Accident at Work Claims

You should be kept safe at work – but accidents happen. First4Lawyers can help you make a claim for compensation if you’ve been injured at work.

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Can I make an accident at work claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault in the last three years, you could be able to make a claim for compensation.

No matter where you work, you have the right to a safe working environment. Employers can help prevent accidents happening by adhering to health and safety guidance and proactively identifying and addressing potential hazards.

Unfortunately, many employers don’t prioritise employee safety. There are countless ways your employer could put you in danger at work, including:

  • Not carrying out appropriate risk assessments
  • Not providing sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Not maintaining equipment and machinery efficiently
  • Not ensuring the workplace is free of hazards, such as liquid spills
  • Not enforcing health and safety regulations
  • Not training employees appropriately
  • Not addressing colleagues’ negligence
  • Not ensuring vehicles are carrying an appropriate load

If your employer has not fulfilled their duty to provide a safe workplace, you could make a personal injury claim for compensation to help your recovery.

Can I be sacked for making an accident at work claim?

It shouldn't happen, but we can't guarantee it won't. There are, however, laws in place to protect you. So if your employer tries to fire you for making a claim, they could be opening themselves up to further legal action

Your employer is under obligation to ensure your health and safety at work. If they do not keep you safe and you suffer a workplace injury, you have the right to take legal action to secure the compensation that could help make a difficult time a bit easier.

Common accidents at work

Workers in certain professions are more likely than others to be injured. Your risk of being involved in an accident will depend on your work environment and your specific role and duties. When there are more risk factors, there is a higher chance of an accident.

For example, workers in the construction sector were more likely than other workers to suffer a fatal injury in 2022/23, according to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) most recent statistics.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing saw the second highest number of fatal injuries, while manufacturing is another comparatively dangerous industry.

The HSE has revealed that the most dangerous types of injury in the workplace are:

  • Falls from a height – This killed 40 people in 2022/23
  • Being struck by a moving object – This killed 29 people
  • Being struck by a moving vehicle – This killed 20 people
  • Being trapped by a collapsing or overturning object – This killed 12 people
  • Coming into contact with moving machinery – This killed 9 people

What should I do if I’m injured at work?

After you’ve suffered an accident at work, the first thing you’ll likely want to do is get medical attention. If you have a first aider in the workplace, make sure you see them and get treated immediately. You should also then make sure you see a doctor or other healthcare professional for your injury. So make an appointment with your GP or head to A&E straight away if it’s urgent.

It’s also vital to report your injury to your employer. If they have an accident book, make sure it is recorded there. If the company you work for has more than 10 employees, they are required to put your injury in the accident book. This can end up being an important piece of evidence in a personal injury claim.

You can also take photos and video of your injury after you have an accident. Your solicitor may use these to strengthen your case. It may also help to put together a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your daily life. This will also show how long your recovery has taken. You may also want to record all expenses and financial losses related to your injury. This can help when you want to claim this money back.

Gather any witness statements together. If anyone saw your accident, they could help to make your case stronger by providing a statement.

If you notice something in the workplace that could present a threat to your safety or that of your colleagues, you should report it immediately to your manager. If they don’t take action, you can ensure that they make a note of you raising the issue. This could also form part of your case if you decide to make a claim.

 

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Whether you want to make an accident and injury claim, or need a solicitor for personal or business law matters - our friendly team are here to help, 24/7.

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Who is responsible for an accident at work?

Your employer is responsible for ensuring your workplace is safe and that any hazards present are dealt with. They must ensure that all workers are properly trained and equipped to do their jobs safely.

If something goes wrong, it is likely that your employer could have prevented it by following safety guidance. By not providing a safe environment, they can be held responsible for your accident.

This is true even if you were injured by a colleague’s action – for example, you were hit by a tool dropped by another employee. In this case, your employer could reasonably have predicted this could happen and could have implemented safety measures to prevent it.

We understand that you might feel anxious about claiming against your employer. But it wouldn’t be them who would pay your compensation if you made a successful claim. All employers must have insurance policies to cover accidents.

