Work Related Injury Claim: Your Full Guide to Compensation

A work related injury claim allows employees to seek compensation when they’re injured at work due to employer negligence or unsafe conditions. These claims cover physical injuries, psychological harm, and related financial losses.

2. Can You Make a Claim for a Work Injury?

You can make a claim if:

  • You were injured during your job (on-site or off-site)
  • Your employer failed in their duty of care
  • The incident occurred within the last three years

This applies to full-time, part-time, agency, and temporary workers.

Typical causes include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Manual handling or lifting accidents
  • Machinery or equipment faults
  • Lack of safety gear or training
  • Exposure to harmful substances
  • Falling objects or collapsed structures
  • Stress or mental health breakdown due to toxic environments

4. Employer’s Duty of Care

Your employer must:

  • Provide a safe working environment
  • Offer proper training and supervision
  • Maintain equipment and premises
  • Supply adequate protective equipment (PPE)
  • Regularly assess and manage workplace risks

Failure to do so could make them liable for your injuries.

5. What Can You Claim Compensation For?

You can claim for:

  • General damages: Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
  • Special damages:
    • Lost wages (past and future)
    • Medical treatment and physiotherapy
    • Travel expenses
    • Cost of care or domestic help
    • Future loss of earnings or pensions

6. How Much Compensation Can You Get?

Compensation varies based on injury severity and impact:

  • Minor injuries (cuts, sprains): £1,000 – £6,000
  • Moderate injuries (fractures, recovery needed): £6,000 – £25,000
  • Severe injuries (permanent disability): £25,000 – £300,000+

Special damages (e.g., lost income) can increase the total payout significantly.

  1. Get medical attention immediately
  2. Report the accident to your employer and log it in the accident book
  3. Gather evidence:
    • Witness statements
    • Photos or CCTV footage
    • Medical records
    • Receipts or proof of financial losses
  4. Contact a work injury solicitor
  5. Start the claim—many use a no win no fee agreement

8. No Win No Fee Work Injury Claims

Most solicitors offer no win no fee services, meaning:

  • You pay nothing upfront
  • Legal fees are only due if your claim succeeds
  • Fees are capped at a percentage (usually 25%) of your compensation

This makes claiming accessible without financial risk.

9. Time Limits for Claiming

You have three years from:

  • The date of the accident, or
  • The date you became aware your condition was work-related

Exceptions apply for:

  • Children (time starts at age 18)
  • Individuals lacking mental capacity (no limit while incapacitated)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if I was partly responsible for the accident?
You can still claim under the principle of shared liability, but your compensation may be reduced.

Q2: Can I be dismissed for making a claim?
No. It is illegal to fire or punish an employee for filing a legitimate work related injury claim.

Q3: Do I need to go to court?
Most claims are settled through negotiation. Court is only necessary if the employer disputes the case or refuses to settle.

Q4: Can I claim for mental health issues caused by work?
Yes. You can claim for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or burnout if caused by employer negligence or unsafe conditions.

Q5: Is my employer insured for these claims?
Yes. Employers in the UK must have employers’ liability insurance to cover workplace injury claims.

Q6: What if I’m self-employed or an agency worker?
You can still claim if the company you were working for was negligent in protecting your safety.

Conclusion

If you’ve suffered an injury at work, a work related injury claim can help you recover both physically and financially. Whether your injury is minor or life-changing, acting quickly with the support of a specialist solicitor gives you the best chance of a successful outcome. Don’t delay—your health, income, and legal rights deserve protection.

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