If you have been injured at work, it is important to understand that you are not simply relying on goodwill or company policy — you are protected by law.
Many employees are unaware of the full extent of their legal rights following a workplace accident. Some assume accidents are “just part of the job.” Others feel reluctant to question their employer’s safety standards.
However, UK health and safety legislation places clear and enforceable duties on employers. When those duties are breached and an employee is injured as a result, the law provides a route to compensation.
Understanding your workplace accident legal rights in the UK can help you:
This guide explains the core legal protections that apply to employees and workers across England and Wales.
Under the Health and Safety etc Act 1974 and related regulations, employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
You have the legal right to:
Employers must not simply react to accidents – they must take proactive steps to prevent them.
This includes:
If these duties are breached and you are injured, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Understanding your rights is the first step. Enforcing them effectively is the next.
Workplace accident claims often involve:
A specialist solicitor can assess whether your employer has breached statutory duties and whether that breach caused your injury.
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:
Every case is handled with attention to detail and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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