How to Make a Personal Injury Claim at Work Successfully

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Personal Injury Claim at Work?

A personal injury claim at work is a legal process that allows employees to seek compensation if they’re injured due to their employer’s negligence. It covers both physical and psychological harm resulting from:

Unsafe working conditions
Faulty equipment
Lack of training or supervision
Workplace assaults or stress-related illnesses

Employers have a legal duty of care to keep the workplace safe. If they fail, you may have grounds to claim.

2. When Can You Make a Claim?

You can make a claim if:

The injury happened within the last three years
The accident was due to employer negligence
The injury led to physical pain, emotional distress, or financial loss

Common examples include slips, trips, machinery accidents, manual handling injuries, and falls from height.

3. Your Rights as an Injured Employee

By law, your employer must:

Provide a safe working environment
Offer adequate training and supervision
Carry out risk assessments
Maintain and repair equipment
Ensure proper safety procedures

If they fail in these duties, and you’re injured as a result, you’re entitled to seek compensation without fear of being fired or treated unfairly.

4. What Can You Claim Compensation For?

A personal injury claim at work may include:

General damages for pain and suffering
Special damages, such as:
- Lost earnings (including future income)
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy costs
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Home adjustments or care needs

Your solicitor will assess how the injury has affected your daily life and earning capacity to calculate a fair settlement.

5. How to Make a Claim

Follow these steps to begin your claim:

Report the accident to your employer and record it in the accident book
Seek medical attention and retain records of treatment
Collect evidence: photos, witness statements, and incident reports
Contact a personal injury solicitor
Your solicitor will evaluate your case and begin legal proceedings

Most claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, so you don’t pay unless you win.

6. Employer’s Insurance and Your Protection

All UK employers are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. Your claim will be made against their insurance provider—not your employer personally. This ensures you can claim compensation without jeopardising your job or relationship with your employer.

Also, it’s illegal for employers to fire or discriminate against employees for making a legitimate claim.

7. Time Limits for Workplace Injury Claims

You have three years from the date of the accident—or the date you became aware of the injury’s connection to work—to make a claim. Exceptions include:

Claims for children (time starts at age 18)
Claims for those lacking mental capacity (no time limit while capacity is absent)

Start your claim early to avoid complications and ensure all evidence is preserved.

8. Common Workplace Injury Claims

Examples of injuries leading to personal injury claims at work include:

Back injuries from heavy lifting
Fractures from slipping on wet floors
Burns or chemical exposure
Injuries caused by machinery or tools
Stress or anxiety due to unsafe working environments

Any injury caused by poor working conditions may qualify.

9. Choosing the Right Solicitor

When making a workplace claim, choose a solicitor who:

Specialises in workplace or personal injury law
Offers No Win No Fee representation
Has a strong track record of successful claims
Communicates clearly and supports you throughout

The right solicitor ensures your claim is handled professionally and that you get the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I be fired for making a personal injury claim at work?
No. It’s illegal to dismiss or penalise an employee for making a legitimate injury claim.

2. What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be eligible for compensation, though your payout may be reduced.

3. How much compensation will I receive?
It depends on your injuries, recovery time, and financial losses. Claims range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands for serious injuries.

4. Do I have to go to court?
Most claims settle out of court. A court case is rare and usually only happens if liability is denied.

5. Can I claim if I was a temporary or agency worker?
Yes. All workers are protected under UK law, regardless of their employment status.

6. What if the company has closed?
You can still claim through the employer’s former liability insurance, with help from a solicitor.

Conclusion

If you’ve been hurt at work due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, making a personal injury claim at work helps you get the financial support and justice you deserve. With a No Win No Fee solicitor by your side, you can claim without risk and focus on your recovery. Don’t wait—start your claim today and protect your rights.

Martin taggart