Have you had an accident at work? You can claim compensation. It doesn’t matter if you’re full-time, part-time, or an agency worker. Our injury claim experts have 27 years’ experience. Since 1999, we’ve helped thousands get fair payouts. 95% of cases settle without going to court. So, this means quicker results for you.
What Counts as an Accident at Work in the UK?
A workplace accident is any sudden injury or illness caused by your job. UK law protects you under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Your employer must keep your workplace safe. So, read on to learn about your accident at work rights.
Slips, Trips & Falls
These cause 30% of all work injuries (HSE data). Most happen because of:
- Wet floors with no warning signs
- Broken or uneven flooring
- Poor lighting in walkways
- Objects left in dangerous places
Example: A care worker slipped on an unmopped spill in a hospital corridor. Also, this resulted in fracturing the wrist. He received £6,500 in compensation.
Manual Handling Injuries
Improper lifting or carrying causes 20% of work injuries. To prevent lifting Injury at work, employers must:
- Give you proper equipment like trolleys
- Train you how to lift safely
- Not make you lift unreasonable weights
Real case: A warehouse worker hurt his back lifting 25kg boxes alone. He got £18,200 compensation.
Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Dangerous machinery requires:
- Regular safety inspections
- Proper guarding of moving parts
Recent claim: A factory worker lost two fingers in a conveyor belt accident. Where safety guards were removed, the worker received an award of £42,000.
Exposure to Harmful Substances | Workplace accident guide UK
Harmful substances can cause serious illness. There are three main types:
- Toxic chemicals include cleaning products and industrial solvents
- Airborne particles like asbestos and wood dust
- Biological hazards such as hospital waste and lab samples
Workplace Violence and Stress Injuries
The workplace violence & stress injuries include:
- Physical assaults, especially in healthcare or retail
- Psychological harm from bullying or harassment
- Stress-induced illness from excessive workloads
Accident at work rights, Why This Matters:
All UK employers must have insurance for worker injuries. Moreover, this is the law under the Employers’ Liability Act 1969. Even if you made a mistake, you can still claim. The payout may be reduced if you were partly to blame. Also, this is called “contributory negligence.”
“Many workers don’t realize their Injury qualifies until they speak to a specialist. We’ve secured compensation for injuries ranging from minor sprains to life-changing disabilities.” — Sarah K., Workplace Injury Solicitor.
Your Immediate Rights After a Workplace Accident
Got hurt at work? Act fast. Quick steps help you in two ways. First, they protect your health. Second, they save your legal rights. Here’s your ultimate workplace accident guide UK about what one must do:
1. Report the Accident Immediately
First, inform the employer as soon as possible. Legally, they should record the incident in the workplace accident book. Also, this creates an official record. If your employer refuses to document it, make your own written record. Moreover, keep a copy. Lastly, keep in mind that work injury claim time is a crucial aspect.
Why it matters: You must report work injuries. If you don’t, your claim might fail. Under RIDDOR, serious injuries must be reported to HSE within 10 days.
2. Accident at work claim guide: Seek Medical Attention
A doctor must look for even minor injuries. Some conditions, such as soft tissue damage or stress injuries, may worsen over time. A medical report links the Injury directly to the workplace incident.
Key point: Tell the doctor it was a work-related injury, so it’s properly documented.
3. Have you had an accident at work? Gather Evidence
More proof can make the claim stronger. Essential Evidence includes:
- Photos of the accident scene & injuries
- Witness contact details, like colleagues who saw what happened
- Records of safety equipment (e.g., if PPE was faulty or missing)
- Training logs, if a lack of training contributed
Example: A cleaner who slipped on an unmarked wet floor took photos before the area was mopped. Also, this helped prove negligence.
4. Preserve CCTV Footage
Many workplaces have cameras. However, mostly, footage lasts for 30 days. Request a copy in writing as soon as possible. If your employer refuses, a solicitor can demand it later.
In a 2023 case, CCTV showed a worker tripping over loose cables. The negligence caused the claim settlement for £14,500.
5. Contact a Solicitor Early
The accident at work claim guide suggests that one must contact a Solicitor as soon as possible. A no-win no-fee solicitor can assess your claim for free and advise on the next steps. The sooner you get legal help, the better – Evidence disappears, and memories fade.
Critical deadline: You generally have 3 years to make a claim. Starting early improves the chances.
What If the Employer Doesn’t Cooperate?
Some employers discourage claims or deny responsibility. Remember:
- You cannot be fired for making a legitimate claim.
- The law protects you from retaliation.
- Solicitors can request Evidence that your employer won’t give you
“Most workers wait too long to act. By then, the Evidence is gone. Contacting us within a week of the accident doubles the average payout.” — James R., Workplace Injury Lawyer
Did You Know? Under RIDDOR, employers must report serious injuries to the HSE.
