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Accidents At Work Claims

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We had a very good experience with lawhive our solicitor was kind attentive and quick. She gave us all the relevant information and advice and sorted out our matter in a clear and straightforward manner. We are very grateful and pleased that we chose your services and would highly recommend.
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The service offered by Lawhive is outstanding. The process to find the most suitable solicitor is straightforward and efficient. The pricing is transparent and clear and the solicitors that have been provided to me have been outstanding. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone looking for a solicitor.
Jane,
09 July, 24
Courteous, fast and competent service
I would definitely recommend Lawhive also for the way the service is structured with a quick initial call and then their online private chat, which saves unnecessary costs, time and provides the kind of flexibility to follow the case when it’s more convenient to you.
Fabrizio,
12 July, 24
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Great service, excellent communication, very accommodating with timing and date requests. All done efficiently. Highly recommended.
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23 July, 24
Very happy indeed
A great service and in my experience, knowledgeable, helpful and experienced solicitors who's help I found to be invaluable. Thank you Lawhive, great job.
Paul,
26 July, 24
Had a great experience with Lawhive
Had a great experience with Lawhive, not only did I get a great price compared to everywhere else I looked, but my assigned solicitor was amazing and super helpful every step of the way. I even got my wanted outcome with my custody case in the end.
Danny,
27 July, 24
Exceptional Support
I recently used Lawhive to assist with my British citizenship application, and the experience was fantastic. My lawyer was incredibly helpful and kind throughout the entire process.
Angels,
29 July, 24
We had a very good experience with…
We had a very good experience with lawhive our solicitor was kind attentive and quick. She gave us all the relevant information and advice and sorted out our matter in a clear and straightforward manner. We are very grateful and pleased that we chose your services and would highly recommend.
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02 August, 24
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About

Employers have a legal duty to assess and manage risks, provide adequate training, and implement safety measures to prevent accidents. If you have been injured in the workplace, including slips and falls, machinery accidents, exposure to harmful substances, or injuries caused by inadequate safety measures you may be able to claim compensation. An accident at work claim seeks compensation for injuries sustained while performing work-related duties, with the aim of holding employers accountable for providing a safe working environment. In an accident at work claim, proving employer negligence involves showing that the employer breached their duty of care, which caused the accident. This could include failure to provide training, maintain equipment, or address known hazards. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to initial legal proceedings, However, seeking legal assistance from a personal injury solicitor sooner rather than later can help strengthen your accidents at work claim. Next steps

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Accident at Work Claims

Experiencing an accident at work can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel unsure about how to handle it. You might be worried about how your employer will react or if they’ll take the right steps. Unfortunately, many people go through work-related accidents in the UK. But it’s important to know you are not alone. 

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Lawhive’s personal injury solicitors have dealt with numerous accident at work cases, and we’re here to help you claim if you’ve had an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how you can go about making a claim, and how a solicitor can help you increase your chances of getting the right amount of compensation. 

Can I claim for an accident at work?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident at work in the past three years, and it wasn’t your fault, you might be able to get compensation.

Lots of injuries and work-related illnesses come about because employers and managers don’t follow safety rules, and it is your right to claim compensation if you’ve come to harm or been affected by their negligence. 

Many individuals who are injured in an accident at work have to take time off for recovery, which can be stressful for both them and their families - especially if they are the main breadwinner. In more extreme cases, an accident at work and subsequent injury might even force someone to stop working altogether. 

At Lawhive, we don’t think anyone should have to worry about their health, job, financial situation, or future after an accident at work. That’s why our solicitors offer legal advice and support when you need it most on a no-win, no-fee basis. So you can access justice, secure compensation, and focus on your recovery. 

To start your claim, get a free case assessment from our legal assessment team today.

What should I do if I’ve been injured at work?

If you’ve been injured at work, first and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. 

Next, you should report the incident to your manager and make sure the accident is recorded in the company accident book.

Certain accidents and injuries also have to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR. If you’ve suffered a serious injury and are hospitalised, a colleague or manager will typically handle these tasks for you. But it may be wise to follow up to make sure all the right processes were followed.

If you’re a member of a trade union, it’s a good idea to inform your trade union rep too. Their support can be really helpful at such a difficult time.

Should you need time off to recover and heal, you should be entitled to either Statutory Sick Pay or enhanced sick pay depending on your employment contract. Severe injuries with long-term or permanent effects may make you eligible for industrial injuries or disablement benefits. 

Can I claim compensation for an accident or injury at work? 

