Workplace Injury Lawyers: No Win, No Fee

Workplace accidents are unfortunately common, many of which could have been prevented if employers had implemented proper safety measures and procedures to reduce the risk of such incidents.

Some work environments are inherently more hazardous than others. However, every employer has a legal duty of care to protect their employees. If your employer fails in this responsibility, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.

If you’ve been injured at work due to an accident, you could be eligible to file a “no win, no fee” personal injury claim against your employer or another responsible party.

If it can be established that someone else is responsible for your injury, such as your employer, a colleague, or a company performing work at your place of work, then you may be entitled to make a claim.

Beacon Law has a team of experienced workplace injury lawyers who can assist you in making a claim for accident at work compensation. If you have suffered an accident at work, claim the compensation you deserve today.

Common causes of workplace injuries

Accidents at work can occur across various industries and workplaces, resulting from a range of hazards and circumstances. Some common accidents that frequently lead to work-related injury claims include:

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Accidents caused by slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or cluttered walkways are among the most common workplace incidents. These accidents can occur in any workplace environment, from offices to construction sites, and can lead to injuries such as fractures, sprains, and head trauma.

Manual handling accidents: Lifting, carrying, or handling heavy objects without proper training or equipment can result in musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, and herniated discs. This is particularly common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Falls from height: Working at heights without adequate safety measures, such as guardrails or harnesses, can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Industries such as construction, roofing, and maintenance are particularly susceptible to falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms.

Machinery accidents: Operating machinery and equipment without proper training or safeguards in place can lead to severe injuries, including crush injuries, amputations, and lacerations. These accidents commonly occur in manufacturing plants, factories, and construction sites.

Struck by objects: Workers may be struck by falling objects or flying debris in various environments. These accidents can result in head injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage.

Vehicle accidents: Workers who operate company vehicles or work in areas with moving vehicles are at risk of being involved in collisions or being struck by vehicles. These accidents can lead to a range of injuries, including whiplash, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.

Exposure to hazardous substances: Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, gases, or fumes without proper ventilation or personal protective equipment (PPE) may suffer from respiratory illnesses, chemical burns, or long-term health conditions such as cancer or neurological disorders.

Electrical accidents: Working with electrical systems or equipment without proper training or safety precautions can result in electric shocks, burns, or electrocution.

Workplace violence: Incidents of workplace violence, including physical assaults, threats, or harassment, can lead to physical injuries, psychological trauma, and emotional distress.

These are just some examples of workplace accidents that can lead to workplace injury claims. Employers are legally required to ensure a safe working environment and implement measures to prevent accidents and injuries. If they fail in this duty, injured employees have the right to seek compensation for their losses through workplace accident claims.

Common injuries caused by workplace accidents

Workplace accidents can affect any part of your body. Injuries can vary from minor to severe, depending on the accident. Here are a few of the most common injuries:

• Brain and Head Injuries
• Back Muscle, Spinal and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Loss of vision
• Amputations
• Burn and Scald Injuries
• Fatal Injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Broken/fractured bones
• Lacerations and scarring
• Minor injuries

What should I do if I have an accident at work?

In the event you are unfortunate enough to suffer an accident at work then we would recommend that you do the following:

• Report the accident to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible.
• Ensure an accurate account of the accident is recorded in the workplace accident book. Employers are legally required to maintain this, and the record could be crucial evidence for your case.
• If you can, take photographs and create a sketch of the accident scene, including any equipment involved.
• Collect contact details from any witnesses to the accident.
• Investigate whether similar accidents or complaints have occurred, as they may support your claim.
• Seek medical attention promptly from your GP or hospital to assess and treat your injuries.
• Keep detailed records of any expenses you incur related to the accident.
• Obtain legal advice before agreeing to anything with your employer or their representative about the incident.
• Contact Beacon Law to explore whether you may be eligible to make a workplace compensation claim.

Your employers’ responsibilities

Safety at work is extremely important. Your employer has a duty of care towards you and is obligated by law (the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) to provide safe work conditions and a healthy environment in which you can work.