You would claim against their insurer, not your employer directly.

Can I make a claim if the accident was partly my fault?

In certain circumstances, it is possible to still make a claim even if you were partly responsible for your accident.

Contributory negligence means that you and the other party – in this case, your employer – will both accept a share of the blame. Any compensation you are then awarded will be split according to the division of responsibility.

For example, if you and your employer were equally to blame for the accident, you would then receive 50% of the compensation you would otherwise have been awarded.

If the accident was entirely your fault – for example, you ignored safety guidance and fell from a height – you won’t be able to make a claim. In order to make a workplace accident claim, your injury must have been at least partly caused by someone else and happened in the last three years.

How can I fund an accident at work claim?

Everyone is entitled to justice when they are wronged – but not everyone can afford to pursue it. This is why No Win No Fee claims were introduced. They allow everyone the opportunity to take legal action when they’re injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Making a claim on a No Win No Fee basis means there is nothing to pay upfront. You can focus on your recovery rather than worrying about the cost of a claim.

It also means that if your claim is not successful, you won’t have to pay your solicitor’s fee. There is no financial risk involved in a No Win No Fee workplace injury claim.

If your claim is successful, your solicitor will take a success fee. This could be up to 25% of your final compensation amount – but it won’t be more. Your work accident lawyer will explain all fees before you go ahead with the claim so there won’t be any surprise costs down the line.

Only pay a fee if you receive compensation

Our No Win No Fee solicitors will take a success fee from the compensation you are awarded for a successful claim in the form of a percentage of your damages. This could be up to 25% but it won't be more than that, except in cases of road traffic accidents. Changing laws mean our solicitors will now take a payment of 30% of the final compensation amount plus VAT for all road traffic accident claims.

First4Lawyers are an award-winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.

How much compensation will I receive?

When working out the amount you are entitled to for an accident at work, there are two main factors that are taken into consideration: the suffering caused by your injuries (general damages) and any financial losses you experience as a result of the accident (special damages).

To establish what you might be entitled to in general damages, your solicitor will likely arrange for you to have a medical assessment. The doctor you see will put together a report that details how you will be affected by the injury, how long it will likely take for you to recover and what sort of treatment you will need to help you recover.

Financial losses put a value on what you have lost because of the accident. This can include wages from time taken off work, money spent on medical care and medication (including transport to and from the hospital), reimbursement for any possessions that may have been damaged during the accident, as well as compensation for any additional care you have received to help you recuperate.

This means that based on the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on you, it is difficult to say exactly what you might receive in compensation. Our simple compensation calculator can help to give you a better idea of the amount you might be eligible for.

You can also give our team of advisors a call to discuss your claim. It’s free to chat to us and we’re happy to talk you through your options.

Calculate your compensation in 4 easy steps...

To start your compensation calculation, please select the affected area of your body...

Now isolate the area of your body that was injured...

Choose the type of injury...

