Workplace injuries are all too common occurrences in the UK. Despite a range of legislation over the decades to protect people at work, accidents still happen across many industries, from construction to manufacturing, and even in office environments.
If you’ve been injured at work, you may wonder can I sue my workplace for an injury. The answer is yes, and the procedure for handling workplace injury claims is well established.
At Wafer Phillips, we support clients in making workplace injury claims, offering impartial advice, guiding them through the process and maximising the amount of compensation that they receive.
Which workplace injuries allow you to sue your employer?
You may be able to make a workplace injury claim if you’ve been injured due to an accident or working condition within your workplace. Some of the most common workplace injuries that may lead to a claim include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
These are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries, often resulting in sprains and broken bones.
- Manual handling injuries
Lifting, carrying, and transporting heavy objects at work can lead to back injuries, muscle strains, and hernias.
- Falling from heights
Falls can lead to fractures, spinal damage, or head injuries.
- Machinery accidents
Operating machinery may lead to injuries, including cuts or crush injuries. In some cases, amputations may be necessary.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
These are injuries that occur during repetitive tasks, such as tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Exposure to harmful substance
Injuries can occur due to exposure to dust, chemicals, and other hazardous materials, often leading to respiratory issues, or skin conditions.
- Vehicle accidents
Injuries sustained in workplace vehicle accidents involving company vehicles.
- Psychological injury
A range of psychological conditions caused by workplace stress or trauma may support a claim for workplace injury compensation. This covers a range of conditions such as work-related stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and depression.
How to prove employer negligence in a work-related accident
When asking can I sue my workplace for an injury, it’s important to consider the factors that would be considered when determining the outcome of your claim.
To establish employer negligence you will first need to demonstrate that your employer had a duty of care towards you, and that this duty wasn’t met, leading to your injury. To establish this, you will need to show that the employer failed to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety. In practical terms, this will usually mean adequate training, safe equipment maintenance, and the provision of well-understood and thorough safety protocols.
Evidence will need to be gathered in the form of witness statements, accident reports, photographs, and medical assessments. Causation that shows that employer negligence directly led to your injury will need to be established.
Ensuring that your claim is as comprehensive and convincing as possible takes careful preparation. If you’re considering, can I sue my workplace for any injury you should seek experienced legal advice at the earliest possible instance.
What steps should you take to file a claim against your employer?
If you’re wondering, can I sue my workplace for an injury, there are a number of steps you will need to follow:
- Seek medical attention
Visit a doctor to ensure your injuries are treated and recorded.
- Report the accident
Ensure that your employer is informed about the accident as soon as possible. It should be recorded in an accident book or via the workplace reporting system.
- Gather evidence
Collect details of the accident as soon as possible. This should include witness information, photographs of the scene and your injuries, as well as your medical records.
- Get legal advice
You will then need to contact a specialist personal injury solicitor to assess the strength of your case and guide you through the claims process.
- Submit your claim
With your solicitor’s help, you will then need to file your claim within the three-year time limit from the date of the accident.
- Negotiations
Your solicitor will negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries and associated losses.
- Court proceedings
If agreement cannot be reached with your employer or their insurance company, then court proceedings may be necessary. If these are required, your solicitor will represent you in court to resolve your claim.
How can you strengthen your workplace injury claim?
Gathering as much evidence as possible is the best way to strengthen your claim. You should meticulously document everything related to the incident, promptly reporting the accident to your employer, getting medical attention, and keeping detailed medical records. You should gather witness statements if possible, taking photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
It can be helpful to maintain a journal of your recovery process, detailing any impact that your injuries may have had on your daily life. Seeking the guidance of a specialist personal injury solicitor at the earliest possible stage is strongly advised.
Sustained an injury at work? How Wafer Phillips can help
If you’ve sustained a physical injury at work, or developed mental health challenges as a result of workplace negligence, then you may be entitled to make an injury at work compensation claim. If you’re wondering, can I sue my workplace for an injury, our team can provide confidential advice about the strength of any potential claim.
Our specialist injury claim solicitors can support you through collecting evidence and filing a compensation claim as well as ensuring you receive any medical treatment you require.
Your solicitor will be with you through every step of the process and will continue to work hard to win you the settlement you deserve at the end of the case.
At Wafer Phillips, we adopt a no-win, no-fee policy, with no hidden charges for you to worry about.
If you, or someone you know, has sustained an injury at work, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 0151 256 7898 for a free initial consultation.