Hernias are a common injury in physically demanding jobs. They can happen suddenly, or build up slowly over time. Either way, they often cause pain, discomfort and time off work, especially if they’re not treated quickly.
You might not realise your hernia was caused by your job. But if your work involved heavy lifting with inadequate training, your employer could be responsible.
In this guide, we’ll explain what hernias are, how they happen at work and what your employer should have done to prevent it. You’ll also learn how to start a hernia injury claim from lifting and how we can help, with no upfront cost.
What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when part of your internal tissue, often the bowel, pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or wall. It usually appears as a lump or bulge and can be painful, especially when lifting, bending or coughing.
The most common type linked to workplace injuries is an inguinal hernia, which affects the groin area. It’s often caused by physical strain, like lifting heavy loads, twisting while carrying something or working in awkward positions.
Hernias don’t always happen all at once. In many cases, the muscle wall gradually weakens from repeated strain over time. You might not feel anything at first, but symptoms can slowly build until the injury becomes more obvious.
That’s why it’s important not to dismiss a hernia as part of the job. If your work involved regular lifting or straining, your injury could be work-related and you might be able to make a hernia injury claim from lifting.
What can cause hernias at work?
Many hernia injuries are caused by manual handling tasks, especially when lifting, carrying or pushing is done in unsafe or unsupported ways. Common workplace causes include:
- Repeatedly lifting heavy items without help
- Twisting your body while carrying a load
- Pushing or pulling heavy trolleys or equipment
- Working without proper training or lifting techniques
- Rushing through tasks without time for breaks or rest
- Adopting awkward postures due to tight spaces or poor equipment
These actions put significant strain on your abdominal muscles, particularly in the groin, and over time, that strain can lead to a hernia.
It’s easy to blame yourself for overdoing it, but the reality is that these injuries often happen because the working conditions weren’t safe. Employers have a duty of care to reduce the risk of harm, especially in physically demanding roles. If they haven’t done that, they might be at fault and you could be entitled to a hernia compensation claim in the UK.
How can employers prevent hernias?
Employers have a legal duty to protect you from injury at work and that includes preventing hernias linked to manual handling.
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, they must assess the risks of lifting, carrying or moving loads. Where possible, they should avoid hazardous lifting altogether. If that’s not practical, they must reduce the risks by:
- Providing proper manual handling training
- Supplying lifting aids or mechanical equipment
- Encouraging team lifting for heavier items
- Ensuring workloads and deadlines don’t lead to unsafe practices
If your employer failed to take these steps or expected you to carry out physically demanding tasks without support, they may have been negligent. That means you could have grounds for an employer negligence hernia injury claim.
We’ve supported many people in making claims for hernia injuries at work. If you’re dealing with the same, we can help you understand your options too.
How to claim for a hernia injury
If you’ve suffered a hernia from lifting at work, you might be able to claim compensation, especially if your employer failed to follow proper safety procedures. To make a successful claim, you’ll need to show that:
- You’ve been diagnosed with a hernia
- Your work involved lifting, straining or other tasks that could have caused or worsened it
- Your employer didn’t do enough to prevent the injury
This process is called establishing causation. This means linking your condition to your working environment. Even if your hernia developed gradually, or you’re not sure when it started, you could still have a case.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the details. Our solicitors can help you understand whether you’re eligible and guide you through every step.
What is no win, no fee?
Most hernia injury claims we handle are on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost and no financial risk if your case doesn’t succeed.
You can speak to us for free before deciding whether to go ahead. If we take on your claim, we’ll explain everything clearly, including our success fee, which only applies if your claim is successful.
We’ve helped many people make successful workplace injury claims and we’re ready to help you too.
How to start a hernia injury claim
Many people don’t realise that their injury could be caused by employer negligence, especially if it developed gradually or wasn’t reported straight away. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a case.
The first step is a free, no-pressure conversation with one of our specialist solicitors. We’ll listen, ask a few questions about your work and diagnosis, and let you know where you stand.
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll handle everything for you, with no win, no fee available in most cases. Get in touch to begin your hernia injury claim from lifting.
Frequently asked questions
If my hernia happened slowly, can I still claim?
Hernias often develop over time. If your job involved repeated lifting or strain, you may still have a valid claim.
What if I realised my hernia was work-related later on?
You can still claim, as long as it’s within the legal time limit. This is usually three years from when you first connected your injury to your job.
Is a doctor’s diagnosis needed to make a claim?
A medical diagnosis is key to showing you’ve suffered a hernia and linking it to your work conditions.
What are the time limits to claim for a hernia from lifting?
You typically have three years from the date of injury, or when you realised it was work-related. It’s best to get legal advice as soon as possible.