If you’ve been injured at work and your employer was at fault, you have the right to claim compensation.
Under UK law, your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe — if they failed to do so and you were hurt as a result, you may be entitled to make an accident at work claim. Most claims must be started within 3 years of the accident.
Our specialist accident at work solicitors help you claim the compensation you deserve on a no win no fee basis.
With over 200 years of combined experience and a reputation for securing maximum settlements, NJS Law supports injured workers across every industry in England and Wales. We combine clear advice, proven results, and a client-first approach — so you can focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim.
Complete the form below, email or call our accident at work solicitors for free, no-obligation advice.
An accident at work claim is when an employee asks for compensation because they were injured or became ill at work due to their employer not taking proper care or breaking safety rules.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, every employer in England and Wales has a legal duty to take reasonably practicable steps to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
To succeed in an accident at work claim, three legal conditions must be met:
1. A duty of care existed Your employer owed you a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, adequate training, suitable equipment, and safe systems of work. This duty applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and visitors to the workplace.
2. That duty was breached Your employer failed to meet the standard required by law — for example, by failing to carry out a risk assessment, providing defective equipment, or failing to provide proper training or personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. The breach caused your injury There must be a direct causal link between the employer’s breach and the injury or illness you suffered. The breach must have caused or materially contributed to your harm.
| Situation | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employee injured at work | ✓ Yes | Employer duty under HSWA 1974 |
| Contractor or agency worker | ✓ Yes | Both the agency and site owner may be liable |
| Self-employed worker | ✓ Yes | If another party’s negligence caused the accident |
| Visitor to workplace premises | ✓ Yes | Under Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 |
| Child injured at work | ✓ Yes | 3-year limit begins at age 18; claim possible until age 21 |
| Person lacking mental capacity | ✓ Yes | Limitation period suspended during incapacity |
| Worker partially at fault | Possibly | Contributory negligence reduces but does not eliminate claim |
| Worker with no accident book entry | ✓ Yes | Photos, witness statements, and medical records can support claim |
In most cases you have 3 years from the date of the accident. Once the limitation period expires, your right to claim is almost always lost permanently — even if your case is strong.
| Type of Claim | Limitation Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard workplace accident | 3 years | From date of accident or date of knowledge |
| Industrial disease / occupational illness | 3 years | From date of diagnosis or awareness of occupational link |
| Child injured at work | Until age 21 | 3-year clock begins on 18th birthday |
| Person lacking mental capacity | Suspended | During period of incapacity |
| Fatal workplace accident | 3 years | From date of death or date of knowledge |
Our accident at work solicitors have secured compensation for many types of workplace injury claims, including:
→ Find out more about Most Common Worksite Personal Injury Claims
If negligence, unsafe conditions, or health and safety breaches caused your injury, you may be entitled to claim.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, 680,000 workers suffered non-fatal injuries in the workplace in 2024–25. Compensation covers general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses including lost earnings, medical costs, and rehabilitation).
The figures below are indicative ranges based on the Judicial College Guidelines (16th edition) — the framework used by courts across England and Wales.
| Type of Injury | Key Factors | Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor back injury (soft tissue) | Recovery period, impact on daily activities | £2,300 – £12,000 |
| Moderate back injury | Duration of symptoms, mobility impact, work capacity | £12,000 – £38,000 |
| Severe back injury | Permanent disability, nerve damage, disc involvement | £38,000 – £170,000+ |
| Hand / wrist injury | Dominant hand, grip strength, return to work | £3,500 – £57,000 |
| Shoulder injury | Surgery required, impact on work and daily life | £4,000 – £45,000 |
| Moderate leg injury | Fractures, recovery time, long-term mobility | £14,000 – £40,000 |
| Serious leg injury | Multiple fractures, permanent disability, amputation risk | £40,000 – £130,000+ |
| Head and brain injury | Cognitive impairment, personality change, care needs | £15,000 – £380,000+ |
| Psychological injury (incl. PTSD) | Severity, duration, impact on employment | £3,500 – £100,000+ |
| Industrial disease (asbestosis, NIHL) |
Important: These ranges are a general guide only based on the Judicial College Guidelines (16th edition) and do not constitute legal advice. Special damages are assessed separately and may significantly increase the total. Contact NJS Law for a free assessment of your specific claim.
