If you’ve been injured at work, it can affect more than just your health – it can also cause stress and financial worry. No matter where your accident happened – on a building site, in a warehouse, or in an office – you may be entitled to compensation if your employer failed to keep you safe.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our Personal Injury team is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll review your situation, explain your options clearly, and work to help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
10 Things You Should Know About Workplace Accident Claims
1. You Can’t Be Dismissed for Making a Claim
A common myth is that filing a claim will cost you your job. In reality, if you’ve been genuinely injured due to your employer’s negligence, the law protects you. Your employer cannot legally dismiss or discipline you for making a claim. If they do, you may have grounds for an unfair dismissal case.
2. The Claim Is Against Insurance, Not Your Employer
Many employees worry about harming their employer financially. However, UK law requires businesses to have Employer’s Liability Insurance. This means any compensation is usually paid by the insurer – not directly by your employer.
3. You Can Still Claim if You Were Partly at Fault
Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. For example, if you were found 50% at fault, you could still receive 50% of the total compensation amount.
4. There Is a Three-Year Time Limit
In most cases, workplace injury claims must be started within three years of the accident. For conditions that develop over time – such as hearing loss or respiratory illnesses – the three-year period begins from when you were diagnosed or became aware the condition was work-related.
5. Many Workers Don’t Claim – Even When They Should
Although there are over 600,000 workplace injuries each year in the UK, only a small percentage of workers actually make a claim. Research suggests that many people who could claim compensation choose not to.
6. Most Claims Are Settled Without Going to Court
The idea of a court case can be intimidating, but the majority of workplace claims are resolved through negotiations between solicitors and insurers without ever reaching court.
7. Slips, Trips, and Falls Are the Most Common Accidents
According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) slips, trips, and falls are the most common accidents at work and are responsible for approximately 30% of non-fatal injuries.
8. You Can Claim for Psychological Harm
Claims aren’t limited to physical injuries. You may also be eligible for compensation for psychological conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression caused by a workplace accident.
9. Social Media Can Affect Your Claim
What you post online can impact your case. Sharing photos or updates that contradict your injury – such as engaging in physical activities – could be used by insurers to challenge your claim.
10. “No Win, No Fee” Agreements Are Widely Used
Most accident at work personal injury claims operate under a “no win, no fee” arrangement (also called a Conditional Fee Agreement). This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t usually have to pay any legal fees.
Start Your Claim Today
If you were injured at work and believe your employer was at fault, we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. You can call us on 01244 312306, email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete the form on our Contact Us page and we’ll get back to you.
