At Thompsons Solicitors, we stand by workers who have suffered due to unsafe working conditions. In this case, we successfully secured an £8,500 settlement for a UNISON member who sustained injuries while carrying out his duties in a distribution centre.

The Incident

The accident occurred on 30th November 2022 while the worker was loading cages onto a vehicle at his workplace. As he was manoeuvring a Low-Level Order Picker (LLOP) onto the loading plate, the plate unexpectedly dropped, causing the LLOP to crash into the back of the vehicle. This resulted in injuries to his left thigh and neck.

Despite the employer denying liability and claiming no fault with the loading tail, witness statements from colleagues confirmed that similar incidents had happened before, indicating a systemic issue.

The Legal Process

Thompsons Solicitors took swift action by:

• Gathering witness statements confirming that the issue with the loading plate was ongoing.
• Raising court proceedings in the All Scotland Personal Injury Court to hold the employer accountable.
• Securing medical reports from orthopaedic experts, which confirmed that while the worker’s neck symptoms would likely resolve within two years, they had caused significant discomfort and disruption to his daily life.

Initially, the employer’s insurers offered £4,500, which was rejected as it failed to reflect the full impact of the injuries. Following negotiations, the claim was successfully settled for £8,500, ensuring the worker received fair compensation.

Quote from Seonaid Brophy, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors

"This case highlights the importance of workplace safety and holding employers accountable for known hazards. Our client suffered due to an issue that should have been resolved long before his accident. We are proud to have secured a fair settlement that reflects his pain and suffering, reinforcing the need for safer working conditions in warehouses across Scotland."

Lessons Learned

This case underscores the critical need for safety measures in warehouses, particularly in loading and distribution environments. Employers must ensure:

• Regular inspections of equipment such as loading plates to prevent sudden failures.
• Comprehensive risk assessments to address potential hazards.
• Prompt action on employee concerns regarding unsafe working conditions.

If you or a colleague have suffered an injury at work, Thompsons Solicitors can help. Contact our No Win No Fee team on 0800 0891 331 for expert legal advice.