Injury from Work Compensation: What You Need to Know

Table of Contents

1. What Is an Injury from Work?

An injury from work refers to any physical or psychological harm sustained while performing your job duties. These injuries can result from:

Unsafe working conditions
Lack of training or supervision
Faulty equipment
Repetitive strain or manual handling
Exposure to harmful substances

If the injury was due to employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

2. Your Legal Rights as an Employee

UK law protects employees through:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969

Employers must:

Provide a safe working environment
Conduct risk assessments
Train employees properly
Maintain tools and machinery
Supply necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)

If they fail in these duties and you suffer an injury, they may be liable.

Examples include:

Back injuries from heavy lifting
Slips, trips, and falls
Burns from chemicals or hot surfaces
Machinery-related injuries (cuts, crushes)
Noise-induced hearing loss
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Work-related stress or anxiety

Any injury that occurs during work hours or as a result of work conditions may qualify for a claim.

4. Can You Make a Claim for an Injury from Work?

Yes, if:

The injury happened due to negligence
It occurred within the last three years
You were employed or contracted by the company at the time

You can also claim on behalf of someone who has died or lacks capacity.

5. What Can You Claim Compensation For?

A successful injury from work claim may cover:

Pain and suffering
Medical expenses
Loss of earnings
Travel to appointments
Rehabilitation and therapy
Care or assistance costs
Future loss of income or work opportunities

Your solicitor will calculate your claim value based on the severity and long-term impact of your injury.

6. Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

To protect your health and legal rights:

Seek immediate medical attention
Report the incident to your employer
Record the accident in the company’s accident book
Take photographs of the scene or hazard (if safe)
Collect witness statements
Keep receipts for expenses and a diary of symptoms

These actions will support your solicitor in building a strong case.

7. No Win No Fee Work Injury Claims

Most work injury solicitors offer No Win No Fee representation, meaning:

No upfront costs
You only pay if your claim is successful
Success fees are capped and taken from your compensation

This makes it easy to pursue a claim without financial risk.

8. Time Limits for Making a Claim

You have three years to file a claim, starting from:

The date of the injury, or
The date you realised it was work-related

Exceptions:

Children: Time limit begins at age 18
Adults without mental capacity: No time limit while they lack capacity

Don’t delay—early action helps your case.

9. Choosing the Right Solicitor for Your Case

Look for a solicitor who:

Specialises in workplace injury claims
Offers No Win No Fee representation
Has a strong success rate with similar cases
Is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Provides clear, supportive communication

An experienced solicitor ensures your rights are protected and your compensation is maximised.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I be fired for making a work injury claim?
No. It is illegal for your employer to dismiss or retaliate against you for filing a legitimate claim.

2. What if the accident was partly my fault?
You can still claim, but your compensation may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.

3. How much compensation will I get?
It depends on your injury, recovery time, and financial losses. Your solicitor will provide a tailored estimate.

4. Do I have to go to court?
Most claims are settled out of court. Trials are rare and usually occur only if liability is disputed.

5. Can temporary or agency workers make a claim?
Yes. All workers have the right to a safe working environment.

6. What documents help support my claim?
Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, expense receipts, and wage slips.

Conclusion

Suffering an injury from work can disrupt your life, health, and income—but you have the legal right to claim compensation. With No Win No Fee legal support, you can focus on recovery while your solicitor fights for justice. Don’t suffer in silence—know your rights and start your claim today.

Martin taggart