Can I make an accident at work claim?
Yes, you could make an accident at work claim if the following apply:
- Your accident happened in the last three years
Most work injury claims need to be made within three years of the accident, or from when your injuries were diagnosed. There are some cases where this won’t apply, though. - Your employer was at least partly responsible
You could claim if your employer failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe, such as providing training, equipment or proper risk assessments. - You were injured as a direct result of the accident
To make a claim, you must show that your injury was directly caused by an accident at work. Your solicitor will gather evidence like accident logs, CCTV footage and photos of your injuries to support your case.
How to start a claim
- Seek medical attention
Your wellbeing is the most important thing. Seeing a doctor will mean you get the treatment you need. It will also create a record of your injuries, which could be vital evidence for your claim. - Report the accident to your employer
Tell your supervisor or manager what happened and make sure it’s recorded in the workplace accident book. They should note down the date and time of your accident, how it happened and the injuries you suffered. - Start gathering evidence
If you can, take photos of the scene of the accident and any visible injuries. Keep any damaged gear or clothing, too. - Record expenses and losses
Keep receipts and a log of costs and losses. This might include medical costs, travel to and from hospital appointments and lost earnings. - Seek legal support
Get in touch with our team for a free initial chat. We’ll ask a few straightforward questions and let you know if you have a valid case.
How can First4Lawyers help?
At First4Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of people make successful accident at work claims. With over 15 years’ experience, you’ll know your claim is in safe hands.
We’ll talk to you about your situation, explain your options and – if you have a strong case – connect you with a specialist workplace injury solicitor.
Our team is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Explore accident at work help in your area:
- Accident at Work Solicitors in London
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- Accident at Work Solicitors in Leicester
- Accident at Work Solicitors in Nottingham
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- Accident at Work Solicitors in Cardiff
What our clients say
“I called today to see if what I had experienced was something I should take further. Holly was very polite and helpful, she spoke me through everything and helped me understand all the ins and outs. I would definitely recommend.” – Nicole
“Want to thank Opal for her fantastic approach to my telephone enquiry, made it simple and was very helpful from start to finish. A first class experience.” – Steve
Meet Jacqueline
Head of Legal Services
A qualified solicitor, Jacqueline Busby has experience in handling complex injury cases and has worked in the legal sector since 2009.
She says: "An injury can cause both physical and financial distress. If you've had to take time off work to recover, you may be concerned about how to pay your bills. But you're entitled to compensation after an accident that wasn't your fault."
Find out more about making a compensation claim by getting in touch with our expert team.
How much can I claim for an accident at work?
The amount of accident at work compensation you can claim depends on the type of injury you suffered, how serious it is and the impact it has on your life.
Work injury compensation is usually made up of two parts: general damages for your pain and suffering, and special damages for the financial losses your injury has resulted in.
General damages
General damages cover the physical and psychological impact of your accident. This includes:
- The pain you experienced
- Any long-term symptoms
- How your ability to work or enjoy daily activities has been affected
Your solicitor may arrange for you to be seen by an independent medical expert who will provide a full report on your injuries. This examination will help to confirm the cause, severity and long-term impact of your injury, ensuring your final compensation amount is fair.
Special damages
Special damages compensate you for the financial losses and extra costs caused by your accident. This could be:
- Lost earnings
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Travel costs
- Damage to personal items
- Future losses (if your injury affects your ability to work in future)
Special damages are there to make sure you’re not left out of pocket because of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
How will I pay my work injury solicitor?
Most accident at work claims are funded on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you don’t need to pay anything upfront to start your case. With a No Win No Fee accident at work agreement, you’ll only pay a fee if your claim is successful.
If your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay your solicitor for the work they’ve done. This makes the process low-risk and accessible, allowing you to seek compensation without added financial pressure.
Only pay a fee if you receive compensation
Where we offer No Win No Fee services typically customers pay 25% of the amount recovered to our solicitors, although this may be higher or lower subject to your individual circumstances. Please note this excludes claims for Road Traffic Accidents where customers typically pay 35% + VAT due to changes introduced through the Civil Liability Act 2018.
First4Lawyers are an award-winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.
How long do I have to make a work accident claim?
The time limit for an accident at work claim is usually three years from the date of your accident, or from when you first received a diagnosis. There are some exceptions to this rule, though.
If you’re claiming on behalf of someone with reduced mental capacity, you won’t face a time limit unless the person regains the capacity to bring their own claim. This might apply in cases where someone has suffered a head or brain injury.
Sadly, some workplace accidents are fatal. In these instances, loved ones will have three years from the person’s date of death to make a claim.
What are my rights if I was injured at work?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, your employer has a duty of care towards you. This means they must take all reasonable measures to keep you safe at work. If they failed to do this and you were injured, you have the right to take legal action.
Can I be disciplined for having an accident at work?
Whether your employer disciplines you for an accident at work will depend on who was at fault, who was hurt and how serious the incident was.
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, though, you’re entitled to pursue compensation without fear of dismissal or unfair treatment.
Legally, your employer cannot dismiss you, reduce your hours or treat you differently for making a claim. If they do, they could be opening themselves up to further legal action.
Do I get full pay if injured at work?
You won’t automatically get full pay if you’re injured at work. In most cases, your employer is only required to pay Statutory Sick Pay, which is paid at a fixed weekly rate and is likely to be lower than your normal earnings.
Some employers offer enhanced sick pay as part of their workplace policy, though. We would suggest checking your employment contract or speaking to your HR department to find out exactly what it is you’re entitled to while you recover.
If your claim is successful, your final compensation amount will take into account any lost earnings resulting from time taken off work.
