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A warehouse employee suffered serious neck and spinal injuries when a pallet fell from an overhead shelf during the course of his employment. The incident raised important issues of employer responsibility, workplace safety, and the correct valuation of personal injury claims. What was initially treated as a moderate soft-tissue injury later proved to be a complex case involving cervical spine fractures and long-term symptoms. Following a detailed reassessment of the evidence and medical findings, the claim resulted in £200,000 compensation.

Background

The client, a Romanian national employed in a large distribution warehouse, was performing his usual duties involving the handling and inspection of pallets stacked on high shelving. During the course of his work, a heavy pallet fell from an upper rack and struck the back of his neck. He experienced immediate pain but assumed the injuries were minor. Over the following months, however, he developed persistent neck pain, spinal stiffness, headaches, and episodes of vertigo that interfered with both his work and daily life.

Initially, he instructed another firm of solicitors to pursue his claim. After nearly two years of representation, that firm proposed settling the case for £25,000, relying on limited medical evidence that failed to identify the full extent of his injuries.

Our Approach

A thorough review revealed that the previous representatives had underestimated the severity of the injuries. As the medical evidence on file was incomplete and had not identified the fractures to the cervical spine sustained in the accident.

IMD Solicitors immediately took over conduct of the case and carried out a detailed investigation, including:

• Comprehensive Evidence Review – Our team examined all accident documentation, employer correspondence, and existing medical records. We also secured CCTV footage from the warehouse, which confirmed that the pallet had fallen from height and directly caused the client’s injuries.
• Liability Investigation – Formal representations were made to the defendant’s insurers citing breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The employer had failed to ensure safe stacking of pallets and had not implemented adequate risk assessments. As a result of our submissions, liability was admitted promptly.
• Specialist Medical Evidence – IMD Solicitors instructed an orthopaedic surgeon and a neurologist to provide updated medical reports. These experts confirmed that the client had sustained compression fractures to the cervical spine and ongoing soft tissue damage consistent with whiplash-associated disorder, as well as post-traumatic headaches and vertigo linked to the original injury.
• Detailed Loss Assessment – We prepared a comprehensive schedule of loss, including general damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, and special damages for loss of earnings, future treatment costs, and rehabilitation support. The client had been unable to return to full-time work for an extended period, and his earning potential remained significantly reduced.

Legal Analysis

Employer’s liability cases of this nature depend on careful assessment of both factual and medical evidence. The central legal issues included:

• Duty of Care: The employer owed a statutory and common law duty to provide a safe working environment and prevent foreseeable risks.
• Breach of Duty: The unsecured pallet and inadequate supervision represented a clear breach of workplace safety obligations.
• Causation: The medical evidence established a direct link between the accident and the client’s long-term symptoms.
• Quantum: The correct valuation, when aligned with the Judicial College Guidelines for neck and spinal injuries, placed the claim in the six-figure range. The initial £25,000 offer failed to reflect the seriousness of the client’s condition or the long-term impact on his life.

Outcome

Through decisive case management and expert negotiation, IMD Solicitors secured a final settlement of £200,000 for the client. This was eight times higher than the original offer. The compensation covered his pain and suffering, loss of earnings, ongoing care, and medical expenses.

The client was greatly relieved that the true severity of his injuries was recognised and that he received a settlement reflecting the lasting impact on his life. The matter confirmed the importance of using solicitors with experience in serious injury claims to ensure appropriate compensation.

Key Insights

• Choose Specialist Solicitors – Serious injuries demand expertise. High-volume or generalist firms may overlook critical medical evidence, leading to undervalued claims. IMD Solicitors’ Serious Injury Team specialises in complex personal injury litigation, ensuring that all evidence is properly gathered and assessed.
• Seek a Second Opinion – Clients who are uncertain about a settlement offer should obtain an independent case review. An early reassessment can dramatically change the outcome.
• Thorough Medical Investigation – Comprehensive expert reports from orthopaedic and neurological specialists often reveal hidden injuries that significantly increase case value.
• Employer Responsibility – The case serves as a reminder that employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and maintain safe systems of work, particularly in warehouse and industrial environments.

Conclusion

The outcome of this £200,000 warehouse injury claim confirmed that thorough investigation and accurate medical evidence are essential in securing fair compensation for injured workers. The case showed that early and careful legal action can turn an undervalued claim into a settlement that properly reflects the full extent of injury and loss.

IMD Solicitors acted to ensure that the client received appropriate compensation and that the employer’s safety failings were formally recognised, reinforcing the importance of maintaining safe working practices across all warehouse environments.

This article guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. This article was created on 11/11/2025. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

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