Workplace accidents are commonplace and can occur regardless of occupation or where you work.  The office can be equally dangerous for suffering an accident as it is for construction sites and factories.  Common accidents at work can result in:

• fractured or broken bones
• soft tissue damage and repetitive strain injury
• burns
• loss of limbs
• loss of sight or hearing
• respiratory problems
• asbestos-related disease

Should I bring an accident at work claim against my employer?

By law, your employer has a duty to protect you in the workplace and to keep you informed about health and safety matters.  Your employer must provide a work environment that is safe to work in and reduce the risk of accidents happening.

Many people are initially reluctant to bring a workplace accident claim against their employer, which is understandable.  However, employers who do not fulfill their responsibilities to provide a safe working environment are not only breaking the law, but also putting your life at risk. 

Suffering an accident or injury at work can have a devastating impact on you, your family and your finances.  All employers should have insurance for accidents that happen in the workplace, so you have every right to make a claim for injuries you've suffered.

What are my employer's responsibilities to minimise accidents at work?

You must consider that the workplace isn't just the office or factory, it can also be the vehicle you are operating to perform your job.  To minimise the probability of accidents happening at work, your employer has many responsibilities to fulfill, including complying with health and safety laws and regulations.  Some responsibilities your employer should perform include:

• providing vehicles that are roadworthy and are regularly maintained or serviced
• providing appropriate safety equipment
• providing health and safety training
• providing standard operating procedures
• conducting regular risk assessments

If you have suffered an injury which could have otherwise been prevented by your employer, you have the right to make a claim for compensation.  If you are in any doubt about whether or not you have a claim, please contact Access Legal from Shoosmiths, and we'll provide a free, no obligation consultation.

Types of work accident claim

Over the years, we have obtained millions of pounds of compensation for workers covering a wide range of situations, including:

• building, construction and engineering accident claims
• accidents in offices
• accidents in shops
• accidents in factories
• accidents in warehouses
• accidents in schools
• exposure to harmful and dangerous substances and dangerous machinery
• working with asbestos
• slips and trips
• inadequate protective equipment
• manual handling claims
• noise induced hearing loss claims
• contact dermatitis
• occupational asthma
• occupational disease
• defective equipment
• falls from height
• lack of training

Important things to consider when deciding to make an accident at work claim

Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not to make a claim for a workplace accident.  We can help you make that decision, but it is worth remembering:

• if your accident or injury occurred due to a fellow employee or another company at your place of work, your employer may still be responsible for that accident or injury.
• if successful, your employer's insurers will settle your claim
• if you are off work as a result of your injury, you will be able to claim compensation for loss of income
• if you are claiming in respect of an injury, then you need to make a claim within 3 years of the date of the accident
• if you are claiming in respect of a disease or medical condition caused through your work, then you need to make the claim within three years of the date you knew that disease or medical condition was caused by your work
• if you are successful in winning compensation and are in receipt of Department for Work and Pensions benefits, you may need to protect the compensation monies by setting up personal injury trust.  Failure to do so may mean you may no longer receive benefits

Accidents and injuries are a timely reminder of our own fragile lives, and this is why it is important that you consider making a Will. 60% of people in the UK do not have a Will, and your estate could be distributed by law rather than your wishes.

Why use Access Legal from Shoosmiths? 

We have successfully represented thousands of workers who have suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work.

• we have a team of highly professional lawyers and experts who specialise in accidents at work and occupational disease claims
• we provide our clients with an individually tailored service to meet your needs
• we take the time to understand your situation, clearly explain everything you need to know and are sympathetic and supportive of what you want to achieve
• we provide free initial advice and will pursue claims on a no-win-no-fee basis

If you are unsure as to whether or not you have a claim, simply contact us now.

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