Your employer must always provide appropriate training and, where necessary, the correct and suitable equipment to help you perform your duties safely. Your employer is also under a duty to properly maintain the work environment and the equipment you use through regular risk assessments to ensure that it remains safe at all times. If an accident does occur in the workplace, then your employer must report it to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Health and safety laws and legislation have significantly increased the level of protection open to employees. There are numerous written health and safety regulations and laws designed to prevent accidents in the workplace and any breach of these regulations can cause accidents with undesirable consequences. The Health and Safety Executive have set out guidance on their website for employers to assist in the implementation of Health and Safety Legislation on the workplace.

If you have been injured at work as a result of your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a workplace injury claim. It is generally required by law to have employers liability insurance as a business owner, so you need not worry about making a claim against your employer.

What is the workplace injury claims process?

During your initial consultation, our specialist workplace injury lawyers will provide you with legal advice about injury at work claims and will inform you about the relevant limitation rules.

Our personal injury lawyers will then ask you for details about your accident and the initial injuries that were suffered as a result. This will help our workplace injury lawyers to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful.

In the early stages of your workplace injury compensation claim, it’s essential to gather evidence to support your case. This may include CCTV footage of the incident, medical records, accident reports, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements.

Your accident at work solicitor may also request that you undergo an independent medical examination to obtain a detailed report on the nature and extent of your injuries. These medical reports serve as crucial evidence for your claim. Even if you’ve already received medical treatment, a more comprehensive assessment may still be required to ensure the reports are accurate, thorough, and reliable.

If we think that your workplace injury claim would be likely to succeed, we will offer a no win, no fee basis; if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

How much compensation could I receive for a workplace accident?

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, and you decide to make a claim, the compensation for your accident will be dependent on the type of injury and the level of pain and suffering you sustained.

It is difficult to value a claim from the outset without knowing all the details of the injury. As many injuries are complex, especially those which are ongoing, it may be necessary to obtain a medical evaluation of your injuries before we can make an estimation on the value of your injuries.

The valuation of your general damages will be based on recent case law, as well as guidelines set out by the Judicial College.

In addition to your claim for compensation for your injuries, you may also be able to make a claim for additional financial losses. Your additional losses can include the following:

• Loss of earnings if you required time off due to the accident.
• Travel costs – for travel to and from medical appointments
• Parking costs at medical appointments
• Costs of any care received
• Medical treatment costs

Make sure to keep all receipts and invoices for any additional expenses, as these will be necessary to verify your losses.

If your injuries are severe and require long-term treatment or result in extended time off work, your compensation is likely to be significantly higher than for a minor injury where recovery occurs within a few weeks.

Some firms provide compensation calculators to give you an estimate of your claim’s potential value. However, it’s important to note that these estimates may not always be accurate, particularly if you have not fully recovered or continue to incur expenses related to your injury.

What are the time limits for making a workplace accident claim?

Before starting your claim, it is important to note that there are strict time limits on personal injury claims. From the date of the accident that caused the injuries, the injured party will have 3 years to commence proceedings for claiming compensation.

It must be noted, however, that there are some exceptions to this rule:

For instance, if the claimant was under 18 at the time of the incident, they have until their 21st birthday to file a compensation claim. If the claimant is still under 18, a litigation friend (such as a parent, guardian, or close family member) can pursue the claim on their behalf.

Another exception to the three-year time limit applies when the claimant lacks the mental capacity to start an accident claim. In such cases, the three-year limit does not apply. The claimant can initiate their claim at any point once they regain the mental capacity to proceed.

How can Beacon Law’s workplace injury lawyers assist?

Beacon Law are a law firm of specialist personal injury solicitors. Our workplace injury lawyers can assist with all types of accident at work claims.

You can request an initial consultation by completing the online help form, and an experienced solicitor will contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 1332 857, and we will be happy to assist you with your query.

Beacon Law are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our no win, no fee funding options, have a look at the funding section on our website.