Workplace injury claims in England and Wales are governed by five key pieces of legislation. Understanding the legal basis helps us build the strongest possible case for you.
The primary legislation. Employers must ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees so far as is reasonably practicable. Breach underpins the majority of workplace injury claims.
Requires all work equipment to be suitable, properly maintained, and used safely. Defective machinery and tools that cause injury are a common basis for claims.
Requires employers to carry out suitable risk assessments and implement preventive measures. Failure to identify foreseeable risks is a breach of this duty.
All employers must hold minimum £5 million EL insurance. Ensures compensation is available even if the employer cannot pay directly. Certificates must be displayed at the workplace.
Employer Liability · Fall Injury
When Alan came to work one day, he had no idea he was about to suffer an injury that would change his life. A fall through an open, unguarded cellar hatch left him unable to drive, struggling with mobility, and under severe financial pressure. His employer refused to accept liability, leaving Alan uncertain about his next steps.
Alan chose NJS Law because he had trusted our solicitors before. With our accident at work specialists guiding him, he pursued his claim on a no win, no fee basis and secured the compensation he deserved.
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Compensation Secured
Absolutely elated… the compensation really helped and sorted a few things out. Most definitely the best solicitors I’ve ever dealt with — and I mean that truly. If you’re unsure, always seek legal advice straight away.
Serious Injury · Forklift Accident
When a simple workday turned into a life-changing accident, one man’s world changed forever. He arrived early to cover a colleague’s shift, completed his forklift checks, and began work as normal. What followed left him with catastrophic injuries requiring years of rehabilitation, specialist care, and a complete rebuild of his life.
After years of pain and emotional struggle, NJS Law secured a £3.7 million settlement — allowing him to rebuild his life with dignity, independence, and long-term financial security.
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£3,700,000 Settlement Secured
With the interim payments, I managed to rent and furnish a four-bedroom bungalow. I bought an SUV that’s easier for me to get in and out of. I can walk a little and drive again. It won’t bring back the life I once had, but it eases the pain. Stay strong and talk to people — there is life after your accident.
Our solicitors make the accident at work claims process clear and stress-free.
We start with a free consultation, where we review your case and explain your rights. Every claim runs on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you face no financial risk.
Next, we gather evidence such as medical reports, accident records, and witness statements to support your claim. Once the case is ready, our solicitors submit the claim and negotiate directly with insurers or employers.
Finally, we secure your compensation and ensure it reaches you as quickly as possible. From start to finish, you’ll be guided at every step. To check whether you may be able to proceed, see → Eligibility for Accident at Work Compensation
Accident at work claims form part of a wider area of personal injury law, which covers many different types of accidents and injuries. If the accident happened on someone else’s premises — such as a client’s site, a shop, or a public building — you may also have an occupiers liability claim.
If your circumstances fall outside this category, or you’d like a broader overview, see→ Learn more about Personal Injury Claims and how Accident at Work Claims fit in.
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Case assessment & funding agreement | 1–2 weeks |
| Evidence and medical report | 4–12 weeks |
| Letter of Claim sent | Within 6–12 weeks |
| Defendant’s response | Up to 3 months |
| Negotiation and settlement | 3–6 months after |
| Court proceedings (if disputed) | 12–18 months extra |
Stay informed with practical advice and in-depth guides on workplace injury claims. From understanding liability for slips, trips, and falls to learning how compensation is calculated, our resources are designed to give you clarity and confidence.
Browse the latest articles to see what factors affect compensation. These insights can help you understand your rights and what to expect when making a claim.
All NJS Law accident at work claims are handled on a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). No upfront costs. No financial risk. No hidden charges.
