WHAT IS A MACHINERY ACCIDENT CLAIM?
When a workplace machine causes you harm, the law is firmly on your side.
A machinery accident claim is a personal injury claim against your employer when faulty, unguarded or badly maintained work equipment injures you. Common causes include missing safety guards, equipment that jams or malfunctions, no proper training, the wrong PPE, or a machine left running during cleaning or a repair. The injuries are often serious – crushing, entanglement, deep lacerations, broken bones or the loss of fingers or a limb.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), your employer has a strict duty to keep machinery safe, properly maintained and correctly guarded. If they fall short and you're hurt, you may be able to claim. Use our personal injury claim calculator for a quick estimate, or read more about a wider accident at work claim to see how your case fits.
What you can claim for
Amputation & loss
Compensation for lost fingers, hands or limbs and prosthetics.
Crush & fractures
Crushing injuries and broken bones from heavy or moving parts.
Lacerations & burns
Deep cuts, degloving and burns from blades, friction or heat.
Lost earnings
Wages lost while you recover, plus future loss if you can't return.
Care & adaptations
Rehab, ongoing care and changes to your home or vehicle.
Pain & trauma
Physical pain and the psychological impact, such as PTSD.
You may have a claim if…
You were injured by machinery or work equipment in the last 3 years
Your employer breached a safety duty – e.g. no guard, no training, poor maintenance
The accident wasn't entirely your own fault
You were working in England or Wales when it happened
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a free, no-obligation chat – call or send a message.
02
We investigate
We gather evidence: PUWER records, maintenance logs, witnesses and medical reports.
03
We build your case
We handle the insurer and negotiate the best settlement, keeping you updated throughout.
04
You’re compensated
Your claim settles and your compensation is paid, with no fee owed if we don't win.
Machinery accident claim FAQs
Is a machinery accident claim really No Win, No Fee?+
Yes. We take genuine machinery accident claims on a No Win, No Fee basis (a Conditional Fee Agreement), so there's nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay us if your claim doesn't succeed. If you win, a success fee of up to 25% of your compensation is deducted – we'll explain the exact figure clearly before you sign anything.
How long do I have to make a claim?+
In most cases you have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a claim in England and Wales. There are exceptions – for example, claims for children run from their 18th birthday – but it's best to act early while evidence and maintenance records still exist.
Will claiming affect my job?+
It shouldn't. Your claim is paid by your employer's compulsory employers' liability insurance, not out of their own pocket, and the law protects you from being dismissed or treated unfairly for making a genuine claim. If your employer did victimise you for claiming, you may have a separate case against them.
What if the accident was partly my fault?+
You can still claim. If you were partly to blame, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility – this is called contributory negligence – but it usually doesn't stop you claiming altogether. Speak to us and we'll give you an honest view.
How much compensation could I get?+
Every case is different, so we can't promise a figure. The amount depends on how serious your injury is, the effect on your life and work, and your financial losses. As a guide, Judicial College guidelines value the loss of an index finger in the region of several thousand pounds, while a serious hand injury can be much higher – a solicitor should review the facts to give you a realistic range.
What evidence do I need for a machinery accident claim?+
Helpful evidence includes photos of the machine and your injuries, the accident book entry, names of witnesses, your medical records and any maintenance or training records. Don't worry if you don't have all of it – part of our job is obtaining PUWER and maintenance documents from your employer for you.
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