Can I Claim Compensation for an Accident at Work?

Can I Claim Compensation for an Accident at Work

If you have been injured at work, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Can I claim compensation?”

Many employees hesitate to pursue a claim because they:

  • Blame themselves for the accident
  • Feel loyal to their employer
  • Worry about losing their job
  • Assume compensation claims are complicated or confrontational

UK law provides strong protection for employees who are injured due to unsafe working conditions. Employers have a legal duty to protect your health and safety. If they fail to do so and you are injured as a result, you may be entitled to bring an accident at work claim. You can read more about your legal protections in our guide to workplace accident legal rights in the UK.

Compensation is not about punishing your employer — it is about ensuring you are financially supported if their breach of duty has caused you harm. You can learn more about potential claim values in our guide on accident at work claims and how much compensation you could get.

This guide explains:

  •  When you are legally entitled to claim
  •  The types of workplace accidents that qualify
  •  What must be proven
  •  Whether agency and temporary workers can claim
  • How claims are handled in practice
  • Understanding your rights is the first step towards protecting them.

When Are You Entitled to Claim?

You may be entitled to claim compensation if your employer breached their duty of care and that breach caused your injury.

Employers must take reasonable steps to ensure your safety under:

Employers must take reasonable steps to ensure your safety under:

Common Causes of Workplace Accident Claims

You may have grounds to claim if your injury resulted from:

  •  Slips or trips due to spillages
  •  Unsafe flooring
  •  Falling objects
  •  Manual handling without proper training
  •  Defective machinery
  •  Lack of safety guards
  •  Inadequate PPE
  •  Poor supervision
  •  Exposure to hazardous substances

These are among the most common worksite personal injury claims we handle.

What Must Be Proven?

To succeed in a claim, you must prove:

  1. Your employer owed you a duty of care
  2. That duty was breached
  3. The breach caused your injury

Understanding the early steps to take can make a significant difference. Read our complete guide on what to do immediately after an accident at work.

A solicitor will investigate:

  •  Risk assessments
  •  Training records
  •  Maintenance logs
  •  CCTV
  •  Witness statements
  •  HSE involvement

Can Agency Workers Claim?

Yes. Your employment status does not remove your right to a safe workplace.

Agency workers, contractors and part-time staff are all protected.

Does Claiming Affect My Employer?

In most cases:

  • The claim is handled by insurers
  • The employer has mandatory Employers’ Liability Insurance
  • Compensation is paid by insurers

Claims are a legal process — not a personal attack.

We’re Here To Help

Why Choose NJS Law for Your Accident at Work Claim?

When you are injured at work, you need more than general advice — you need clear, strategic legal guidance from solicitors who understand employer liability, workplace regulations and insurer tactics.

At NJS Law, we act exclusively in the interests of injured individuals. We understand the physical, financial and emotional pressure that follows a workplace accident. Our role is to remove that pressure and handle the legal process with clarity and confidence. You can read what clients say about our service on our NJS Law reviews.

When you instruct NJS Law, you can expect:

We are experienced in handling claims involving:

  • Manual handling injuries
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Construction site accidents
  • Machinery and equipment failures
  • Industrial and factory injuries 
  • Workplace head and back injuries

Every case is handled with attention to detail and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you.

 

Speak To NJS Law Today

If you have suffered an accident at work, early advice can make a significant difference to your claim.

Contact our Accident at Work Solicitors  today for a confidential discussion about your situation. We will explain:

There is no obligation to proceed – just clear professional advice.

Call us today or complete our online enquiry form to speak with a specialist accident at work solicitor.

Your recovery matters. Your rights matter.

Let NJS Law help you secure the compensation you deserve.

→ Learn more About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. Even if you were partly responsible, you may still receive compensation under contributory negligence principles.

Your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility, but you are not automatically prevented from claiming. Employers still have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment.

What if the accident wasn't recorded in the Accident Book?

You can still bring a claim.

While accident book entries are helpful evidence, they are not essential. Medical records, witness statements, CCTV footage and photographs can all support your case.

It is advisable to notify your employer in writing as soon as possible if the incident was not formally recorded.

How long do I have to make an accident at work claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start court proceedings. You can read a detailed guide on accident at work time limits and how long you have to claim.

If your injury developed over time (for example, repetitive strain injury), the three year period may begin from the date you became aware that your condition was work-related.

There are exceptions for children and individuals lacking mental capacity.

Can my employer dismiss me for making a claim?

No. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss or treat you unfairly for pursuing a legitimate personal injury claim. You can read more about your rights in our guide on being sacked for making an accident at work claim.

If your employer takes adverse action against you because you exercised your legal rights, this may amount to unfair dismissal or victimisation.

Will claiming compensation affect my job?

Most workplace accident claims are handled by the employer’ liability insurance.

The claim is made against the insurer – not directly against your employer personally. Professional employers understand that insurance exists for this purpose.

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