What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported?

What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported
What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported

What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported? Learn the legal risks, employee protections, and steps to claim compensation with Claim Today.

At Claim Today, founded in 1999 by DS Bal, we often hear the question: What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported? This question matters because failing to report an accident can affect your health, safety, and legal rights. Understanding what happens next and knowing your rights builds trust and protection

What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported to Your Employer?

Reporting workplace injuries isn’t just a procedural requirement—it protects your rights as an employee. If you don’t report:

    • Your employer could deny liability.

    • Work related injuries might be difficult to prove.

    • The risk of harm to others remains unreported.

For more information on the rules for reporting injuries, see What Is a Reportable Accident at Work?

Legal issues: What Happens If An Accident At Work Is Not Reported

Consequences of an incident not being reported includes the following serious legal risks:

    • Loss of evidence – Not having a record of an accident will make it more difficult to support the claim for compensation.

    • Disputes about liability – The employer can dispute any claims you make.

    • Job security concerns—sometimes workers fear dismissal, but as we explained in our Expert Guide, the law protects you from unfair treatment.

    • Ongoing safety risks – A hidden hazard can harm others if left unchecked.

What Are My Employee Rights?

Even if your employer doesn’t record it, your rights still apply:

    • Employers must keep records of injuries or accidents by law.

    • The right to medical coverage and possible compensation.

    • You can’t be punished for reporting.

You can learn more in our guide Do All Accidents At Work Have To Be Reported.

External guidance is also available from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

What To Do If Your Accident Was Not Reported?

Don’t panic, Claim Today guides you. If you didn’t report your accident on time, you ca

    • Seek Legal Advice – Claim Today helps workers build strong cases even with delayed reporting.
    • Document everything – injuries,medical visits,witness accounts.
    • Notify HR or your employer– late reporting is still valid.

Why Choose Claim Today?

At Claim Today, we hear your voice and protect your rights—whether you reported your accident right away or not.

    • No win No Fee – Nothing to Lose, All to Gain.

    • Accredited by the SRA & Law Society.

    • Home Visits for Serious Injury Claims.

    • Serving Clients Nationwide – Across England & Wales.

Phone: 0800 29 800 29
Email: info@claimtoday.com
Unit 2, Avenue Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4DY

About Author

Written by DS Bal, solicitor admitted 1997. Founder of Legal 500 Leading Firm Claim Today
Solicitors and Legal TV (UK’s first interactive legal channel). Cabinet Office Customer Service
Excellence Award winner. Over 30 years helping injury victims across England and Wales. £8.6
million recovered in a single year. Available in 17+ languages.