Accidents in the workplace can range from small traumas from slips and trips to severe injuries like lacerations or worse. If you’ve had such an experience in the workplace, understanding how to claim for an accident at work is the first step in making sure you receive the compensation and support you deserve.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of how to claim for an accident at work and advise you on each step, as well as let you know the level of compensation you should expect.
What are work accident claims?
To understand work accident claims, you must first understand work accidents. These are simply accidents that occur in the workplace and normally include things like trips and falls, equipment malfunctions, encounters with hazardous materials and more. Though a common office environment wouldn’t have you in as much danger as a warehouse job, both bring with them risks.
Work accident claims are when, if you are injured as a result of an accident, you make a personal injury claim against your employer or company as a whole due to their negligence. It will allow you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
Employees and employers both have rights and responsibilities when it comes to workplace accidents. Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment under the Health & Safety at work act 1974, follow health and safety regulations and ensure that employees are properly trained. On the other hand, employees have the right to claim compensation if their employer’s negligence led to their injury.
How to file a work accident claim
We’ve put together a helpful step-by-step guide to filing an accident at work claim. Just follow the five simple steps below and you’ll be on your way to compensation:
Report the accident
The first step in filing a work accident claim is to let your workplace know about the accident immediately. This will get the accident on an official report — you’ll need this as evidence later on. Make sure that either you or your employer document:
- The date and time of the accident
- Details of what happened
- Any witnesses present for the accident
- Any immediate injuries or damage
Taking photographs and gathering statements from witnesses can also help strengthen your claim.
Seek medical attention
Perhaps even more important than step one, seeking medical attention for your injuries after a workplace accident is essential to both your safety and your claim. Make sure that either you or your friends or family keep a record of your medical visits, including:
- Your diagnosis
- Any treatments
- Any prescriptions or therapies
- A doctor’s note that details your condition and prognosis
Medical reports are one of the most trusted pieces of evidence in a workplace injury compensation claim.
Get in touch with Express
Getting in touch with an expert personal injury solicitor is the next step. We can assess the validity of your claim, guide you through the legal aspects and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to. Here’s what we’ll do:
- We’ll evaluate your case
- We’ll help you gather and organise evidence
- We’ll advise you on next steps, including negotiating settlements or going to court if necessary
Ready to start your case? Get in touch today and we’ll make your justice our mission.
Gather documentation
Evidence is the key to a successful settlement, so the more you have, the better. When it comes to documentation to support your claim, these are the most important:
- Accident report and witness statements
- Medical records and receipts for treatment
- Proof of lost earnings, such as wage slips or bank statements
- Any correspondence with your employer regarding the accident
File the claim
Once you have gathered all the necessary evidence, we’ll guide you through the process of filing your claim. Depending on the circumstances, you may file either:
- Through your employer’s liability insurance
- Directly with a government body such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
We’ll handle communication with the relevant parties and ensure that your claim is filed correctly and on time. Most claims have a time limit of three years from the date of the accident, so acting quickly is important to avoid missing out due to deadlines.
How to overcome common challenges in the claims process
Whether it’s delays to your claim, disputes with your employer or disagreements over compensation, there are a number of challenges to overcome when filing your claim. With expert solicitors on hand to assist you, these challenges can be overcome easily. They simply require a little patience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of filing a work accident claim?
Filing a claim after a workplace accident can help cover the cost of:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Ongoing care for long-term injuries
- Pain and suffering related to the injury
Also, pursuing a claim can ensure that future accidents are prevented by prompting your employer to improve safety standards.
How long do I have to file a work accident claim?
You usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible so that the evidence is fresh and that you meet all necessary deadlines.
Can I claim if the accident was partially my fault?
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be eligible for compensation. The amount you receive could be reduced based on your level of involvement in the accident. This is known as contributory negligence.
Why choose Express Solicitors?
Here at Express Solicitors, we bring with us over 20 years of experience in handling legal claims. These include an expertise in workplace accidents and unfair dismissal. Our mission is to make sure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve — whether for personal injury or other employment-related issues.
With our no-win, no-fee agreement, you can kick off a claim without stressing over upfront costs or legal fees.
To kick off an accident at work claim, reach out today and see how much you might be entitled to. Call us on 0161 516 6501 or Start your claim online