Employer Liability Claim £18,000 Awarded After Printer-Related Workplace Injury

£18,000 Compensation for a Preventable Arm Injury at Work (Employer Liability Claim)

Introduction: When a “Small” Office Task Causes a Serious Injury

Many people think workplace accidents only happen on construction sites or in warehouses. But office environments can be just as risky when equipment is poorly positioned, heavy items are not safely accessible, or employers fail to carry out proper risk assessments.

In this real employer liability case, a routine attempt to clear a printer jam ended in a painful arm injury with long-term effects. Because the incident was preventable and the employer’s health and safety duties were not met, NJS Law secured £18,000 in compensation for our client.

If you’ve suffered an injury at work—whether in an office, shop, school, warehouse, or any other workplace—this guide explains what happened, why the claim succeeded, and how you can find out if you’re eligible to claim.

What Happened? (Printer Jam Workplace Accident)

It was a normal working day. Our client went to print documents when the office printer jammed. The printer had been positioned poorly—close to a wall and difficult to access safely—so in an attempt to reach and resolve the issue, our client tried to move the printer away from the wall.

However, the printer would not shift. During the effort to force it, our client experienced immediate and severe pain and reported hearing three distinct “snaps” in the arm at the moment of injury.

The Result: A Serious Arm Injury

Following the incident, the client suffered:

  • Significant muscle and soft tissue damage
  • Medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation
  • Time off work and disruption to day-to-day life
  • Lasting pain and reduced mobility

This was not a freak accident. It was the kind of injury that often occurs when a workplace setup is not designed with safety in mind—especially where heavy or awkward equipment can’t be accessed correctly.

If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip or fall at work, you may be entitled to compensation — especially where the hazard was hidden, unmarked, or the workplace wasn’t properly maintained.

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Why This Was a Valid Employer Liability Claim

In the UK, employers must take reasonable steps to keep employees safe at work. That includes ensuring workplace equipment is:

  • properly positioned,
  • safe to operate,
  • accessible without unnecessary manual handling risks,
  • supported by risk assessments and training where needed.

In this case, the claim succeeded because the evidence showed the injury was avoidable and the employer’s failures directly contributed to the accident.

Failure to Provide a Safe Working Environment

The printer was placed in a way that increased risk:

  • Poor positioning and restricted access
  • No safer alternative arrangement provided
  • No practical controls to prevent manual handling strain or injury

Lack of Risk Assessment and Safe Processes

A proper risk assessment could have identified obvious hazards:

  • Heavy/awkward equipment close to a wall
  • Employees likely to attempt to move it when jams occur
  • Lack of clear procedure for faults and maintenance

No Manual Handling Support (Training/Guidance/Equipment)

Employers should not leave staff to improvise with heavy equipment. In many workplaces, safer systems include:

  • clear reporting channels for jams/faults,
  • maintenance support,
  • training on what staff should and shouldn’t do,
  • equipment placement guidelines to avoid unsafe reaching and lifting.

Clear Evidence of Injury and Consequences

A successful personal injury claim usually requires proof of:

  • the accident circumstances,
  • the injury and medical diagnosis,
  • how it affected your life and work,
  • losses such as wages, travel costs, or treatment expenses.

We obtained the documentation needed to demonstrate fault and quantify the impact.

Accident at work claims are time-sensitive. The sooner you get advice, the easier it can be to secure key evidence such as photos, incident reports, CCTV, and witness details.

You may be able to claim if:

  • The hazard was concealed (e.g., spills, poor lighting, trailing cables, uneven flooring)

  • There were no warning signs or barriers

  • The area should have been inspected, cleaned, repaired, or made safe under workplace procedures

How We Proved Negligence and Secured £18,000

H2 How We Proved Negligence and Secured £18,000

To build a strong case, NJS Law gathered and presented key evidence, including:

  • Witness statements (what colleagues saw and what workplace conditions were like)
  • Medical evidence confirming the injury, treatment, and prognosis
  • Workplace documentation relating to equipment layout, safety procedures, and employer responsibilities
  • Financial evidence such as wage loss and recovery-related costs (where applicable)

This evidence allowed us to demonstrate that the injury was linked to preventable risk, not simply “bad luck,” and to negotiate an appropriate settlement.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for an Arm Injury at Work?

Compensation depends on factors like:

  • severity of the injury,
  • recovery time and long-term symptoms,
  • impact on daily activities and hobbies,
  • time off work and reduced earning capacity,
  • medical costs, travel expenses, and care needs.

In this case, the settlement was £18,000, reflecting both the injury and its wider impact. Your claim value may be higher or lower depending on your circumstances.

Time Limits: How Long Do You Have to Claim?

In most UK workplace injury cases, you typically have three years to bring a claim (with some exceptions). Acting early helps because:

  • evidence is easier to gather,
  • witnesses remember events more clearly,
  • medical records and timelines are simpler to obtain.

Do You Have a Claim for an Office Injury or Equipment Hazard?

You may be able to claim if:

  • your workplace setup increased risk (poor layout, access issues, heavy equipment placement),
  • you were not given training, guidance, or a safe procedure,
  • the employer didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent harm,
  • the injury caused pain, treatment, time off, or ongoing symptoms.

Office injury claims can include accidents involving:

  • printers and heavy office equipment,
  • lifting or moving items without support,
  • trips/slips due to poor housekeeping,
  • repetitive strain injuries (RSI),
  • unsafe chairs/desks leading to musculoskeletal problems.

Choosing the Right Solicitor for a Workplace Injury Claim

Even incidents that seem minor can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries—so the right legal support matters. Look for a solicitor who:

  • focuses on employer liability and workplace injury claims,
  • offers no win, no fee where appropriate,
  • has a strong track record with real case results,
  • communicates clearly and treats you with care and respect.

Why Choose NJS Law for an Injury at Work Claim?

At NJS Law, we help people claim compensation after preventable workplace injuries—whether you work in an office, retail, healthcare, education, logistics, or construction.

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FAQs: Office Injuries, Equipment Setup & Employer Liability

Can I claim compensation for an injury caused by poor office equipment setup?

Yes. If unsafe placement, lack of safe access, or missing risk controls contributed to your injury, your employer may be legally responsible.

What if I moved the equipment myself—does that stop me claiming?

Not necessarily. If the workplace setup made it likely people would try to move equipment to do their job, the employer may still be at fault for not providing safe procedures, training, or access.

How much compensation could I receive?

It varies. In this case, our client received £18,000 for a printer-related arm injury. The value of your claim depends on severity, recovery, and financial losses.

 👉 View our full Employer Liability compensation guide

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