  • In these cases brain damage, if any, will be minimal.
  • Where a good recovery has been made but symptoms such as poor concentration and memory problems continue.
  • Where ability to work is reduced and there is a risk of epilepsy.
  • The injured person is very seriously disabled and is dependent on others.
  • Epilepsy has been caused as a consequence of the injury.
  • Affecting the ability to cope with life and/or work or affecting relationships with family and friends.
  • The injured person largely recovers within two years.
  • Injury causes effects that cause significant disability for the foreseeable future, or permanently.
  • In consequence of defective permanent waving etc. where effects are dermatitis or hair loss leading to distress and effects on social life.
  • Where hair has been pulled out leaving bald patches, or stress-induced alopecia with full recovery within two years.
  • Resulting in pain and temporary interference with vision.
  • Permanent impairment of vision in one or both eyes.
  • Total loss of sight in one eye and reduced vision or other problems with the other eye
  • Total loss of sight in one eye only.
  • Mild tinnitus with some hearing loss
  • With noise induced hearing loss, or moderate to severe tinnitus, or noise induced hearing loss alone.
  • With noise induced hearing loss
  • With or without associated problems such as tinnitus, dizziness or headaches.
  • With or without the speech being affected, or tinnitus.
  • Full recovery with no surgery required.
  • Where recovery is complete after surgery
  • Injuries requiring a number of operations and/or resulting in permanent damage.
  • Simple fracture of the cheekbone, which will fully recover without surgery.
  • Simple fracture of the cheekbone requiring some reconstructive surgery, but with full recovery and little or no cosmetic effects.
  • Serious fractures causing lasting effects such as burning/prickling sensation or an element of disfigurement.
  • Requiring immobilisation but recovery is complete.
  • Serious injury causing permanent damage, such as difficulty eating or opening the mouth.
  • Very serious multiple fractures requiring prolonged treatment. Permanent effects such as severe pain, restricted eating.
  • Assessed per tooth.
  • Single tooth only.
  • Extends over a number of years, including significant deterioration of overall condition of the teeth.
  • Where full recovery takes place between nine months and one year.
  • Fractures or dislocations which cause severe immediate symptoms and chronic conditions, leading to impaired function or limitation of activities.
  • Injuries usually involving serious fractures or disc damage leading to disability, such as substantial loss of movement or loss of function in one or more limbs.
  • Caused by asbestos
  • Varying levels of respiratory disability and reduced lung function (1-10% and in excess of 10%)
  • Severe pain and impairment of the pleura (lung lining) or the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), affecting function and quality of life.
  • Causing respiratory disability attributed to asbestos exposure.
  • Causing permanent damage, impairment of function, physical disability and reduction of life expectancy.
  • Such as soft tissue damage causing considerable pain but recovery almost complete within two years.
  • Such as frozen shoulder causing limitation of movement and discomfort for up to two years.
  • Causing pain in shoulder and neck, aching in elbow, weakness of arm and hand.
  • Involving damage to the brachial plexus and resulting in significant disability.
  • Temporary or permanent disability as a result of a fracture.
  • Such as strains, sprains, disc prolapses and soft tissue injuries.
  • Such as disturbances of ligaments and muscles causing backache, or compression fracture.
  • Injuries causing severe pain and disability, including impaired bladder, bowel and sexual function.
  • Resulting in significant or permanent disability
  • Most elbow injuries such as simple fractures, laceration and tennis elbow, not resulting in permanent damage or impairment.
  • Injuries causing impairment of function but not involving major surgery or significant disabilty
  • Injuries such as deep lacerations, soft tissue wounds or crush injuries, all recovering within six months.
  • Resulting in impairment of grip or reduced mechanical function. Partial amputations resulting in deformity.
  • Injuries such as a thumb being severed and re-attached, leaving it with little use, amputation of the tip or at the joint of the thumb. Nerve damage or fracture resulting in impaired grip or dexterity.
  • Amputation resulting in very little use and weak grip.
  • Amputation due to crush injuries, or loss of a significant part of the hand due to traumatic injury.
  • Serious injury resulting in extensive damage to both hands, effectively leaving them with little use.
  • Caused by repeated vibration, damage to hands including impaired grip, dexterity and frequent pain.
  • Such as an uncomplicated fracture with full or virtual recovery.
  • Injuries resulting in significant permanent disability, but some useful movement remains.
  • Injuries causing some permanent disability, such as persistent pain and stiffness.
  • Resulting in complete loss of function in the wrist, for example when an arthrodesis has been performed.
  • Such as a broken femur, tibia or fibular
  • Serious fracture or injuries to joints or ligaments, scarring, instability and lengthy treatment required.
  • Fractures where a full recovery is not made.
  • Loss of a leg below the knee
  • Loss of a leg above the knee
  • Both legs being lost above the knee, below the knee, or where one leg has been lost above the knee and the other below.
  • Torn cartilage or meniscus, laceration, twisting and bruising. May be full recovery, or continued aches and pains.
  • Injury or damage causing mild disability or continuing pain, discomfort or limited movement that may require future surgery.
  • Fractures, joint or ligament damage causing constant pain, impairing movement and agility. Requiring prolonged treatment, the injured person will be prone to osteoarthritis.
  • Including fractures where there is full recovery within two years.
  • Significant injury but any permanent disability is not major. Injury may require a hip replacement.
  • Such as extensive fractures resulting in substantial disabilities.
  • Simple metatarsal fractures, ruptured ligaments.
  • Displaced metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity.
  • Fractures to feet resulting in restricted mobility and /or considerable continuing pain.
  • Crush or multiple fractures to two or more toes, resulting in permanent disability.
  • Undisplaced fractures, sprains and ligament injuries.
  • For fractures and ligament tears resulting in moderate disability, such as difficulty walking on uneven ground or on stairs.
  • Injuries involving long periods of treatment, long period in plaster and some permanent disability.

