Accident At Work Solicitors

What is a workplace injury claim?

A workplace injury claim is a legal process for employees to gain compensation from their employer in the event of an injury that wasn’t their fault. The purpose of the claim is to provide financial support to the injured party, compensating them for any pain, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.

Many people who suffer accidents in the workplace hesitate to start a claim because they fear that it will cause problems between themselves and their employers. You should not have to worry or feel uncomfortable if your employer has neglected their responsibility to provide a safe work environment.

Furthermore, in the UK, companies are legally required to take out Employers’ Liability Insurance with an authorised insurer when they become an employer. This insurance is there to help pay compensation if an employee is injured, or taken ill, as a result of their work.

What type of workplace injuries can I claim for?

You can claim for almost any injury in the workplace, but some of the most common include:

• Burns and scalds: Injuries caused by fire, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or substances in the workplace.
• Faulty equipment & machinery: Injuries resulting from defective, improperly maintained, or unsafe machinery, equipment, and PPE.
• Harmful substances: Illnesses or conditions caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, asbestos, or other hazardous materials without adequate protection.
• Hearing loss: Hearing impairment due to exposure to loud noise without proper ear protection.
• Manual handling injuries: Any injury caused by lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects without proper training or equipment.
• Repetitive strain injuries: More common in office settings or assembly lines, you can claim compensation for injuries caused by repetitive movements or overuse of certain muscle groups.
• Slips, trips, and falls: If you slip on a wet floor (without adequate warning), trip over a poorly placed obstacle, or fall from an unsecured ladder, you might have a case.
• Stress and psychological injuries: Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression resulting from overwork, bullying, or a toxic work environment.
• Workplace violence: Physical injuries resulting from acts of violence by coworkers or other parties within the workplace.

Unsure whether your injury is eligible? Get in touch and one of our team will explain.

How can we help?

When we make a workplace accident compensation claim, we will work hard to maximise the compensation you receive for:

• The pain and suffering caused by your injuries, including any psychological trauma
• Any loss of earnings you’ve suffered
• The cost of private surgery or treatment you’ve had to undergo to aid your recovery
• Any permanent disabilities you’ve sustained as a result of the accident, and the resulting costs (such as modifications to your home and your car)

Plus, if your injuries are so serious that you’ve been unable to work for an extended period, we’ll do everything we can to obtain early interim payments to lessen the financial burden.

We’ll also arrange for your treatment to start as quickly as possible so that you can return to work and get on with your life.

How do I make a workplace accident claim?

Making a work accident compensation claim is straightforward and follows a similar process to most personal injury claims:

1. First, you need to speak to a solicitor specialising in personal injury and work accident compensation claims. Our team has extensive experience in this area, having represented hundreds of employees who suffered injuries of varying severity over the years.
2. Your solicitor will assess your case and advise if it’s worth pursuing. Many, including ourselves, will offer a no-win, no-fee arrangement for those with strong cases – meaning you don’t pay unless your claim is successful!
3. If you go ahead, your solicitor will start collecting details of your injury, treatment, loss of earnings, and other expenses.
4. When your claim is ready, a letter will be sent to your employer and their insurance company, outlining your case and compensation.
5. Negotiations will then begin. Ideally, your employer will quickly accept liability and settle. If they don’t, you may have to take your case to court. This is uncommon as most cases are settled out of court, but it’s a possibility that you need to be prepared for.

Keep in mind that a claim will take time and patience is key. As your solicitor, it’s our job to keep you in the loop and fight your corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you operate?

Traditionally, Slater Heelis is a Manchester-based law firm and we still have strong roots in the city. However, throughout our 250+ year history, we have evolved into a national law firm. With offices across the UK, including London, Manchester, Preston, and York, we can represent you wherever you’re based.

What should I do after an accident at work?

Following treatment for any immediate injuries, you should ensure that there is a record somewhere of the incident. If you are not able to report it yourself, you can ask someone else to do it for you. This means that should you make a claim, it can be evidenced. Later, when you’re ready, you should speak to a solicitor and your trade union (if part of one) to discuss your case.

What are my rights after an accident at work?

You have the right to seek medical treatment, report the accident to your employer, take time off to recover, and file a compensation claim if the injury was due to your employer’s negligence. You’re also protected against dismissal or unfair treatment for reporting an accident or making a claim.

Do I get paid if I get injured at work?

In most cases, you will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you need to take time off due to an accident at work. You can check your employment contract or staff handbook to find out. SSP is unlikely to be as much as your usual earnings, so if you struggle to pay bills and want to claim lost income, you will have to make a work accident claim.

What happens if an accident at work is not reported?

An employer is likely to receive a substantial fine from the Health and Safety Executive if they find that any kind of accident or near miss in the workplace is not reported. Regardless of the severity, every instance of an injury sustained on the job needs to be reported.

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure reporting is up to date and done so in the proper way. As a result, you should always speak up and report any workplace injury no matter how minor.

Am I eligible to make a workplace accident compensation claim?

You’re likely eligible to make a work claim if an incident involving injury or illness is connected to your job and happened while you were performing work-related tasks.

How long do I have to file a claim after a workplace accident?

In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If you discover your injury later, the clock starts when you find out about it (known as the ‘date of knowledge’).

What evidence do I need to support my compensation claim?

Gather everything from medical reports and photos of your injuries to witness statements and records of any financial losses. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim.

How much compensation will I receive for an accident at work?

Compensation is based on the severity of your injury, financial losses, and future costs related to your injury (like ongoing care or loss of earnings). Each case is unique, so it’s difficult to say how much compensation you’ll receive without assessing the details over the phone or in person.

How long does the claim process take?

It varies. Simple cases can settle in a few months, while more complex ones might take years. We always outline expected timeframes at the beginning, so you have a rough timeline based on your specific case. Things can change though, and we’ll update you as we progress.

Can I claim for psychological injuries as well as physical injuries?

Yes, you can claim for both. If your workplace accident caused psychological harm like stress or depression, it’s covered just like physical injuries.

What should I do if I’m pressured not to file a claim?

Stand your ground. It’s your right to seek compensation. Report any undue pressure to us, and we will advise on how to handle the situation.

What if I was at fault, partly or entirely?

You might still be able to make an accident at work claim. Compensation might be reduced based on your share of the blame, but it’s worth discussing your case with one of our team to find out.

Do you offer a no-win, no-fee agreement?

Yes, we offer a no-win, no-fee agreement for clients with strong cases. Get in touch to find out if you’re eligible.

Work Compensation Claim Estimates

The table below provides estimates of compensation following a workplace accident. It should only be used as a rough guide, as every case is unique and compensation can vary depending on the specifics of each case, including the severity of the injury and the impact on your life.

We highly recommend speaking to one of our lawyers for a more accurate estimate.