While the UK is generally considered one of the safest places to work globally, accidents at work and workplace injuries aren’t uncommon. From March 2022 to March 2023, HSE statistics show that 135 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents and 561,000 workers sustained a self-reported non-fatal injury in the workplace during the same period. 

The long and short of it is that employees are at a very real risk of serious and lasting injury at work, especially when safety measures, training, or personal protective equipment are inadequate or lacking. Therefore, if you’ve been injured in an accident at work in the last three years and it wasn’t your fault, you may very well be able to claim compensation if: 

  • You’re still undergoing medical treatment following a work-related injury or illness;

  • You’ve had to go to hospital repeatedly for the same condition; 

  • You had to take time off work to recover from an injury; 

  • You’ve had to change your role or working patterns due to an injury or condition. 

Seeking compensation for an accident at work isn’t about retribution or revenge.

Compensation aims to help cover recovery costs and adjustments you need to make in your life. If you have any doubt in your mind about making an accident at work claim, it’s worth getting a free case assessment from our expert legal assessment team, who will listen to your situation and advise you of the best course of action. 

Common accidents at work 

Accidents in the workplace can come about because of: 

  • Dangerous working practices; 

  • Insufficient or inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE);

  • Lack of or insufficient risk assessments; 

  • Preventable spillages; 

  • Poorly enforced safety procedures (or a total lack of them); 

  • Poorly maintained equipment. 

When we think about accidents at work, it’s natural for our minds to jump to the most dramatic circumstances, for example falling from a height (such as a ladder, roof, or scaffolding), getting electrocuted or burned, or experiencing injury due to contact with moving machinery. 

However, more benign workplace accidents can lead to significant injury such as: 

  • Slips, trips, or falls; 

  • Improper lifting and handling; 

  • Being struck by a falling object.

Other health risks posed by the workplace include toxic fumes, industrial deafness, and repetitive strain injuries. 

This list is not exhaustive. Different workplaces can give rise to different accidents. However, if any of these situations sound familiar, you may have grounds for an accident at work claim. 

What types of accidents at work can I claim for?

If you had an accident at work, you might be eligible for compensation if it wasn’t your fault.

Common workplace accidents include slips, trips and falls, lifting injuries, and accidents involving machinery, such as forklift accidents

In short, if your employer didn’t take proper steps to keep you safe, you could have a claim. 

Employment rights following an accident at work

Your employer must keep you safe, according to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

If they fail in this duty, and you get hurt because of it, you’ve got the right to claim compensation. The law also says that you can get medical help, report the incident, and take time off for medical appointments if you need them. 

Beyond safety, workers have other rights, including the right to rest, take paid holidays, and be fairly treated.

Can my employer fire me if I make an accident at work claim? 

No, your employer can’t fire you for seeking compensation following an accident at work - it’s your right to seek the support and compensation you deserve. 

Employers are obligated to provide the right tools, training, and support to ensure a safe working environment. They should also conduct risk assessments and implement safeguards, whether it’s an office or a warehouse, to keep everyone safe. 

If your employer does fire you for filing a claim after a workplace accident, you may be able to bring an unfair dismissal claim against them. 

How do I know if I have grounds for a work compensation claim?

If you’ve been hurt at work and it wasn’t entirely your fault, you likely have a claim. 

If your employer failed to ensure a safe environment, provide you with proper training, or provide you with appropriate safety equipment and you sustained an injury as a result, that means they failed to follow health and safety regulations.

The key to making a successful claim is to have evidence to back it up, such as photos of the scene of the accident, medical records, and witness statements.

How much compensation can I get for an accident at work claim? 

The amount of compensation you can get for an accident at work claim varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the financial losses you’ve faced. 

As a general rule, the more serious the injury is, the higher the potential compensation. This includes not just the immediate pain but also any lasting effects, like chronic pain. 

Is there a time limit on accident and injury at work claims? 

While the time limit for different types of personal injury varies, the typical timeframe in which you must claim is 3 years.

In real terms, this means that court proceedings need to begin within 3 years of your injury being recorded whether in your work’s accident log or by a medical professional. 

You won’t always be immediately aware that you’ve been injured or become ill, so there are accommodations in legislation to account for this gap. A court has the right to extend the time limit depending on the circumstances of your case.

Industrial illnesses like asbestos can take many years to come to light, so the rules are different.

Another exception is brain injuries, where you can’t manage your legal affairs yourself.

The best practice remains to seek legal help as soon as you become aware of your injuries or work-related illness.

Can I make a no-win, no-fee claim for an accident at work?

Yes, you can make a no-win, no-fee accident at work claim, and it’s pretty common practice. 

