Accident At Work Solicitors

All employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their staff. If you have sustained an injury at work due to an accident that wasn’t your fault you may be entitled to compensation.

There’s an element of risk in most workplaces, from obviously dangerous environments like factories and farms to places with less obvious risks, such as offices and retail stores. If your employer fails to provide you with suitable equipment or training, or asks you to carry out tasks for which you are not trained, and you are injured, you could make a claim.

If you have had an accident at work, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. Doing so can enable you to recover funds that will help to pay for any support you require or finances that you have lost. For more information, call us today on 01484 821 500, email us at PICN@ramsdens.co.uk or fill out an online enquiry form.

How can Ramsdens help?

The personal injury team at Ramsdens Solicitors can guide you through the entire process of making a workplace injury compensation claim.

When you call us, we will hold an initial consultation to discuss your situation and understand how we can help you. We will also explain what you can expect from making an accident at work claim, including the process, your responsibilities versus ours, your chances of success and how much compensation you could be awarded.

If you decide to make your accident at work claim with us, we will begin to identify and collect evidence that supports your argument. This may include anything from photos of your injuries to the accident report from your workplace, or financial records of your increased spending or loss of income. With our years of experience in personal injury, we will be able to facilitate medical professionals who may be able to provide an assessment of your injuries and identify the cause.

For any evidence that you may be required to help us gather, we will discuss the situation with you first and guide you through the necessary process. We understand that you will need time to rest after suffering an injury and may not want to deal with the stress of being involved with a compensation claim. We will do our best to help you get the result you deserve while also letting you recover. In some cases, we may be able to secure an early compensation payout for you to secure any urgent care that you require.

Once we have built a solid case for compensation, we will approach the negligent party with your workplace injury claim, and they will have the chance to respond. They may agree to settle straightaway, or we may need to hold mediation sessions with them to negotiate your settlement. In most cases, court proceedings will not be necessary. However, if the other party refuses to settle, we will represent you in court, producing your evidence as our argument as to why you deserve compensation.

Do I have grounds to make an accident at work claim?

If you suffered an accident at work due to your employer's failure to keep you safe, you may be eligible to make a workplace injury claim. To to so, you must be able to prove the following points:

• That you suffered an injury at work
• That your employer was responsible for your accident and subsequent injury
• That your injury has caused you loss, either to your physical or mental health or financially

You will need to provide evidence to show that these points are valid. One of our professional solicitors will help you to do this by identifying, gathering and presenting the evidence from and to the relevant parties.

Can I still make a claim if I work in a high-risk industry?

You can still make a personal injury claim in the UK even if you work in a high-risk industry. Employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees in line with the rules laid out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), regardless of the industry. This includes providing appropriate training, safety equipment, and maintaining a safe working environment.

If you have been injured at work and believe that your employer's negligence or failure to meet their legal obligations contributed to your injury, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. To do so, contact our accident at work solicitors as soon as possible.

Do I need to report the accident to my employer?

It is essential that you report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Informing your employer about the incident is not only essential for your potential injury claim but also for ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe working environment, and reporting accidents helps them identify risks and hazards that need to be addressed.

Employers are required to maintain an accident book or incident reporting system to record work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Depending on the severity of the incident, they may also be required to report it to the HSE.

If you then decide to pursue a personal injury claim, the accident report serves as a vital piece of evidence. It documents the incident, including the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident, which may be crucial for establishing liability and the extent of your injuries.

When reporting the accident, provide as much information as possible, including the circumstances of the incident, any witnesses, and the nature of your injuries. Make sure the report is accurate and complete, as it may be used as evidence in a potential claim.

What should I do after a workplace accident?

If you have been involved in a workplace accident, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your health, safety, and any potential claim you may need to make:

1. Seek medical attention - your health should be your top priority. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. This will ensure you receive the appropriate care and documentation of your injuries, which may be necessary if you decide to file a claim later.

2. Report the accident - inform your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Your workplace should have an accident book or incident reporting system where you can record the details of the incident. If your workplace does not have one of these books, this may be a key point in holding your employer responsible.

3. Document the accident - collect as much information as you can about the accident, including:

• Photos of the accident scene, including any hazards or unsafe conditions that may have contributed to the incident.
• Names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
• A detailed description of the events leading up to and during the accident.
• Any relevant documentation, such as risk assessments, training records, or maintenance logs

 4. Preserve evidence - keep any damaged clothing or equipment that may have played a role in the accident, as they could be important evidence in a future claim.

5. Keep track of your expenses - maintain a record of any medical expenses, travel costs, or other financial losses related to the accident and your injuries. This information may be necessary if you decide to seek compensation later.

6. Consider legal advice - if you believe your employer's negligence contributed to your accident and injuries, consult a personal injury solicitor who specialises in workplace accidents - such as those at Ramsdens Solicitors. We can help determine if you have a valid claim and guide you through the process.

Taking these steps can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you may be entitled to if your employer is found to be at fault for the accident.

