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.
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.
Following the incident, the client suffered:
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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In the UK, employers must take reasonable steps to keep employees safe at work. That includes ensuring workplace equipment is:
In this case, the claim succeeded because the evidence showed the injury was avoidable and the employer’s failures directly contributed to the accident.
The printer was placed in a way that increased risk:
A proper risk assessment could have identified obvious hazards:
Employers should not leave staff to improvise with heavy equipment. In many workplaces, safer systems include:
A successful personal injury claim usually requires proof of:
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
H2 How We Proved Negligence and Secured £18,000
To build a strong case, NJS Law gathered and presented key evidence, including:
This evidence allowed us to demonstrate that the injury was linked to preventable risk, not simply “bad luck,” and to negotiate an appropriate settlement.
Compensation depends on factors like:
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.
In most UK workplace injury cases, you typically have three years to bring a claim (with some exceptions). Acting early helps because:
You may be able to claim if:
Office injury claims can include accidents involving:
Even incidents that seem minor can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries—so the right legal support matters. Look for a solicitor who:
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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Yes. If unsafe placement, lack of safe access, or missing risk controls contributed to your injury, your employer may be legally responsible.
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.
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 →
Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim.
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