Workplace injuries are a regrettably common occurrence in the United Kingdom. Around 604,000 people sustained an injury at work in the year 2023/24, according to the Labour Force Survey.
These workers enjoy a number of protections under UK law, and, in some cases, the employer might have a case to answer. Workplace accident claims are a powerful means of seeking justice when your employer has let you down.
But what, exactly, are your rights when you’re in this situation? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Your Employer’s Duty of Care
Under UK law, your employer is legally obliged to provide a safe working environment. If the environment is unsafe, and you’ve suffered an injury as a result of it, then you might be entitled to compensation. Crucially, however, for the employer to be found negligent, the problem will need to have been fixable by a reasonable employer.
So, if you’re the victim of an unforeseeable misfortune, you might struggle to make a case. If you’ve slipped on a wet floor, you might be on firmer ground.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
Certain types of workplace injuries constitute the majority of claims made.
At the top of the pile are slips, trips, and falls on the same level. These are closely followed by injuries resulting from lifting and handling heavy objects, and those resulting from being struck by a moving object (like a vehicle). When we consider fatal accidents, falls from height become much more prominent.
Employers have a duty to prioritise the types of accident that are likeliest to cause harm, and the potential severity of that harm. So, installing guardrails around a raised platform might make a major difference.
Can You Claim Compensation for an Accident at Work?
The amount of compensation you’re awarded will tend to depend on the nature of your injuries. The court will award you compensation for general non-economic damages (also known as ‘pain and suffering’). The greater your suffering, the greater the payout.
There are also economic factors to consider, like loss of income and costs incurred as a result of your care. To give yourself the best possible chance in court, you’ll want to collect meticulous records of every penny you spend – which means holding on to hospital car-park receipts.
The Claims Process: What to Expect
A good solicitor will be able to represent you in court without you ever being expected to submit testimony, or even attend in person. The only exceptions are cases when there’s legal uncertainty. Your solicitor will be able to advise you as to how likely this is.
What does matter is the time limit. You’ll have just three years to start proceedings, from the point at which you became aware of the injury.
Support Available After a Workplace Accident
You might need physical, emotional, or technical support after you’ve suffered an accident. For some, Statutory Sick Pay and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit might be appropriate. Citizens Advice and your trade union will often play a crucial supportive role.
