Most of us take for granted that we will return home safely from work at the end of the day. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures for 2021/22, over 565,000 workers sustained an injury at work, and tragically, 135 workers lost their lives due to workplace accidents.
If you have been injured at work, claiming compensation is often essential. It can help cover lost earnings, household bills, and the cost of private medical treatment or rehabilitation to support your recovery. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to make a workplace personal injury claim, what steps to take after an accident, and how an experienced Personal Injury Solicitor can significantly improve your chances of success.
A workplace injury can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Compensation can help to:
An experienced Workplace Injury Solicitor can assess your case, gather evidence, and pursue a claim against your employer where health and safety failures have occurred.
Workplace injuries range from minor accidents to life-changing and catastrophic injuries. Below are some of the most common types of injuries at work.
Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways can cause injuries such as sprains, fractures, back injuries, and head injuries.
Often caused by repetitive movements or lifting heavy objects, particularly in manual labour roles. These injuries commonly include muscle strains, ligament damage, and hernias.
Common in warehouses, construction sites, and agricultural settings. Without proper risk assessments, falling objects can cause concussions, crushed limbs, or severe brain injuries.
Operating heavy machinery can result in entanglement injuries, crush injuries, deep lacerations, or amputations where proper safeguards are not in place.
Forklifts, delivery vehicles, or site traffic can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries.
Frequently affects office workers and factory employees who perform repetitive movements over long periods, particularly keyboard and assembly-line work.
Exposure to flames, hot surfaces, chemicals, or electricity can cause severe burns, long-term pain, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise in industries such as construction, manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Taking the correct steps following a workplace accident can greatly improve your chances of a successful compensation claim.
Your health is the priority. Medical treatment not only protects your wellbeing but also creates an official medical record linking to your injuries to the accident.
Employers with ten or more employees must record workplace accidents and keep records for at least three years. Ensure the incident is properly logged and request a copy.
If possible:
Maintain evidence of:
These records will help your Solicitor accurately calculate your compensation.
Choosing the right Personal Injury Solicitor can significantly impact your claim. An experienced Solicitor will:
Thy will also advise you on time limits. Under the Limitation act 1980, most workplace injury claims must be made within three years of the accident date. However, exceptions may apply, particularly where symptoms develop later.
Even if you believe you may be out of time, a Solicitor may be able to argue that the Court should exercise discretion and allow your claim to proceed.
Most workplace injury claims are funded through a No Win, No Fee agreement. This means:
No. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss you for making a legitimate personal injury claim. If this occurs, you may also have a claim for unfair dismissal through the Employment Tribunal.
Employers are legally required to hold Employer’s Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million). This insurance covers compensation claims, meaning you are not putting your employer’s business or personal finances at risk.
Making a claim for a workplace injury can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover physically and emotionally. However, with the support of an experienced Personal Injury Solicitor, you can focus on your health while your legal team handles the process for you.
Our team has decades of combined experience in workplace and personal injury claims.
NJS Law Personal Injury Specialists are compassionate, approachable, and committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
If you have been injured at work and would like advice, please contact us today to arrange a free, no obligation consultation. We are available by phone or email and are here to help.
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