Accidents At Work

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Accident At Work Claim Solicitors

Workplace accidents often occur, despite the many precautions put in place to keep employees safe. The personal injury experts at JMW can help you make an accident at work claim for an injury that was caused by somebody else’s negligence with a no win, no fee arrangement. Our work accident solicitors are experts in claims of this kind and can guide you through the entire process, ensuring you have the advice you need every step of the way.

If you have had an accident at work in the past three years and it was caused by somebody else, then you are legally entitled to make a work injury claim for compensation for the pain and suffering it caused. To speak to a solicitor about claiming compensation for a workplace accident, simply call us on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you shortly.

Once you have discussed your circumstances with us, our solicitors will contact your employer and start the no win, no fee accident at work claims process in a professional manner, minimising any effect on your job.

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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CALCULATOR

How much is your accident at work claim worth?

How JMW Can Help

When you are making a claim, it is important to follow the right course of action to maximise your chances of a positive outcome. Following an initial discussion with a member of the team, you will be able to instruct your solicitor to set up your accident at work compensation claim, make contact with your employer and gather the evidence needed to create a strong case.

Our team is on hand to help you with your injury. Led by partners Andrew Lilley and Gordon Cartwright, our team is experienced, dynamic and accommodating. We have received recognition from The Legal 500, placed as a finalist in the ML Awards for personal injury, and have been shortlisted by the Personal Injury Awards as Team of the Year for 2018. Read more about our accreditations here.

We have dealt with many cases of injuries sustained in the workplace, ranging from minor slips and trips to catastrophic accidents. In rare cases, an accident in the workplace may be so severe that it proves fatal. If you have been unfortunate enough to have lost a loved one in these circumstances, you can make an accident claim on their behalf.

Our accident at work solicitors understand that injured workers are often worried about making a compensation claim for fear of putting their jobs at risk. However, your employer has a duty to keep employees safe and cannot dismiss you on the grounds that you are making a compensation claim against them. Our team's vast experience of dealing carefully and professionally with work accident claims when someone has been injured on the job means you can be sure the risks are minimised.

Neil Head's Story


What Should I Do After an Accident At Work?

Following a workplace injury, you should make sure to report the incident to a manager so a record can be made in the accident logbook. Details of any witnesses to the accident should also be collected, and it is also worth checking your employment contract for information on sick or injury pay.

Collecting evidence is an essential part of making a compensation claim. Other examples of evidence that can help to support your argument include:

  • Clear photographs of your injury and the hazard that caused your accident
  • Witness statements from anyone who saw your accident, your injuries or how they have affected you
  • CCTV footage that captured your accident
  • Financial records to show how your injury has affected your expenses
  • Communications between you and anyone responsible for the hazard

Once you have received medical attention, you should consider whether your accident was your fault or because of someone else's negligence. If you suffered a workplace injury due to an accident at work that was not your fault, you should speak to a professional solicitor as you may be able to claim compensation for your suffering.

What Happens During a Workplace Accident Claim?

The accident at work claim process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Consultation - speak with a specialist personal injury solicitor to discuss your case and determine if you have a valid claim.
  2. Gathering evidence - we will collect and compile relevant information to support your claim, such as medical records, witness statements and photographs of the accident scene.
  3. Submitting the claim - we will submit your claim to the responsible party or their insurance company, outlining the details of the case and the compensation sought.
  4. Negotiation - the opposing party may accept your claim and offer a settlement, or they may dispute the claim, requiring further negotiation or investigation.
  5. Litigation - if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your case may proceed to court, where a judge will decide the outcome.

Your solicitor will guide you throughout the entire process, handling all of the communications and organisation of the case. In some cases, you may be required to help them gather certain pieces of evidence, such as by undergoing a medical assessment, but otherwise, your solicitor will take the bulk of the legal burden from your shoulders and allow you to focus on your recovery following your workplace injury.

Can I Claim for an Accident At Work?

To establish grounds for a work-based compensation claim, you need to demonstrate that your employer breached their duty of care, resulting in your injury. Employers are legally required to ensure a safe working environment for their employees, which includes providing appropriate training, equipment and supervision. If your employer's negligence or failure to meet their obligations has caused your workplace injury, you may have grounds for a compensation claim.

Speak to our team as soon as possible to learn how to claim for an accident at work and whether you are eligible to do so.

What do I Need to Prove In an Accident At Work Claim?

To succeed in an accident at work claim, you must establish that:

  1. Your employer owed you a duty of care.
  2. Your employer breached that duty of care.
  3. The breach resulted in your injury or illness.

To support your claim, you will need to provide evidence, such as medical records, witness statements and documentation of the accident (e.g. photographs or accident book entries).

Dangerous Work Environments

Although all workplaces offer a level of risk, there are certain environments that are more dangerous than others due to the nature of work carried out.

Common dangerous work environments include:

Regardless of how you have been injured, if it was caused by the negligence of your employer or a colleague, you may be entitled to make an accident at work claim.

Common Causes of Injuries At Work

Naturally, injuries sustained in the workplace vary from sector to sector and are dependent on the nature of the work and the potential hazards you may encounter.

