Work Accident Claims

The term work accident claims covers a wide variety of accidents in the workplace, from slips and trips caused by unsafe floor surfaces or unexpected obstructions to repetitive strain injuries or electric shocks caused by unsafe IT equipment.

Work Accident Claims and UK law

Under UK law, employers have a 'duty of care' towards their employees, which means they must make the workplace as safe as possible and do everything they can to prevent work accidents.

Keeping the workplace as safe as possible will clearly mean different things in different workplaces. For example, in an office, the employer should carry out regular health and safety assessments and make sure walkways are kept clear of electrical cables to prevent trips.

In a factory, the employer may focus on ensuring that all staff are fully trained on the machinery they use, or checking that everyone has the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

If the employer ignores this duty of care and an employee is injured as a result, the employer is responsible for the employee's injuries. Work accident claims can help the injured employee recover money lost through time taken off work to recover, and compensate them for the inconvenience and pain caused by their injury.

Can I be fired for making a work accident claim?

In short, no. It's illegal for your employer to dismiss you for making a work accident claim - this would be 'unfair dismissal' under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and leave your employer open to further legal action. It's important to remember that when work accident claims are successful and compensation is awarded, it's the employer's insurance company that pays the compensation.

Our experience tells us that some people are worried about what their colleagues will think if they claim compensation after a work accident. We believe that you shouldn't feel ashamed about making a compensation claim.

Work accident claims are much more common than most people think - thousands of people every year claim compensation after being injured at work.

Your colleagues wouldn't want you to suffer in silence; claiming compensation can not only help cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages if you've had to take time off to recover, but can also help make your workplace safer for everyone by drawing attention to the cause of your work accident, and making sure it's put right.

I want to make a work accident claim - What's next?

If you decide to make a work accident claim for an injury you've suffered at work, getting started is easy.

claimhelpline works in partnership with National Accident Helpline, and you can contact our legally trained advisors using this site's Live Chat function, or you can start your claim online.