If you’ve been injured in a factory accident in Northern Ireland, our solicitors can help you understand your rights and start your claim.
Factory Accidents in Northern Ireland
Factories have long played a central role in Northern Ireland’s economy. Jobs in food production, manufacturing, packaging, and logistics remain common in areas like Greater Belfast, Antrim, Mallusk, Craigavon, and Mid Ulster.
While this work supports many households, it often involves risks. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a factory setting, you may be entitled to make a claim.
Types of Factory Accidents & Common Causes
Like in any workplace, employers in factory settings must follow health and safety regulations and take reasonable steps to protect their staff. When they fail to do so, they breach their duty of care.
We’ve seen many cases in Northern Ireland where factory workers have come to us after being injured due to unsafe conditions.
Common examples include:
- Crush injuries – from unguarded machines, forklift incidents, or falling loads.
- Manual handling injuries – due to lifting or moving heavy items without proper training or equipment.
- Slips, trips, and falls – from unguarded machines, forklift incidents, or falling loads.
- Hearing loss – from prolonged exposure to loud machinery without hearing protection.
- Repetitive strain injuries – from tasks like sorting or packing done without breaks.
- Skin conditions and burns – caused by contact with chemicals or hot machinery.
- Falls from height – often involving platforms, ladders, or raised storage areas.
- Entrapment injuries – when clothing or limbs are caught in moving equipment.
- Head injuries – from falling objects or unsafe overhead areas.
Who Can Make a Factory Accident Claim?
If you’ve been injured while working in a factory, you may be able to make a claim. This includes:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Agency or temporary workers
- Contractors working on site
You can claim if the injury was caused by unsafe conditions, poor training, faulty equipment, or another avoidable risk. You may also be able to claim if another worker was responsible and your employer is still legally liable.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim. If you’re acting on behalf of someone else, such as a family member who has died or is unable to claim, different rules may apply.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, we can advise you during a free consultation.
How Much Compensation Could You Claim?
Compensation for a factory accident typically includes general damages for the pain and disruption caused by the injury, and special damages for financial losses such as missed income, medical expenses, and support needs.
The exact amount depends on the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life.
Here are a few compensation guidelines from Northern Ireland’s Green Book, to give you an idea of what your claim might be worth:
- Arm amputation, below the elbow: £110,000 – £120,000
- Leg amputation, below the knee: £175,00 – £300,000
- Moderate back injuries: £20,000 – £60,000
- Serious hand injuries: £80,000 – £170,000
- Vibration white finger: up to £42,000
- Mild hearing loss: up to £20,000
*Please note, these are general figures only. We’ll give you a more accurate estimate once we’ve reviewed your case.
How Our Solicitors Help You Claim
We’ve supported clients from across Northern Ireland, in areas like Antrim, Mallusk and Craigavon, who’ve been injured in factory settings.
Just like them, your claim will start with a free consultation. We’ll take the time to understand what happened, answer your questions, and explain your options clearly.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll:
- Gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness details
- Deal directly with your employer’s insurer
- Arrange medical assessments if needed to support your claim
- Keep you informed throughout, with clear updates at every stage
- Work to reach a fair outcome without unnecessary delays
Garret McCann – Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor
- Garret qualified as a Solicitor in 2010 after graduating from Queens University Belfast in Law.
- Garret also has gained significant experience in the area of Personal Injury Law and has secured millions in damages for clients.
- For expert legal advice call Garret on 028 9446 1509
FAQs
How do I know if my employer breached health and safety rules?
If you were injured at work and there were no proper safety measures in place — like training, risk assessments, working equipment, or protective gear — your employer may have breached their legal duties. Factory accidents often happen because basic safety steps are missed. If you’re unsure, we can review what happened and advise you.
What evidence do I need?
To support your claim, it helps to have a copy of the accident report, your medical records, photographs of the scene or injury, and contact details for any witnesses. If you don’t have everything, we can help gather the necessary evidence.
Will making a claim affect my job?
We understand this is something many people are worried about. You have a legal right to claim compensation if you've been injured at work. The claim is usually dealt with by your employer’s insurance company, not by your employer personally. They are not allowed to dismiss you or treat you unfairly because you’ve made a claim.
Will I have to go to court?
Most factory accident claims settle without going to court. If your case does require a court hearing, we will explain each step and represent you throughout. You won’t be expected to deal with anything alone, and we’ll prepare everything in advance.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be able to claim compensation, even if you were partly responsible. This is known as contributory negligence. In these cases, the compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover a portion of what you’re entitled to. We’ll advise you based on the details of your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Solicitors Today
If you’ve had an accident in a factory or any industrial setting in Northern Ireland, contact us for a free consultation on starting your factory accident claim.
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