Our solicitors have successfully represented a larger number of individuals who have been injured due to:

To find out more about the most dangerous industries to work in, take a look at this blog post.

Can I Claim for Occupational Illness or Disease?

Yes, you can claim compensation for an occupational illness or disease if it can be proven that your employer's negligence or failure to adhere to health and safety regulations contributed to your condition. Some common occupational illnesses or diseases include:

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for an Accident At Work?

The amount of compensation you are entitled to will vary depending on the type of injury you have suffered, how long it took/will take you to recover and the overall impact it has had on your life. Your overall compensation amount will also be affected by any financial losses you suffered as a result of your injuries, including time taken off work, costly medical treatment, care provided by family members and structural changes to your home to cater for the injury.

Claiming compensation for an accident in the workplace can help to mitigate the stress and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injury, making it easier to cover any costs, implement necessary lifestyle changes and focus on your recovery. Typically, a compensation award can be used to pay for the following:

  • Costs and expenses incurred due to the injury
  • Rehabilitation
  • Full or part-time care
  • Ongoing medical treatment and surgery costs
  • Access to medical treatment not available on the NHS
  • Specialist equipment required for daily living
  • Transport and travel arrangements required as a result of the injury
  • Loss of earnings
  • Special education needs

Our Compensation Calculator can give you an estimate of how much compensation you may be entitled to based on the injuries you sustained but, for a more comprehensive idea of how much your claim could be worth in total, contact JMW's solicitors today.

Additionally, our no win, no fee policy will mean there is little financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful. Call our expert solicitors for more information about no win, no fee work accident claims and how they can help you.

Will I Have to Claim Against My Employer for a Workplace Injury?

Injured workers are often worried about making an accident at work compensation claim for fear of putting their job at risk. An accident at work claim will be made against your employer, because it is the legal duty of your employer or the owner of the business to ensure staff and visitors are kept safe and well while on the premises. This includes conforming to regulations laid out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as well as holding an insurance policy in case an accident should happen. 

When you claim against your employer, it would be unlawful for them to treat you differently, so you should not worry about repercussions. If you do experience any adverse treatment, you should seek further legal advice as you may be able to hold your employer accountable.

Is There an Accident At Work Claim Time Limit?

In the UK, the time limit for claiming accident at work compensation is typically three years from the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury or illness. However, there are some exceptions, such as claims involving children or individuals lacking mental capacity.

  • In the case of the former, a claimant will have until the age of 21 to bring their accident at work claim, but there may be other considerations involved if a child is injured at work.
  • In the case of the latter, the three-year time limit will resume when the claimant regains mental capacity - if they do not, no time limit will be imposed.

If an accident has resulted in a fatality, the three-year time limit starts from the date of death.

How Long After an Accident At Work Can I Claim?

You can make a workplace injury claim at any time after your injury, provided you do so within the time limit relevant to your circumstances. It is best to seek medical attention first and then legal advice soon after - the sooner you speak to a solicitor, the better, but do not compromise your safety and wellbeing to do so.

All personal injury cases are different and are dependent on the circumstances of the accident. At JMW, we deal with all cases as quickly and efficiently as possible while seeking to get the appropriate level of compensation for you. If required, we can seek interim payments to help with any immediate costs.

It is essential to consult a solicitor as soon as possible after your workplace accident to ensure you do not miss the deadline for making a claim.

Why Choose JMW?

When you have experienced an accident at work, it can be both a distressing and confusing time. Dealing with the aftermath and potential consequences of your injury may seem overwhelming, but it is crucial to seek expert legal advice to ensure you are fairly compensated for your suffering. An expert accident at work solicitor from JMW can help you to navigate the complex process of making a personal injury claim with confidence and ease.

JMW Solicitors is ranked as a top-tier UK law firm by prestigious industry guides including The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding legal services, which ensures you receive top-quality representation for your personal injury claim.

Our dedicated team of personal injury solicitors has a wealth of experience in handling accident at work claims. We pride ourselves on our compassionate and personalised approach to each case. We understand the devastating impact a workplace accident can have on your life, which is why we strive to provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the entire claims process.

To alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a personal injury claim, we offer our services on a no win, no fee basis. This means that you won't have to pay any legal fees upfront, and you will only be charged if your claim is successful. Our transparent fee structure ensures that you can focus on your recovery, rather than worrying about the cost of legal representation.

Our firm's long-standing history of success in securing compensation for accident at work claims speaks for itself. We have helped countless clients recover the financial compensation they deserve, allowing them to move forward and rebuild their lives after a traumatic experience.

Read about how we have helped our clients to make claims for workplace injuries on our Case Studies page.

FAQs About Accident At Work Claims

Q
How long does an accident at work claim take?
A

Every case is different and its length will largely depend on how long it takes for a clear picture to emerge of how your injuries will impact your day-to-day life and your future capacity to work. While cases could conceivably last for a number of years, we can negotiate with the defendant to secure support and interim payments at an early stage of the process, so as to improve your and your family’s situation and ensure that you receive the best possible care in the meantime.

