In the UK, the workplace is not always as safe as it should be. Individuals who are trying to earn a living should not be subject to unnecessary and unregulated risks at their place of work. These accidents can lead to physical and emotional distress, financial hardship, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. Understanding your rights is essential in the case of employer negligence.
Ramsdens Solicitors is a well-established legal firm with a rich history of expertise in personal injury claims. Here, we explore your legal options and outline what you should do if you have an accident at work.
Understanding Work Accidents
Work accidents can take various forms, from incidents that occur in an office environment, such as slip-and-trip accidents due to inadequate maintenance or inspections of the workplace, to more severe cases in industrial settings involving machinery malfunctions, hazardous substances, or fatal falls in construction environments.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that hundreds of thousands of workers in the UK fall victim to workplace injuries each year, some of which can lead to life-changing disabilities. This alarming number underscores the significance of the issue and the urgency with which it must be addressed.
Employee Rights in the Workplace
It is important to know the rights that are there to protect you; your employer is legally obliged to ensure that you work in a safe environment. This includes providing appropriate training for tasks that you are expected to perform, maintaining equipment in good condition, ensuring that work colleagues are suitable trained and providing suitable personal protective equipment where necessary. If your employer falls short of these standards and you suffer an injury as a result, you have the right to seek compensation. Understanding this right is the first step towards ensuring that you are treated fairly and that you receive what you are entitled to.
What To Do Immediately After a Workplace Accident
The immediate aftermath of a workplace accident can be a confusing and stressful time. However, there are certain steps you should take quickly to protect your rights. You should seek medical assistance immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately and could become serious over time. This will also help you to gather key evidence, such as the medical report and a professional opinion to reinforce your argument about the cause of your accident at work.
Next, it is crucial to report the incident to your employer. This will reduce the chances of anyone else suffering the same accident and will stand as another important form of evidence. All workplaces must have an accident logbook - your employer is required by law to provide access to one, and you should report any accidents there as soon as you are able to without causing further risk to yourself.
Document everything related to the accident, including the circumstances leading to the incident, the injury you sustained, and any witnesses to the event. This information will be invaluable when it comes to making a compensation claim.
Once you are safe and cared for, seek legal advice from an expert personal injury lawyer - such as those at Ramsdens Solicitors - to understand how you can claim compensation.
Your Right to Claim Compensation
When you suffer an injury at work due to your employer's or a colleague’s negligence for whom your employer is vicariously liable for, it is your right to seek compensation. This compensation is not limited to medical expenses - it can also cover a range of financial losses such as loss of earnings due to time off work, travel costs associated with medical appointments, costs for care and assistance that you require due to your injury, and even compensation for psychological trauma.
The Personal Injury Claims Process
The process of making a personal injury claim might seem daunting, but our expert personal injury solicitors will be with you throughout the entire process.
Generally, the process of claiming compensation is as follows:
Initial Consultation
The process begins with a free initial consultation. This no-obligation phone call provides an opportunity for us to understand your unique circumstances and to assess the merits of your claim. You will be able to ask questions and gain a clearer picture of the legal process, potential outcomes, and the support you can expect from Ramsdens Solicitors.
Gathering Information
Once you decide to proceed with your claim, our team will start gathering information about your case. This involves a detailed exploration of the circumstances surrounding the accident, your injuries, and the impact they have had on your life. We will collect evidence, which may include photographs, witness statements, accident report forms, and medical reports. Your personal injury solicitor may also arrange for you to undergo a medical examination by an independent expert to gain an objective view of your injuries and their implications.
Establishing Liability
A crucial part of the claims process is establishing who is liable for your accident. Ramsdens Solicitors will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the party responsible and prove that their negligence led to your accident at work. This process often involves contacting your employer or their insurer to inform them of your claim and the reasons behind it.
Valuing Your Claim Our team will then calculate the value of your claim. This is not limited to your physical injuries; they will also consider other elements such as loss of earnings, travel and medical expenses, and any future costs that may arise due to ongoing medical treatment or adjustments to your living circumstances. The goal is to secure a compensation package that adequately reflects your needs and losses.
Negotiation
Once we have all the required information to make a strong compensation claim, your solicitor will commence negotiations with the party at fault or their insurer. We will always strive to secure the maximum compensation for you without the need for court proceedings.
Court Proceedings
If it becomes clear that a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your personal injury solicitor will instruct a barrister to represent you in court. All of our personal injury experts have extensive experience in litigation and will present a compelling case on your behalf to achieve a favourable outcome. While most cases are settled without going to court, Ramsdens Solicitors will ensure you are fully prepared and supported in case court proceedings become necessary.
How Ramsdens Solicitors Can Assist with Work Accident Claims
While it is your right to claim compensation for an accident at work, the process is complex. By seeking legal guidance, you can be confident that you have experts at your back to take the bulk of the responsibility from your shoulders. We pride ourselves on our specialism and record of successful personal injury claims. Ramsdens Solicitors has successfully represented hundreds of clients, guiding them through the process of claiming personal injury compensation, helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Our experienced team will work tirelessly to understand every detail of your case, gathering all necessary information, preparing a robust claim, and supporting you every step of the way. Ramsdens Solicitors is committed to delivering the highest service standards and achieving the best possible outcomes for you.
Having an accident at work is an unfortunate event that can impact your life significantly. Remember, you have a right to a safe workplace and a right to compensation if you have suffered due to negligence.
If you have experienced an accident at work and are uncertain about your next steps, contact Ramsdens Solicitors today. We approach all of our accident at work claims on a no win, no fee agreement. Call us now on 01484 821 500 or fill out an online contact form to arrange a time for us to call you back.