Nothing upfront — no retainer, hourly rate, or disbursements during the case
Nothing if you lose — your claim fails, you pay nothing at all
Success fee if you win — capped by law at 25% of your damages
ATE insurance — arranged to protect against adverse costs if the claim fails
Before signing, we explain exactly how the success fee is calculated and what you’ll receive
You cannot be sacked for making a genuine claim — UK employment law protects you
Avoid claims management companies — referral fees reduce your compensation. Go direct to a regulated solicitor
NJS Law is SRA regulated (no. 8006550) — your interests are protected at every stage
Being injured at work can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your rights or worried about your job. Our expert solicitors provide clear, honest advice and manage every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on recovery while we fight for justice.
Our specialist EL/PL team brings decades of expertise across workplace injury, employer liability, and serious injury claims.
Authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (no. 8006550).
Rated Excellent from 764 Trustpilot reviews and 4.7★ from 796 Google reviews. Top 10 UK Personal Injury Lawyers on Trustpilot.
£3.7M forklift settlement · £135,000 Manchester worker · £33,000 overseas injury · £18,000 arm injury. Real outcomes for real clients.
Clear, jargon-free legal advice at every stage.
Full support from first call to final compensation
Proven track record of workplace injury claims
National service across England & Wales
Our accident at work solicitors combine decades of experience with a client-first approach. We know how difficult this time can be — and we’ll stand by your side throughout your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about real accident at work claims and how compensation is secured. Our latest case studies and legal insights show how different workplace injuries are handled, the challenges clients face, and the outcomes our solicitors achieve.
From slips, trips, and lifting injuries to serious industrial accidents, these stories highlight the importance of expert legal support in securing fair compensation.
Browse the latest accident at work resources below:
Making an accident at work claim can feel overwhelming. Below we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask. These cover eligibility, time limits, compensation, and what happens if your case goes to court.
In most cases, 3 years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980. Exceptions apply for children (until age 21) and those lacking mental capacity (suspended). For industrial disease, the 3 years runs from diagnosis. Contact NJS Law immediately if you are approaching your deadline.
Compensation depends on the type and severity of your injury and financial losses. General damages range from around £2,300 for minor soft tissue injuries to over £380,000 for serious brain injuries, based on the Judicial College Guidelines. Special damages covering lost earnings, medical costs, and care can significantly increase the total.
Most claims settle out of court through negotiation with your employer’s insurer. Only a small proportion reach court — usually when liability is fully denied or an offer cannot be agreed. Our solicitors represent you fully at every stage if court proceedings become necessary.
Helpful evidence includes accident book entries, witness statements, medical records, photographs of the scene or equipment, CCTV footage, risk assessments, and training records. You do not need everything in place before contacting us — our solicitors guide you through gathering the right evidence.
No. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss you for making a genuine claim. UK employment law protects workers from unfair dismissal or retaliation when exercising their legal right to claim compensation. You can read more in our guide on being sacked for making an accident at work claim.
If you experience pressure or threats at work, our solicitors can also advise on employment law remedies.
Yes. Self-employed workers can claim if another party’s negligence caused the accident — for example, unsafe premises, faulty equipment provided by a client, or inadequate safe systems of work. Employers’ liability insurance often covers contractors and freelancers working on site.
No. Accident book entries are helpful but not essential. Medical records, witness statements, photographs, and CCTV can all support your claim. If your employer refused to record the accident, send them a follow-up email confirming the incident in writing — this creates a dated record.
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.
Leanne studied the Bar Vocational Course at the BPP Law School in Leeds, and graduated with Very Competent, before cross-qualifying as a Solicitor in 2013.
Leanne began her legal career in 2009, specialising in Personal Injury claims, with experience across Road Traffic Accidents, Employer and Public Liability cases, and Medical Negligence matters.
As Head of Personal Injury, Leanne is instrumental in driving the growth and evolution of the Employer and Public Liability team, along with the Medical, Dental, and Cosmetic Negligence departments.
In her personal life Leanne enjoys holidaying and days out with her young family.
Angela is a Senior Personal Injury Solicitor Advocate having qualified in January 2011.
She specialises in employer liability, public liability and occupiers liability claims, with the ultimate aim of providing an efficient service, ensuring her clients receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve!