Q
How is an industrial accident compensation claim different to a normal accident at work claim?
A

An industrial accident generally refers to an accident that has taken place in a setting such as a construction site, factory or warehouse. Each year, hundreds of workers are injured in industrial accidents, which range in severity and cause. If your injuries were caused by somebody else’s negligence, you will be entitled to claim compensation.

Making an industrial accident compensation claim gives you the chance to recover the money to which you are entitled if you have been injured at work. This includes compensation to cover your costs if your injuries mean you are unable to continue in your role, have lost earnings while recovering, or are suffering from an injury that requires regular or specialist medical attention.

Should you suffer from long-term illness or disability following an industrial accident, you may be entitled to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), as well as compensation. The amount you receive depends on the severity of your illness or injury. Weekly payments range from £33.60 to £168.

To make a claim for IIDB, you must have either been employed when the accident happened or been on an approved training scheme or course. This scheme also covers asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. For more information on claiming IIDB, take a look at the guide on the gov.uk site. If you think you may be entitled to compensation, contact one of our solicitors today.

Q
Can I still make a personal injury claim if I work in a high-risk industry?
A

You can still make a personal injury claim if you work in a high-risk industry, such as construction, manufacturing or agriculture. Employers in these industries are required to take appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of their employees. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, and you believe that your employer failed to take adequate precautions or neglected their duty of care, you may be entitled to compensation.

Q
What types of accident at work injury can I claim for?
A

You can claim compensation for a wide range of injuries sustained in workplace accidents, including:

  • Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, and bruising)
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns and scalds
  • Amputations and crush injuries
  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Occupational illnesses or diseases (such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or industrial deafness)

This list is not exhaustive, and compensation can be claimed for any injury sustained in a workplace accident caused by your employer's negligence or breach of duty. For more information on how we can help you with your unique circumstances, contact us today for a free consultation.

Q
What is contributory negligence?
A

Contributory negligence occurs when the injured party is partly responsible for their own injury or loss. In a workplace accident claim, if you are found to have contributed to your injury, for example, by not following safety guidelines or not wearing protective equipment, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your degree of responsibility.

Q
What does the law say about accidents at work?
A

In the UK, theHealth and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 and other related regulations set out the legal obligations for employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work. This includes providing a safe working environment, adequate training and supervision, and suitable personal protective equipment. If an employer fails to meet these legal obligations and employees are injured as a result, the employees may be entitled to compensation through personal injury claims.

Q
How do I pay for a work accident or illness claim?
A

The fee that we will charge you is typically a percentage of your compensation award and we will agree on the amount with you before proceeding with your claim.

JMW offers a no win, no fee arrangement for workplace accident and illness claims. This means that you will not have to pay any legal fees upfront, and you will only be charged if your claim is successful.

Q
Can I claim for an accident at work if I am on a zero-hour contract?
A

You can claim for an accident at work if you are on a zero-hour contract. Employers have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of all workers, including those on zero-hour contracts. If your employer's negligence or failure to meet their legal obligations has caused your workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of your employment status.

Q
Can I claim for an accident at work if I am a self-employed contractor?
A

As a self-employed contractor, you may still be able to claim compensation for a workplace accident if it can be proven that a third party, such as the business or individual who contracted your services, was negligent and responsible for your injury. The duty of care owed to self-employed contractors may vary depending on the circumstances, but if someone else's negligence has caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

Q
When does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigate workplace accidents or occupational illnesses?
A

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigates workplace accidents and occupational illnesses when they involve:

  • Fatalities or major injuries
  • Dangerous occurrences, such as structural collapses or explosions
  • Occupational diseases or conditions related to workplace exposure to harmful substances
  • Incidents where the public is put at risk due to work activities
  • Complaints or concerns raised by employees, members of the public or other organisations about workplace health and safety

The HSE may also carry out random inspections to ensure businesses are complying with health and safety regulations.

Q
When can I return to work after making a workplace accident claim?
A

The decision to return to work after making a workplace accident claim should be based on your medical recovery and the advice of your healthcare professionals. Returning to work too soon could exacerbate your injuries or hinder your recovery. It is important to discuss your return to work with your doctor, employer and solicitor to ensure a safe and appropriate transition back to the workplace.

Your employer should make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs and help you return to work safely. This may include providing modified duties, offering flexible working hours, or implementing additional health and safety measures. If you experience difficulties or discrimination upon your return to work, it's crucial to communicate with your solicitor, who can provide guidance on your legal rights and options.

Keep in mind that returning to work does not affect your ability to continue with your workplace accident claim. The compensation you receive will take into account any lost earnings, future loss of earnings, and any ongoing expenses related to your injury or illness. Your solicitor will ensure that your claim accurately reflects the full impact of your workplace accident on your life and finances.

Talk to Us

If you have been injured while at work in the last three years and the accident was a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the personal injury team to get your claim underway. You are entitled to compensation for an accident at work that was not your fault. 

For help making a claim for an accident at work, simply call us on 0345 872 6666 or let us know you would like to hear from us by filling in the contact form.

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