Accident at work claims

Do you have grounds for an accident at work claim?

If you’ve suffered an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation.

Accident at work claims can cover many types of injuries, from physical injuries caused by dangerous conditions to illnesses caused by contact with harmful substances.

You may have a claim if:

• You were injured due to unsafe working conditions
• You were not given adequate training or protective equipment
• You were asked to carry out a task without proper risk assessments
• Another employee’s negligence caused your accident
• Faulty machinery, equipment, or hazardous materials led to your injury

To make a claim, you must be able to prove that your employer was negligent, and as a result of this, caused your injury. If you are unsure who was at fault, it is important to seek legal advice.

Here at Shoosmiths, our team of specialist accident & injury at work solicitors can assess your claim and advise you on your options. We know how to help you move forward after a serious accident - from expert legal guidance to support with ongoing medical care. If you're unsure whether you have grounds to make a claim, we're here to help. Call our team on 0808 303 1338 or you can send us a message. 

What are the common causes of accidents at work?

While some workplaces naturally involve more risk than others, this does not mean employees should accept unsafe conditions. Every employer has a legal duty of care to protect the health and safety of their staff. When they fail to take reasonable precautions, accidents will and do happen. Common causes of workplace accidents include:

Slips, trips and falls at work

Slips, trips or falls in the workplace may sound trivial, but they can result in serious injuries if the victim lands on a hard floor surface or trips into another object. In very rare cases, brain injuries and fatalities can be caused by slips and trips at work.

Falls from heights

Falling from heights is one of the biggest causes of major injury in the workplace. Employers must take reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury by eliminating working at a height if possible. If unavoidable, employers must make sure workers are properly trained to do so, and any equipment is regularly inspected and maintained. Failure to do so can result in serious injury and even death. 

Inadequate training

Employers are required to provide all employees with adequate and up-to-date health and safety training. Training should include how to perform tasks safely, use specialist equipment, recognise hazards, and keep themselves and others protected. If employees are not suitably trained, they present a higher risk of sustaining a serious injury in the workplace.

Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

A lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can significantly increase the risk of accidents in the workplace. When PPE is missing, inadequate, or poorly maintained, workers may be exposed to serious hazards such as:

• Hazardous substances and chemical burns
• Impact injuries from falling
• Noise-induced hearing loss in high-decibel environments
• Burns or electric shock when working near heat sources or live electrical systems

Employers have a legal duty to provide employees with the correct and suitable PPE – employers must also ensure it is used properly.

Faulty defective machinery

A machinery injury in the workplace can be life-threatening. From crush injuries to industrial deafness and loss of vision, the consequences can be devastating. These types of accidents often occur when equipment is poorly maintained, lacks proper safety guards, or when workers are not adequately trained — all of which may point to employer negligence.

Employer's negligence 

Employers have a legal duty to maintain a safe working environment and take reasonable steps to prevent accidents. They should also have insurance in place to cover accidents in the workplace.

Whilst many workplaces are safe working environments, unfortunately, there are some who do not fulfil their responsibilities. These employers are not only breaking the law, but are also putting your life, and others, at risk.

Many people are understandably reluctant to bring a claim against their employer, but that should not deter you from seeking legal redress if the accident was not your fault. At Shoosmiths, we can talk you through all the options and support you the whole way.

What injuries are considered in an accident at work claim?

An accident at work can result in a life altering or even fatal injury. If an injury was caused by your employer’s failure to provide safe working conditions, then it is important to seek legal advice and make a claim for compensation. Some of the serious injuries that may form the basis of a claim include:

• Loss of hearing and/or vision
• Fractures/broken bones
• Serious chemical or heat burns
• Amputation
• Spinal injuries
• Head injuries
• Fatal injury
• Brain injuries

Every case is unique, and the severity and impact of an injury will influence the level of compensation.

Making an accident at work claim with Shoosmiths:

The best way to find out of you have an accident at work claim is to get in touch with us here at Shoosmiths and begin the process:

1. Contact us – call us on 03700868687 or message the team
2. Grounds for a claim – we will assess and discuss whether your claim will be successful
3. We come to you – we will meet you wherever is most convenient, including at home or even in the hospital, to talk you through the process.
4. Funding your claim – no win no fee, legal aid etc.
5. Gathering evidence – we will gather medical records, witness statements and other documents to support your claim and calculate the compensation you should recover. 

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