Can You Claim Compensation If You’re New to the UK?
Have you had an accident at work? Many migrant workers hesitate to make claims. Mainly because they fear it might affect their visa or residency. However, UK employment law guarantees equal protection for all workers. Including:
Temporary agency staff
- Seasonal workers
- Those on work visas
- Undocumented workers (in some cases)
- The compensation process does not check or report your immigration status to the Home Office.
Employment Type Doesn’t Affect Your Claim
You can claim whether you’re:
- Full-time or part-time
- On a zero-hours contract
- An apprentice or trainee
- A subcontractor (in some cases)
- Even if the employee has only worked for one day, the same health and safety laws will cover them as permanent staff.
Language Support Is Available
Have you had an accident at work? Then know about your rights. Many law firms provide:
- Free interpreter services
- Documents translated into your language
- Multilingual case handlers
Real Case Example: A Polish warehouse worker with limited English won £23,500 after machinery crushed his hand. His solicitor arranged a Polish-speaking medical expert for the assessment.
Time Limits Still Apply
While your background doesn’t affect eligibility, the standard 3-year deadline still applies from either:
- The accident date, or
- When you first realized the Injury was work-related
What Does “No Win, No Fee” Really Mean?
The No Win, No Fee system removes all financial risk from making a claim. Here’s how it protects you:
- No upfront costs: You pay nothing to start your case
- No hidden charges: All fees are explained in writing first
- Also, o repayment if you lose: Your solicitor absorbs all costs
- Compensation guarantee: Many firms let you keep 100% of your award
If you’re looking for specialized guidance and support, you are in the right place. DS Bal’s has an excellent win rate for accepted cases. So, contact us now if you want a No Win No Fee Guarantee & Transparent Fee Structure.
How the Payment Process Works
- A solicitor assesses your claim at no cost, usually within 24 hours
- You’ll get a transparent contract showing:
- The success fee percentage (typically 15-25%)
- Any other potential costs (like medical reports)
- Your solicitor handles all paperwork and negotiations.
- Fees are deducted from the defendant’s payout, not your compensation.
- You owe nothing – the solicitor covers all expenses.
Why 95% of Workplace Accident Claims Settle Out of Court
Most work injury claims (95%) never go to court. Settling early helps everyone. Workers get faster payouts. Employers save on legal costs.
1. Strong Evidence Encourages Settlement
Insurers quickly recognize strong claims backed by:
- Medical reports from independent specialists
- Witness statements from coworkers
- Photographic Evidence of Hazards
- Safety regulation breaches documented
- With compelling proof, insurers prefer settlement to avoid larger court-awarded payouts.
2. Employers Want to Avoid Negative Consequences
Companies often settle to prevent:
- Public court records of safety failures
- Damage to reputation with clients/staff
- Higher insurance premiums after losing cases
- Management time spent on lengthy litigation
3. Faster Compensation for Injured Workers
The out-of-court process typically takes 6-12 months. Moreover, compared to 2-3 years for contested court cases. Workers benefit from:
- Earlier access to compensation funds
- Reduced stress from prolonged proceedings
- Ability to move forward with recovery
When Cases Do Go to Court (The 5%)
The small percentage of claims that reach trial usually involves:
- Disputed liability (employers denying responsibility)
- Complex injury cases requiring specialist testimony
- Novel legal arguments about regulations
- Even in these cases, many still settle during court proceedings before final judgment.
How DS Bal’s 27-Year Expertise Helps Your Claim
DS Bal – a 27-year Qualified Specialist Solicitor. He has been a specialist in Injury Claims Since 1999. 27+ Years Since 1999, he has won hundreds of Successful Cases and won fair compensation by:
- Proving employer negligence. The lack of training and unsafe conditions are present.
- Maximizing payouts covering lost wages, medical bills, pain & suffering.
- Handling complex cases, such as industrial diseases and migrant worker claims.
Follow Claim Today for Real Client Success Stories. Moreover, learn more about DS Bal’s Customer Service Excellence Award, Feefo Trusted Service Award, and High Settlement Success Rate.
FAQs: Have you had an accident at work?
1. How long do I have to claim after a workplace accident?
3 years from the injury date. Or from when you realised it was work-related.
2. What if my employer blames me?
Even if partially at fault, you can still claim under contributory negligence (reduced payout).
3. Can I be fired for making a claim?
No! It’s illegal to dismiss you for claiming (Employment Rights Act 1996).
4. How much compensation will I get?
£1,000 – £500,000+ depending on injury severity. For example, £3,000 for a minor sprain, £100,000+ for permanent disability.
5. What if my accident wasn’t recorded?
You can still claim! Evidence like medical records and witness statements can support the case.
