Defective Equipment Lawyers — Scotland

Defective Equipment Accidents

Defective equipment accident claims

We all expect that the equipment or tools we use at work are safe and fit for their purpose. Most of the time, that is the case. However, there are occasions when accidents at work happen due to faulty equipment and machinery.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), equipment and tools at work include:

• Machinery like circular saws, drills, mowers, photocopiers, tractors, dumper trucks, and power presses
• Hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, knives, hand saws and meat cleavers
• Lifting machines such as forklifts, cranes, vehicle hoists, lifting slings, elevating work platforms, and bath lifts
• Other equipment such as ladders, scaffolding and water pressure cleaners

Accidents involving equipment and machinery can occur for a variety of reasons, including lack of employee training, inadequate safety equipment, defective equipment and poor maintenance of the equipment. Equipment used in hotels and offices, like computers, printers, kettles and toasters, can also cause work accidents.

Your employer is legally obligated to conduct regular equipment inspections and ensure all employees receive proper training.

Faulty work equipment accidents in industrial workplaces

Some common industrial accidents that can lead to defective work equipment claims are:

• Injuries from improperly guarded machinery – Missing safety features can lead to workers suffering injuries such as crushed limbs, amputations, or lacerations.
• Falls from height due to faulty equipment – Defective or poorly maintained equipment used for working at heights can lead to serious falls. Workers may suffer broken bones, head injuries, or even paralysis if ladders, scaffolding, or lifts fail due to defects or poor maintenance.
• Electric shocks from poorly maintained electrical equipment – Potentially dangerous equipment with faulty wiring, damaged power cords, or inadequate insulation can cause electric burns or electrocution.
• Injuries from defective power tools or hand tools – Broken tools or manufacturing defects can cause serious injuries to workers. Cuts, puncture wounds, or eye injuries are common when defective tools are used.
• Accidents caused by inadequate or missing safety devices – Workers are at risk of injuries when safety devices such as emergency stop buttons, pressure relief valves, or protective guards are missing or not functioning properly.
• Injuries caused by inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) – When employers fail to provide correct personal protective equipment or the provided PPE is defective, workers are at a higher risk of injuries. For example, when working with harmful chemicals, faulty respirators can lead to lung illnesses.

Faulty work equipment accidents in office spaces

Some common office accidents that can lead to defective work claims are:

• Injuries from faulty equipment in the office – Even in office settings, faulty equipment can cause accidents and injuries. For example, a collapsing chair can lead to falls and common injuries such as back pain, sprains, or fractures.
• Accidents involving defective computer equipment – Malfunctioning computers and electronics can cause accidents in the office. For instance, a defective monitor can explode, causing cuts from flying glass or burns from the resulting fire.
• Slips, trips, and falls due to office flooring or stairs – Worn-out carpeting, loose floorboards, or damaged stairs can lead to slips, trips, and falls in the office. These accidents can result in injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, or even broken bones.
• Injuries from kitchen equipment in office breakrooms – Faulty appliances like coffee makers, microwaves, or refrigerators in office kitchens can cause burns, electrocution, or even start fires. Employers must ensure that all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and safe to use.

If you have been involved in an accident at work caused by defective equipment, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with our experienced personal injury solicitors in Scotland, who can advise you on your rights and assist you in claiming compensation.

Making a Successful Claim

Who qualifies for faulty work equipment claims?

If you have suffered an injury due to defective equipment at work within the last three years, you may be eligible to make a faulty work equipment claim. This applies to various individuals who may be working with equipment, such as:

• Operators – Employees who are trained and authorised to use specific work equipment, such as machinery, tools, or vehicles, in their respective workplaces.
• Colleagues – Co-workers who share the same workspace or work in close proximity to the faulty equipment, even if they don’t directly operate it.
• Bystanders – People who are in the area where the defective workplace equipment is being used, such as managers, inspectors, or visitors to the workplace.
• Maintenance staff – Employees responsible for repairing equipment in the workplace may be exposed to faulty machinery during their duties.
• Contractors and subcontractors – External workers hired to perform specific tasks in workplaces with hazardous equipment, such as construction sites or industrial facilities.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a faulty work equipment claim, consult with a qualified solicitor from Watermans today.

How do I make a defective equipment accident claim?

Injuries sustained from the use of defective equipment can be serious, and the recuperation period can be extensive. This may have a financial effect on you and your family through lost income during this time. If you were involved in an accident at work within the last three years due to the negligence of another party, then you are entitled to claim for compensation.

It is important that after your injury, you take these necessary steps to aid your compensation case.

• Seek medical attention – It is important to make sure any injuries sustained from the accident receive immediate medical attention. Medical records and receipts are crucial evidence in your claim further down the line.
• Report the accident – You should notify your employer (and the main contractor if it is on a construction site) as soon as possible. By making a health and safety record of the event, you’re providing yourself with additional proof, making your claim process easier.
• Collect evidence – If possible, take photographs of the faulty equipment and the accident scene. As your solicitor, we can collect medical evidence and the names and contact information of any witnesses who can provide testimony to support your personal injury claim.
• Keep a record of expenses – Keep a record of all expenses incurred due to the accident, including medical bills, transportation costs to and from medical appointments, and any lost earnings resulting from time off work.
• Seek legal advice – Reach out to our experienced personal injury lawyers who specialise in defective equipment claims. They can guide you through the claims process, help gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf to claim the compensation you deserve.

At Watermans, we understand that making a defective equipment injury claim may seem like a daunting task for you. That is why we offer straightforward legal advice, offering guidance and support throughout your compensation claim.

In terms of legal fees, we operate on a no-win, no-fee claim basis. This means that if we don’t win, you don’t pay any solicitors’ fees and can pursue your claim without any financial risk.

Contact our qualified solicitors today to begin your compensation claim so that you can get your life back on track.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect?

How much compensation can I claim for a defective equipment accident?

As with all personal injury claims, each potential compensation amount will differ. In the case of an injury suffered from using defective equipment, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical, rehabilitation and hospital expenses – This includes the cost of any medical treatment required following the workplace accident, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, or hospitalisation.
• Loss of earnings or earning capacity – If your injury has forced you to take time off work or has impacted your ability to perform your job, you can claim for lost wages. This includes both past and future lost earnings.
• Any future expenses as a result of the injury – Some injuries may require long-term treatment or care. In such cases, you can claim the estimated cost of future medical expenses, including anticipated surgeries, medication, or therapy needs.
• Home modification and care expenses – If your injury has left you with a disability that requires modifications to your home or if you need assistance with daily tasks, you can claim these additional costs.
• Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life – An injury can also cause intense physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. You can claim compensation for these losses.

Whatever your defective equipment injury, you can be sure that Watermans will help you make sense of the legally required proceedings. We are committed to helping you achieve a successful claim that accounts for all of your losses caused by defective machinery or equipment.

We also provide a personal injury claim calculator on our website. This tool allows you to get a rough estimate of the amount of compensation you may be entitled to based on your specific injury.

Why Choose Watermans?

Why should I choose Watermans to pursue my defective machinery injury claim?

Watermans makes legal services look and feel easy so people can move forward in life.

Our expert team of defective product solicitors is committed to doing everything to make the claims process straightforward for our clients. We take the hassle from you and fight each defective machinery claim case to secure the maximum compensation.

We also provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment, to ensure you recover from your injuries as soon as possible and get your life back on track.

Experienced Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

Our expertise in personal injury covers a wide range of areas, including accidents at work, public liability claims, road traffic accidents, and fatal and serious injury claim compensation.

We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation for our clients.