Here’s a closer look at your legal protection after making a workplace claim, and what compensation can include.
The Short Answer
No, it is illegal for your employer to dismiss or otherwise discriminate against you for making a personal injury claim against the company. Employers are responsible for keeping the working environment safe and preventing injuries where possible, and compensation for a successful claim can extend beyond the injury itself to include lost earnings and damage to personal property.
Can You Be Fired for Making a Claim?
It’s a common worry, but the law is clear on this point: your employer cannot legally dismiss you, or treat you unfairly, because you’ve made a claim against the company for a workplace injury. Employers carry a legal responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries wherever possible. Making a claim to hold them to that standard doesn’t remove your employment protections.
“Can my employer fire me for making a claim against the company for my injuries? Now the answer is no. It is illegal for your employer to discriminate you for making a claim against the workplace.”
From the video, 0:07
“It’s the role of your employer to make sure that the working environment is safe and they prevent injuries where possible.”
From the video, 0:19
You can read more about accident at work on our accident at work claims service page.
What Counts as Discrimination in This Context
This protection generally covers dismissal, demotion, unfavourable treatment, or other detriment linked to the fact that you’ve pursued or intend to pursue a claim. If you believe you’ve experienced this, it’s worth seeking advice promptly, as separate employment law considerations may also apply alongside your personal injury claim.
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What Can Compensation Actually Cover?
Compensation for a workplace injury claim isn’t limited to the injury itself. Depending on the circumstances, a compensation package can be made up of several elements, including payment for the injury, lost earnings, and damage to personal property.
“Yes. So we were able to recover over £9,000 for a client who was made to complete a work activity without the appropriate equipment.”
From the video, 0:27
“Now the compensation package can be made up of multiple things, such as payment for injuries, lost earnings, and damage to personal property.”
From the video, 0:38
The example referenced in this week’s video involved a client required to carry out a work task without the appropriate equipment provided. As with any case, outcomes depend entirely on the individual facts and evidence involved, and past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
For a broader look at the claims process, see our How Personal Injury Claims Work guide
Why Proper Equipment Matters
Employers have a duty to provide appropriate equipment and training for the tasks they ask employees to carry out. Where an injury results from a failure to do so, this can form an important part of the evidence supporting a claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss you or otherwise discriminate against you for making a personal injury claim against the company.
Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment and taking reasonable steps to prevent injuries wherever possible, including providing appropriate equipment and training.
No. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss you or otherwise discriminate against you for making a personal injury claim against the company.
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Conclusion
Fear of losing your job should never stand in the way of a legitimate workplace injury claim, and the law recognises that. If you’ve been injured at work and you’re unsure how to proceed, understanding your protections and what you may be entitled to claim is the sensible first step.