No win, no fee means that if your claim isn’t successful, you won’t have to pay legal fees. If your claim is successful, a success fee is deducted from this compensation awarded. This fee is agreed upon in advance with your personal injury solicitor. 

No win, no fee accident at work claims help individuals seek the compensation they deserve for an accident at work without worrying about upfront costs. To learn more about how our personal injury solicitors can support you in a no-win, no-fee personal injury claim, get a free case assessment from our legal assessment team today.

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How to make an accident at work claim

To make an accident at work claim, the best place to start is to speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. There are time limits to making a claim, and an experienced solicitor can help you understand if you’re able to make a claim and how you can go about it. 

How to prove a work accident claim

If you’re injured because of an accident at work, it’s important to keep records of the accident to support your claim. Above all else you should: 

  • Report the accident to your employer; 

  • See a doctor about your injuries; 

  • Take photos of your injury; 

  • Take photos of the scene of the accident; 

  • Collect contact details of any witnesses to the accident; 

  • Write down what happened as soon as possible. 

In some cases, expert opinions from medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists can provide additional weight to your claim.

Similarly, CCTV or surveillance footage that might have captured the accident can help prove negligence. The more detailed and comprehensive your evidence is, the stronger your case will be.

Can I make an accident at work claim if I was partly at fault?

You can still make an accident at work claim, even if you were partly at fault. UK law recognises that accidents can sometimes happen because of multiple factors. 

If you were in an accident at work and you were partially responsible for the accident, it’s known as contributory negligence. This means you can still make a claim, but the compensation may be adjusted to reflect the degree of your contribution to the incident.

How long does an accident at work claim take?

While it’s understandable that you might want a clear idea of the timeline for an accident at work claim, the length of a case can vary due to several factors.

The majority of personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations between both parties involved. This process can take several weeks to months. If negotiations fail, legal proceedings may be started which can significantly extend the timeline, potentially taking several months to a year, or even longer in some cases. 

Recent figures from the Ministry of Justice show that it takes an average of one year between a small claim being issued and the claim going to trial. Furthermore, multi and fast-track claims take, on average, around 18 months from claim to trial. 

Who pays compensation in an accident at work claim?

In an accident at work claim, compensation is typically paid by your employer’s liability insurance. 

By law, all employers, including small businesses, are required to have this kind of insurance to provide financial protection in case an employee is injured at work and makes a claim.

These insurance policies usually cover the costs of compensation, legal fees, and other related expenses. So, when you make a successful accident at work claim, it’s the insurance company that foots the bill, not your employer directly. 

To ease financial risks for claimants, many solicitors will provide their services for an accident at work claim on a no win, no fee basis.

Can I claim for an accident at work if I’m on a zero-hours contract?

If you’re on a zero-hours contract and get injured at work, you can still claim compensation if your employer was negligent in keeping you safe. 

Every employer, regardless of the type of employment contract, has legal duties to ensure a safe working environment, adequate training, well-maintained equipment, and protective gear for employees. 

If your employer doesn’t follow these rules and you’re injured while working on a zero-hours contract, the law is on your side and you have the right to seek compensation by filing an accident work claim against them. 

Can I claim for an accident at work if I’m self-employed? 

If you’re self-employed and injured in an accident at work, you need to prove that your injury resulted from third-party negligence.

Clients or those you work for still have a legal duty to make sure a work environment is safe and that you’re not put at unnecessary risk. They should also follow health and safety rules.

General damages and special damages may be available to you if you can prove that third-party negligence contributed to your injury.

Will I need to provide medical evidence as part of an accident at work claim?

Yes, to make a successful accident at work claim, you’ll need to show the extent and nature of your injuries through medical evidence such as medical records that show diagnosis, treatments, and ongoing medical care. 

In some cases, you may have to have an assessment from a medical professional who will provide a detailed understanding of the long-term effects of your injuries. 

Any medical evidence you present as part of an accident at work claim should show a direct link between the workplace accident and the injuries you sustained. This not only supports your claim but helps you and your accident at work solicitor calculate the appropriate compensation for your injuries.

How Lawhive can help

We understand that an accident at work that results in injury can throw your life into chaos. But it’s important to know that you have rights and if you have a strong case you can seek compensation following an accident at work. 

At Lawhive, our expert legal assessment team can quickly tell you if you’ve got a claim and then walk you through the whole process, step by step. If you’re feeling the pain of an accident at work, get a free, no-obligation case assessment from us today, and let us help you get back to a sense of normality after your accident.

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