1. WHAT ARE CLAIMS FOR ACCIDENT AT WORK?
Claims for accident at work involve seeking compensation when an employee suffers an injury or illness due to unsafe working conditions, employer negligence, or workplace hazards. These claims help you recover losses and ensure accountability for unsafe practices.
2. WHO CAN MAKE A WORKPLACE INJURY CLAIM?
You can file a claim if:
- You were injured while doing your job
- Your employer failed in their duty of care
- The accident occurred in the last three years
This applies to full-time, part-time, agency, freelance, or temporary workers.
3. COMMON TYPES OF WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
Claims for accident at work may result from:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falls from height
- Lifting or manual handling injuries
- Machinery or equipment accidents
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Workplace stress and mental health issues
4. EMPLOYER’S DUTY OF CARE
By law, employers must:
- Provide a safe working environment
- Offer training and supervision
- Maintain machinery and safety equipment
- Conduct risk assessments
- Provide proper PPE
Failure to meet these standards may constitute negligence, forming the basis of your claim.
5. HOW MUCH COMPENSATION CAN YOU CLAIM?
Compensation includes:
- General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of life quality
- Special damages for financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Travel costs
- Rehabilitation
- Future care or loss of earnings
Examples of payouts:
- Minor hand/foot injury: £1,000–£5,000
- Back injury (moderate): £6,000–£25,000
- Severe head injury or paralysis: £50,000–£300,000+
6. WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT AT WORK
- Seek immediate medical help
- Report the incident to your employer and ensure it’s documented
- Gather evidence – photos, witness details, CCTV, accident book entry
- Keep records of medical visits and expenses
- Contact a solicitor specializing in work-related injury claims
7. CAN I BE FIRED FOR MAKING A CLAIM?
No. It is illegal for employers to dismiss or retaliate against an employee for filing a legitimate injury claim. If they do, you may also be entitled to claim unfair dismissal or constructive dismissal.
8. NO WIN NO FEE CLAIMS FOR WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
Most solicitors offer no win no fee services:
- No upfront legal costs
- You only pay if the claim is successful
- The fee is deducted from your compensation (capped at 25%)
This ensures access to justice without financial risk.
9. TIME LIMITS FOR CLAIMS FOR ACCIDENT AT WORK
You must file your claim within 3 years of:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you first realized your injury was caused by work
Exceptions may apply for minors or those with mental incapacity.
10. HOW LONG DOES THE CLAIM PROCESS TAKE?
- Minor injury claims: 6–9 months
- Moderate claims: 12–18 months
- Serious/complex cases: 2 years or more
Timelines depend on medical assessments, liability investigations, and whether a settlement can be negotiated.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: Can I claim if I was partly responsible for the accident?
Yes. Your compensation may be reduced, but you’re still entitled to a portion based on shared liability.
Q2: What if the workplace accident aggravated a pre-existing condition?
You can still claim if the accident worsened your condition or brought forward symptoms.
Q3: Can visitors or contractors also claim?
Yes. Employers owe a duty of care to everyone on site, including contractors and visitors.
Q4: Will I have to go to court?
Most claims are settled out of court. Court is only needed if the claim is disputed or unresolved.
Q5: What evidence do I need?
Photos, witness statements, medical reports, and accident records are key to proving your case.
Q6: Do I need a solicitor to claim?
While not legally required, a solicitor improves your chances of success and maximizes your payout.
CONCLUSION
If you’ve been hurt on the job, claims for accident at work can provide vital financial support and accountability. With strong evidence, legal support, and timely action, you can secure compensation for your injury, lost income, and future care needs. Don’t suffer in silence—stand up for your rights and start your claim today.