She is thrilled to be a part of NJS Law and to be working for a well-respected firm that always puts clients first.
Angela strives to develop a strong relationship with her clients so that she is in a position to advise the best options in relation to their claim. At all times providing exceptional standards of service and regular updates on how her clients claim is progressing. Angela is very easy going and dedicated to her work.
When not working, Angela looks after her pygmy goats, pigs, rescued chickens and ducks.
Laura qualified as a Solicitor in January 2020 after undertaking her Legal Practice Course at the University of Central Lancashire.
From qualification, Laura has exclusively undertaken Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence work, and is highly experienced in securing advantageous outcomes for her clients.
In her spare time, she enjoys collecting antiquarian books, the study of etymology, and is part of a local netball team. She also likes spending time with her two sons, who are 3 and 8 respectively.
Andrew started his career in the insurance sector over 25 years ago and has worked in many different areas of the industry, gaining a wealth of knowledge across multiple disciplines including motor claims, personal injury, medical negligence, and public and employer’s liability matters.
He holds a Law Degree, which complements his extensive practical experience and underpins his broad legal expertise.
He is friendly, adaptable, and hard-working, and will always go the extra mile for both clients and colleagues alike.
A dedicated family man, Andrew enjoys spending his spare time watching football and rugby, and can still be persuaded to play the occasional 5-a-side game.
Curtis has over 10 years’ experience acting for Claimants across a wide range of personal injury matters. He holds a Law degree and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEX), reflecting his high level of expertise and commitment to the legal profession.
He is knowledgeable, hard-working and a skilled negotiator who consistently fights to achieve the best possible results for his clients, whether that is securing a strong settlement or arranging early rehabilitation and treatment to support clients on their road to recovery.
Curtis has handled a wide variety of claims throughout his career, ranging from head injuries to loss of limbs, and is adept at identifying and meeting each client’s individual needs.
In his free time, Curtis enjoys spending time with his family and has a keen interest in tabletop gaming, including Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering.
Joanne has worked in law since leaving School.
Joanne is a Senior Litigation Executive with over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of RTA litigation and also has diversified and now also deals with employers liability claims, occupiers liability claims and public liability matters.
In her spare time she enjoys making memories with her family and friends.
Mark completed his studies through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and was admitted as a Fellow of CILEX in 2006.
Mark has worked within the personal injury sector for over 30 years, dealing with a varied range of personal injury matters from inception to trial.
Mark deals with Employment and Public Liability personal injury matters.
In his spare time, Mark is an FA Licensed coach working with children at grass roots level. He enjoys listening to music and walking his Labrador.
Sian started her career in law over 17 years ago and has worked in various different areas of the industry, including costs and credit hire. Predominantly, her career has flourished within the personal injury sector, dealing with a wide variety of claims such as road traffic accidents, employer’s liability, public liability and occupiers’ liability.
She has successfully completed her Level 6 CILEX qualification and is an MCILEX Advanced Paralegal, demonstrating her strong technical knowledge and commitment to professional development.
She always strives to provide her clients with the best service possible and thrives on achieving the best achievable outcome in relation to their claims. She prides herself on being warm, sympathetic and understanding when dealing with clients, particularly when having conduct of more sensitive matters.
Sian is friendly and hard-working and is not averse to going above and beyond what is required in order to achieve desired results.
She is a devoted family lady and thoroughly enjoys spending days out with her family and coming up with new and fresh adventures for them to embark upon.
Sian also likes to get involved in charitable causes, enjoys reading and, whilst she does not always have the time, enjoys her pastime of horse riding as and when she can.
Nicole has worked in the legal sector since leaving school. She began her career as assistant Personal Injury and Medical Negligence assistant.
Nicole has since progressed into her current role as a Litigation Executive here at NJS Law, where she now manages her own caseload of public liability, occupiers’ liability, and employers’ liability claims. Alongside her full-time role, she is also studying towards a law degree part-time, continuing to build on her legal knowledge and expertise.
In her spare time, when she isn’t studying, Nicole loves to go on holiday and spend time with her springer spaniel.