Simply fill in our form below and we’ll call you back at a time to suit you.

Or talk to our team on:
0808 271 6198

There are other types of compensation you could be awarded through your accident such as loss of earnings or damage to property. The estimates given here are simply for your personal injury claim.

First4Lawyers' solicitors will be able to give you the best idea of the amount you should expect from your individual injury.

It is important to keep in mind that every case is different and the advice and estimates you'll be given, once your case has started, will be tailored specifically for your case.

How long do I have to make a work accident claim?

After being injured at work, you’ll typically have three years to make a claim. Although this sounds like a long time, it’s always a good idea to start your claim as soon as you can.

The details of what happened will be clearer in your mind the sooner you begin your claim. The same could be true for any witnesses or anyone else involved in the accident.

You could also find it easier to access certain pieces of evidence when you begin your claim early. This could include CCTV footage or copies of the accident book report.

But there are some exceptions to this three-year deadline. For example, if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to claim for themselves, there is no deadline.

For more information on how long you have to make a work injury claim, just get in touch and we’ll set it all out.

Why should I make an injury at work claim?

Work is what we do to pay our bills. When you suffer an injury at work, your ability to work might be affected. This can lead to unpaid time off and even the possibility of being unable to work again. This means you could end up facing real financial difficulties.

Making a claim for compensation can help to remove some of the stress and anxiety you may have felt about making ends meet.

You are also entitled to justice. No one deserves to suffer an injury at work, where you should have been protected by your employer.

By making a claim, you can also help to highlight the issue that caused your injury. Your employer will then have the chance to address it, making the workplace safer for everyone working there.

If you need help making a claim for the compensation you’re entitled to, trust First4Lawyers and our expert solicitors to make the process as simple as possible.

How can First4Lawyers help me?

At First4Lawyers, we understand what it means to make a claim against your employer. That’s why we aim to make the whole process as stress-free as we can.

Our friendly and compassionate claims advisors are here to help you when you’ve been injured somewhere you should have been safe. We work with expert injury lawyers, who share our determination to help people like you get the justice they’re entitled to.

We have helped people like Ms Preston, who successfully claimed £8,000 for injuring her vertebrae and suffering nerve damage in an accident.

To find out how we could help you, just give us a call, request a call back or start your claim online.

How long do I have to make a work accident claim?

After being injured at work, you’ll typically have three years to make a claim. Although this sounds like a long time, it’s always a good idea to start your claim as soon as you can.

The details of what happened will be clearer in your mind the sooner you begin your claim. The same could be true for any witnesses or anyone else involved in the accident.

You could also find it easier to access certain pieces of evidence when you begin your claim early. This could include CCTV footage or copies of the accident book report.

But there are some exceptions to this three-year deadline. For example, if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to claim for themselves, there is no deadline.

For more information on how long you have to make a work injury claim, just get in touch and we’ll set it all out.

Why should I make an injury at work claim?

Work is what we do to pay our bills. When you suffer an injury at work, your ability to work might be affected. This can lead to unpaid time off and even the possibility of being unable to work again. This means you could end up facing real financial difficulties.

