Personal Injury Claims

Accidents at Work Compensation Claims

If you suffer an injury while at work and it was not your fault you may be able to make a personal injury compensation claim for your injuries, including loss of earnings.

Your employer has a duty to ensure that you are working in the safest way possible for the type of job that you do. They have to carry out a risk assessment for health and safety purposes and take any reasonable steps to ensure the safety of its workers. This includes giving you adequate safety equipment and providing suitable training for you and your co-workers.

What types of injury can I claim for?

You can claim for any type of accident where it was not your fault and it can be shown that someone has been negligent. Some common types of workplace injuries are detailed below:

• Lifting heavy objects – back pain is a very common workplace injury and can lead to substantial amounts of time off work to recover. If your job involves heavy lifting it should have been assessed by your employer and you should have received adequate training to complete this task safely. You should not be asked to lift items which are too heavy and likely to cause injury.
• Dangerous machinery – was the machinery suitable for the job and had it been properly maintained? Had you been given suitable training and provided with the correct safety equipment?
• Defective scaffolding – scaffolding collapses are common. If the scaffolding had not been constructed safely or the correct safety checks had not taken place then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
• Falls from roofs or ladders – was the correct safety equipment provided? Was a risk assessment carried out to ensure a safe working environment?
• Hazards at work – pathways, stairways and floors should be kept clear and free from obstruction.
• Accidents in work vehicles – forklifts, dumper trucks, cranes, tractors, etc.
• Broken or defective safety harnesses
• Electrocution
• Unsuitable protective clothing or safety apparatus
• Unsuitable lighting or visibility
• Injury caused by co-workers
• Insufficient training for the task
• Burns and chemical injuries
• Accidents with power tools
• Accidents caused by construction debris
• Fires and explosions
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

What can I claim?

You may be able to claim General Damages which cover the physical pain and suffering encountered as a result of your accident. General Damages can also be paid to cover things such as emotional pain and depression which are suffered as a direct result of the injury.

Special Damages may also be payable to cover things such as loss of earnings while you recover from the injury as well as out of pocket expenses such as medical costs.

Making a claim

It is compulsory for employers to have insurance to cover claims for injuries to their employees. In order to make a successful claim we have to show that your employer, or a co-worker for whom your employer is responsible, was at fault. You also have a duty to report any accident in the workplace to your employer so that they can record it in the accident book.

Graysons are a specialist firm of solicitors with a wealth of experience in successfully claiming compensation for people suffering from injuries in the workplace.

We will correspond with employers and their liability insurers on your behalf. Where necessary, we will arrange to inspect the workplace or relevant machinery to secure photographic and other evidence, or interview witnesses to support a claim.

If your employers and their insurers make an offer to settle your claim we will advise regarding acceptance or rejection. We will endeavour to negotiate settlement of a claim without recourse to court proceedings if possible.

We know that pursuing action against an employer can be worrying and daunting. Clients can rely on Graysons to guide and support them through the claims process, including court action and trial if they become necessary.

Contact us and speak to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers who will assess your circumstances and advise you on making a no win-no fee personal injury compensation claim.

If I make a claim against my employer, can they dismiss me?

Employers are required by law to take out insurance to cover their liability for accidents causing injury to employees. If you make a claim for a work accident your employer’s insurers would pay your compensation.

It is not justifiable for your employer to dismiss you for making an accident claim. Laws exist to protect workers from recrimination or unfair dismissal.

If you have any concerns about claiming for an accident at work you can contact us in confidence to discuss the circumstances.