs to the platform despite being aware that it posed a danger to workers. Before the accident, a risk assessment had identified that a guardrail on the scissor lift was loose. However, warehouse management delayed repairs as a cost-saving measure, but didn’t pull the scissor lift from service.
This meant Thomas’ employer breached the duty of care owed to him, as they should have taken measures to address the danger posed by the lift. At the time of the accident, Thomas’ employer had a responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure his safety, health, and well-being. This is referred to as a duty of care, which is established under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA).
If you’re not sure whether your employer is liable, you can speak with our advisors today to discuss the circumstances of your potential scissor lift accident claim.
How Was Thomas’ Scissor Lift Accident Compensation Calculated?
To calculate Thomas’ scissor accident compensation, 2 types of damages had to be considered: General and special damages. In successful accident at work claims, general damages are always awarded, as they account for the suffering and pain that resulted from injury. Solicitors can assess these damages by using the Judicial College Guidelines, a text that publishes suggested compensation brackets for various injuries.
Where an injury has a financial impact, then special damages can be claimed for if there is evidence of the losses. In Thomas’ case, he had suffered a significant loss of earnings and had paid out-of-pocket for medical expenses, specifically physiotherapy. He needed invoices and payslips to prove these losses.
We have included a table below to break down Thomas’ compensation. You are also welcome to speak with our advisors for a free case assessment to see if you can make a scissor lift accident claim.
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4.8 (466 reviews) No Win No Fee Workplace Injury Claims With Legal Expert
Here at Legal Expert, our experienced solicitors have provided tailored support in No Win No Fee workplace injury claims across the country. If you have an eligible case, one of them could help your scissor lift accident claim by expertly negotiating a settlement on your behalf and gathering whatever evidence is needed.
All our solicitors work under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), meaning they never charge a service fee for their work, either:
- Before the case begins
- While the claims process is ongoing
- If no compensation is awarded
Should you receive accident at work compensation, you would owe a success fee to your solicitor. This is a percentage of the compensation that is bound by a legal cap, so you keep the largest share for yourself.
Contact Us
Our advisors are available 24/7 if you would like to enquire about making your own scissor lift accident claim. They are happy to help with your questions, so why not get in touch for free, expert advice:
- Ring 0800 073 8804
- Fill out our contact us form
- Use our live chat service
More Information
Read some of our other case study guides:
- Learn about a sciatic nerve lesion case
- Visit our electric shock case guide
- Find out about a broken finger compensation claim
External links:
- NHS guidance on administering first aid
- Read advice on working with mobile elevating work platforms from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Learn about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in this government resource
Thank you for reading this case study of a scissor lift accident claim.