Making a claim for compensation can help to remove some of the stress and anxiety you may have felt about making ends meet.

You are also entitled to justice. No one deserves to suffer an injury at work, where you should have been protected by your employer.

By making a claim, you can also help to highlight the issue that caused your injury. Your employer will then have the chance to address it, making the workplace safer for everyone working there.

If you need help making a claim for the compensation you’re entitled to, trust First4Lawyers and our expert solicitors to make the process as simple as possible.

How can First4Lawyers help me?

At First4Lawyers, we understand what it means to make a claim against your employer. That’s why we aim to make the whole process as stress-free as we can.

Our friendly and compassionate claims advisors are here to help you when you’ve been injured somewhere you should have been safe. We work with expert injury lawyers, who share our determination to help people like you get the justice they’re entitled to.

We have helped people like Ms Preston, who successfully claimed £8,000 for injuring her vertebrae and suffering nerve damage in an accident.

To find out how we could help you, just give us a call, request a call back or start your claim online.

Accident at Work FAQs

What do I need to do in the event of an accident at work?

If you have been injured in an accident at work, you should ensure you do the following:

  • See a doctor

Visit your doctor as soon as possible to have any injuries treated and officially record the medical details of your accident.

  • Report it and record it

Report the accident to your supervisor or manager. Make sure it is recorded in your workplace’s accident book. If you work in a very small business that doesn’t have an accident book, write down the details and give a copy to your employer, ensuring you keep a copy for yourself.

  • Keep track of the details

If you can, be sure to make a note of the exact circumstances of your accident. If there were any witnesses, record their contact details as you may need to call upon them if you proceed with a compensation claim.

  • Keep track of expenses

Make a note of any extra expenses that arise because of your accident. This includes travel costs to get to the hospital, loss of income due to time off work and any other related fees or losses. Be sure to hold onto receipts and documents as evidence.

  • Get in touch

Contact us and we'll help you establish whether you are eligible to claim accident at work compensation. We will also guide you through the process that follows, then our expert accident at work solicitors will manage your case to completion. They will work with you to piece together the circumstances of your accident and ensure you are reimbursed for the losses that were caused.

How soon after an accident do I have to return to work?

After an accident at work, you will likely want to keep your losses to a minimum. This will mean you’ll probably want to get back to work as soon as possible. But you should not feel pressured. Your employer cannot legally force you to return to work before you are ready – physically or psychologically.

Who pays the compensation for an accident at work?

If you successfully claim for injury because of an accident at work, your employer’s insurance company should cover the costs of the compensation. Employers are legally obliged to have this form of insurance, and you can find out which insurance company they use by asking to see the insurance certificate all employers must display by law.

Does it matter who or what my accident at work was caused by?

An accident at work can be caused by a variety of circumstances. The injury could result from actions taken by another employee or your employer, unsafe work environments, or a lack of protective clothing or training.

You may also decide to claim compensation if an incident in the workplace has caused a psychological illness – such as severe and avoidable stress or even PTSD – or if you have contracted an industrial disease associated with your role.

If your injury was caused by an accident in your workplace, you may be able to claim compensation.

How long does an accident at work claim take?

The length of time it takes to conclude an accident at work claim depends on your situation. The circumstances of your accident, how severe your injury is and how much it has affected your daily life will all have an impact on how long your claim takes.

Your employer will also affect the timeline. If they accept liability, your claim will be settled quicker than if they deny it.

How long it takes your solicitor to negotiate an appropriate compensation amount will also depend on your employer and their insurer and what they are willing to offer.

Your solicitor will let you know how long they think your claim will take.

To be matched to a specialist work injury lawyer, just start your claim online.

Meet Jacqueline

Head of Legal Services

Jacqueline is our head of legal services.
She is a qualified solicitor and has practised as a specialist in personal injury cases. A recent addition to our team, Jacqueline has moved to a managerial and coaching role with us, where she is keen to continue the team's training and development to ensure every customer continues to get a first class service.

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