How to Make a Successful Injuries at Work Claim

Table of Contents

1. What Is an Injuries at Work Claim?

An injuries at work claim is a legal process where an employee seeks compensation after suffering an injury caused by their employer’s negligence. Whether it’s due to unsafe working conditions, lack of training, or faulty equipment, injured workers are entitled to claim for their losses.

Typical claims involve:

Slips, trips, and falls
Manual handling injuries
Machinery or equipment accidents
Workplace assaults or stress-related illnesses

2. Your Employer’s Duty of Care

UK employers have a legal obligation under:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

They must:

Provide safe working environments
Offer adequate training and supervision
Maintain equipment and machinery
Carry out regular risk assessments
Supply necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)

Failing in any of these duties can lead to legal liability if an employee gets hurt.

3. Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Workplace accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

Back injuries from lifting heavy items
Fractures from falls
Burns from chemical or electrical exposure
Cuts and lacerations from machinery
Stress, anxiety, or PTSD due to workplace harassment or overwork

No matter how minor or severe, injuries caused by employer negligence may warrant a claim.

4. What Can You Claim Compensation For?

A successful injuries at work claim can cover:

Pain and suffering (general damages)
Medical expenses (past and future)
Loss of earnings (including future income)
Travel costs to medical appointments
Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
Care or assistance at home

Your solicitor will help assess the full financial and personal impact of the injury.

5. Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident

To protect your health and strengthen your claim:

Seek immediate medical treatment and follow all advice
Report the accident to your employer and ensure it’s recorded in the accident book
Take photographs of the accident scene if possible
Collect witness statements
Keep a diary of symptoms and recovery
Retain receipts for medical treatment, travel, and other expenses

Early and thorough documentation is critical for a successful claim.

6. How to Start an Injuries at Work Claim

The claims process generally involves:

Contacting a personal injury solicitor
Providing details and evidence of your accident and injuries
Signing a No Win No Fee agreement (if available)
Your solicitor investigating the accident and gathering expert evidence
Issuing a formal claim to the employer’s insurance company
Negotiating settlement or proceeding to court if necessary

Most claims are settled without needing to go to court.

7. No Win No Fee Workplace Injury Claims

Most solicitors offer No Win No Fee agreements, meaning:

No upfront legal costs
Payment is only required if your claim succeeds
The success fee is capped at a percentage of your compensation (usually 25%)

This ensures you can claim without worrying about financial risks.

8. Time Limits for Making a Claim

You generally have three years from:

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

Exceptions apply if:

The injured person is a child (time starts at their 18th birthday)
The injured person lacks mental capacity (time limit may be paused)

Act quickly to ensure you meet deadlines and secure necessary evidence.

9. Can You Claim if the Company No Longer Exists?

Yes. If your employer has closed down, you may still claim through their former insurers. A specialist solicitor can help trace insurance details and proceed with your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, although your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

2. Will I lose my job if I make a claim?
No. It’s illegal for employers to dismiss or retaliate against workers for making legitimate claims.

3. How much compensation will I receive?
It depends on your injury’s severity, recovery time, and financial losses. Your solicitor will provide an estimate.

4. Do I need to go to court?
Most injuries at work claims are settled out of court. Court is only needed if liability or settlement amounts are disputed.

5. What if I was an agency or temporary worker?
You are still entitled to claim if the company owed you a duty of care and breached it.

6. What evidence helps my claim?
Medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and financial records of lost income or expenses.

Conclusion

Making an injuries at work claim ensures you receive the compensation and support you need after suffering harm at your workplace. With the backing of an experienced solicitor and a No Win No Fee agreement, you can focus on recovery while your legal team fights for the justice you deserve. Don’t delay—assert your rights and start your claim today.

Martin taggart