No matter whether you work in an office or on a building site, it is your employer’s duty to ensure you are safe while working. Unfortunately, many workplaces do not comply with the latest Health and Safety legislation, which can put you at risk.

If you have had an accident at work, you will know how this can affect your personal life and your ability to do your job properly. Speak to our no win no fee solicitors and take back control over your life and career.

Today, we will be discussing the 10 things you must do when you’ve had an accident at work. This includes different types of workplace injuries, the importance of gathering evidence, and your rights after an accident at work.

What is classed as an accident at work?

Work accidents are more common than you think and the impact on your life can be devastating. But what is an accident at work? This term covers any scenario while you are at your workplace, that leads to an injury or illness.

Remember, it is your employer’s responsibility to make sure you are safe at work, so any accident that arises from unsafe work conditions is considered negligence. Even if you feel like the accident was your fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. Contact the team at Express Solicitors to discuss your options.

Types of work injury

Not all work accidents lead to serious injuries, but any incidents can lead to ongoing physical or mental health issues. Depending on your environment there are many types of work injury that can arise from accidents. Thankfully, Express Solicitors can help you start a claim for any of the below injuries and many more:

You can find more information on how our team can offer you support with an accident at work claim here. Alternatively, our accident at work guides are designed to offer you free legal advice after a variety of different injuries.

What to do if an accident occurs in the workplace

If you are injured at work, it is important to access medical support and assistance as soon as possible. You can focus on collecting evidence for your compensation claim once you have received any essential care and treatment.

If you are unsure what to do if an accident occurs in the workplace, follow the below steps:

1. Seek medical help

The most important step after an accident is to make sure you seek medical assistance. Initially this may be from a first aider at work (it is a legal requirement for your employer to appoint a first aider) and then, depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to visit your GP or local hospital.

Remember, your health is more important than anything else and receiving medical attention is vital to prevent further injury or illness.

2. Report the accident to your manager and colleagues

Make your colleagues and manager aware that you have had an accident. It is important to discuss the accident with others so they can corroborate your story when you come to make a claim.

Your employer also needs to be aware of your accident so they can make necessary changes to avoid future incidents.

3. Collect evidence

Collecting evidence is vital when it comes to making your accident at work claim. Taking photos and videos of your injuries and the accident site will help to support your account of the accident later down the line. You can also ask any witnesses for statements confirming how the accident happened.

If you are unable to return to the workplace soon after your injury, ask a colleague to keep a record of anything your employer does with regards to your accident. This is necessary as some employers will attempt to cover up work accidents. If your employer makes any workplace or policy changes keep a record of these.

4. Use the workplace accident book

If your workplace has over 10 employees there should be an accident book. Make sure your accident and any injuries are logged in this book as soon as you are well enough.

5. Start a record of your injuries and symptoms

After your accident, you may need extra treatment or support. Keep full records of every detail of your injury including symptoms, medical treatment, and ongoing issues. It will help your compensation claim if you can provide evidence showing how you have been affected by your injuries mentally and physically.

6. Access ongoing medical help

If you need further medical assistance, make sure to seek this out. Not only will this help you to recover more quickly, it will help your claim if you have evidence your injury is ongoing and you still require medical treatment.

7. Create a written document covering everything you have lost due to the accident

The purpose of making a compensation claim for your workplace accident is to put you in the same position as if the accident never occurred. It is important to keep track of the financial and psychological effects of your injuries. Do not forget to record medical costs, salary losses and the impact of your injuries.

8. Decide whether to log a grievance

If your accident happened due to a health and safety violation at your workplace, this needs to be resolved as soon as possible. This will help to prevent further injuries. If your employer is reluctant to make the necessary changes, consider logging a grievance against them.

9. Request copies of any relevant information

You are entitled to see any relevant information your employer holds that concerns you. As such, if your employer has information regarding your accident, you can submit a Subject Access Request. You will be able to see any data that backs up your compensation claim and who your employer is sharing your information with.

10. Contact Express Solicitors

Our compassionate team are here to support you following your workplace accident. Contact us online or call us to talk through your options and we can advise you of the best course of action.

With unlimited legal support you can speak to our team as often and for as long as you need. Remember, there is no obligation to make a claim after contacting Express Solicitors.

Your rights after an accident at work

Sustaining an injury in your workplace can be stressful, which is why you can speak to the Express Solicitors team as often as you need. We can also advise you on what your rights are after an accident at work.

If you are injured, you have the following rights:

  • The right to appropriate treatment
  • The right to time off to heal
  • The right to Statutory Sick Pay
  • The right to claiming compensation
  • The right to take on lighter duties
  • The right to time off for medical appointments

The importance of reporting accidents and incidents at work

Creating a workplace incident report is a key step after you are involved in an accident at work. Reporting accidents and incidents at work will also help greatly when you come to make a compensation claim.

Remember to gather as much evidence as you can and back up any data you collect. Having evidence is vital for your claim but if you are unsure exactly what to record, contact our team for advice.

Making an accident at work claim

If you are injured at work, you may feel confused or unsure how to proceed. Express Solicitors can help to support you through your claim with unlimited, free legal advice. There is no obligation to make a claim if you choose not to proceed.

It is important to start your claim as soon as possible so the details of your accident are fresh in the minds of everyone involved.

Making an accident at work claim does not need to be complicated or difficult. We work on a no win no fee basis which means if your claim is not successful you will not need to pay any legal fees. You can start your claim over the phone or on our website. Just call our experienced team or fill out our claim form.

Returning to work after injury

If you have been affected by an accident at work, you may need to take some time off to recover. It is normal to feel a little anxious about returning to work after an injury and your workplace should have procedures in place to support you during this time.

Firstly, ensure you are ready to return. This may mean seeking further medical support either mental or physical, so you are prepared to go back to your job. If you are unsure about when the right time to return to work is, consider speaking to your doctor and asking for their recommendation.

Legally, your employer needs to make reasonable adjustments to support you after your accident. This could include altering your workstation or changing your duties. You may even need to follow a phased return to work to help you gradually adjust. This can be recommended by your GP.

FAQs

How quickly should I report a workplace accident?

Once you have received medical attention, it is worth reporting your accident as soon as possible.

How do I know if I have a valid claim?

If you have had an accident at work, speak to the team at Express Solicitors. With over 100 years’ combined experience we can help to talk you through your options with no obligation to make a claim.

Can I claim if I can’t afford legal fees?

We work on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you will not need to pay legal fees unless you win your claim.

What amount of compensation can I claim?

This depends on the injury you sustain. Your compensation will be determined by how your injury impacts your day-to-day life, any loss of earnings, medical expenses, and lasting psychological effects.

For an estimated guide to the amount of compensation you could receive, use our accident at work claims calculator.

Is there a time limit for claiming compensation after an accident?

After your work accident, you will usually have up to three years to make a claim. There are exceptions to this time limit, for example, if your accident causes psychological trauma, happens overseas, or is due to a manufacturing fault.

Can I be fired for a workplace accident?

If you are concerned about how your accident and claim could affect your job, it may help to know you can not be fired for a workplace accident. If your employer does fire you, this is classed as unfair dismissal, giving you grounds to take legal action.

Summary:

  • If you are involved in an accident at work, always seek medical help immediately
  • It is your employer’s duty to ensure your workplace complies with current Health and Safety legislation
  • Express Solicitors work on a No Win, No Fee basis so you will not have to pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful
  • Keep a record of your injuries, medical treatment, and financial losses
  • Contact our experienced team to discuss your accident for as long as you need with no obligation to make a claim