How long do I have to report an accident at work?

It is generally best to report the accident as soon as possible, preferably on the day it occurs or within a few days. Doing so will help to ensure that the incident is accurately documented, and that necessary actions can be taken to address any safety issues. This will also help to ensure that you can provide solid evidence of the date and time that your accident occurred if you choose to make an accident at work claim.

What are my rights as an employee after an accident at work?

As an employee in the UK, you have certain rights and protections following a workplace accident. It is important to be aware of these rights to ensure you receive the support and compensation you may be entitled to. Some of your rights include:

• Reporting the accident - you have the right to report the accident to your employer and have the details recorded in the company's accident book or incident reporting system.
• Medical treatment - you are entitled to seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries. Your employer should not prevent you from doing so.
• Sick pay - if you need to take time off work due to your injuries, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or contractual sick pay, depending on your employment contract and the company's policies.
• Safe working environment - employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, including proper training, safety equipment, and risk assessments. You have the right to expect your employer to take appropriate measures to prevent further accidents and address any hazards that contributed to the incident.
• Confidentiality and privacy - your personal information and the details of the accident should be handled confidentially by your employer.
• Protection from retaliation - you have the right to report a workplace accident without fear of retaliation, such as dismissal, demotion, or harassment. If you face retaliation for reporting an accident, you may have grounds for an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim.
• Compensation - if your accident was caused by your employer's negligence or failure to meet their legal obligations, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. This may include compensation for your injuries, lost earnings, medical expenses, and other related costs.
• Legal representation - you have the right to seek legal advice and representation from a solicitor who specialises in workplace accidents and personal injury claims.

It is essential to be aware of your rights as an employee following a workplace accident. If you believe your rights have been violated or need assistance navigating the process, consider seeking legal advice from one of our specialist personal injury solicitors as soon as you are safe.

Can I receive compensation for my pain and suffering if I am injured in an accident at work?

Compensation is split into two main categories - general and special damages. When you make a compensation claim, both of these categories are considered. General damages cover the physical and emotional suffering that you were caused by an accident at work. Your compensation will be calculated based on the Judicial College guidelines. Depending on the type of injury you have suffered and its severity, you will receive more or less compensation.

Can I receive compensation for lost wages if I am unable to work due to an injury from an accident at work?

The special damages are calculated as part of your workplace accident claim and they include any financial losses you have suffered directly due to your injury. These include any lost wages due to being unable to work and care expenses, such as medical and therapy bills.

What if I am unable to return to work after an accident?

If you are unable to return to work following your workplace accident, you should consider making a compensation claim. You should not have to suffer financial loss due to the negligence of your employer.

Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?

By law, your employer can not fire you for making a compensation claim against them. If they threaten to do so, you should speak to us about this too, as we may be able to hold your employer accountable for further negligent treatment.

How long does it take to make an injury at work claim?

The duration of a workplace injury claim in the UK can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the level of cooperation from both parties involved. There is no set time frame for resolving a claim, but here are some general guidelines:

• Straightforward claims - for relatively simple cases where your employer's liability is clear and your injuries are minor, a settlement may be reached within a few months.
• Moderate complexity claims - in cases where liability is disputed or the injuries are more severe, it can take longer to negotiate a settlement, potentially up to a year or more.
• Complex claims - for claims involving serious injuries, long-term care, or complicated liability issues, the process can take several years to reach a resolution.

It is important to keep in mind that each case is unique, and these time frames are only general estimates. The following factors can influence the duration of a workplace injury claim:

• Gathering evidence - collecting relevant documentation, obtaining medical records, and securing expert opinions can take time.
• Negotiations - settlement negotiations between your solicitor and the other party's insurer or legal representative may be lengthy, particularly if liability or the level of compensation is contested.
• Medical assessment - in some cases, it may be necessary to wait for your injuries to stabilise before a full assessment of their impact on your life and future can be made, which may affect the claim's duration.
• Court proceedings - if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the case may need to go to court, which can significantly extend the time it takes to resolve the claim.

Throughout the claims process, we will maintain open communication with you, providing updates and guidance on your case's progress. While it may be frustrating that the process can take time, it is essential to ensure that all aspects of the claim are thoroughly addressed to secure the best possible outcome for you.

WHY CHOOSE RAMSDENS SOLICITORS?

We have helped hundreds of people get the compensation they deserve - compensation that is vital to keep them afloat should they need time off work to recover from an accident.

Our lawyers have the experience, knowledge and confidence to make a claim for your work accident, no matter where it occurred. We have taken on all kinds of cases, from simple sprains and breaks to serious cases involving long-term injuries and comprehensive rehabilitation. When you choose to work with our accident at work solicitors, you can be assured that you have experts at your back.

With our no win, no fee policy, you can make a workplace accident claim with us with minimal risk to your finances - you will not be required to pay our legal fees if we are not successful in claiming compensation for you.

FAQs about accident at work claims