Work Accident Solicitors

Work Related Injury Claim Guide

I've suffered an accident at work: can I claim compensation?

Workplaces can be dangerous environments with statistics revealing that almost half of all accidents take place at work. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that last year there were as many as 300,000 injuries in UK businesses.

Accidents and injuries can be caused by almost anything. The slightest of slips, trips or falls in an office, a shop or warehouse can potentially lead to the severest of consequences. Other types of injuries are caused through vehicle related accidents such as forklift truck accidents, for example, and manual handling and lifting accidents. Electrical accidents, accidents involving chemicals and industrial illnesses caused over a longer time period, illnesses such as mesothelioma, Vibration White Finger, hearing loss, eyesight damage or RSI (repetitive strain injury) are also not uncommon.

Have you suffered from a work related injury or illness? If so, you may well be able to claim compensation for loss of earnings, expenses incurred as well as the pain you have suffered. It all depends who is at fault.

In the UK, every employer has a duty of care to his or her employees, with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 acting as the basis of their legal obligations in relation to your health and safety at work. If you have been injured and your employer failed in their care for you then you have strong grounds for complaint and a compensation claim.

All employers, whatever their size, have certain obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. These responsibilities are extensive and exist to try to make the workplace safe and prevent risks to health. Any failure to fulfil this important duty of care means that you have been left in harm's way unnecessarily and quite possibly illegally. With regards to your particular injury or illness, ask yourself: did your employer fulfil their duty of care responsibilities to the letter? Was your health and welfare properly protected?

For example, it is vital that employers ensure that plant and machinery is safe to use, and that safe working practices are set up and followed. Materials must be handled, stored and used safely and adequate first aid facilities provided.

Is this the case in your company? What about when you had your accident? Maybe procedures have been tightened up since but at the time was machinery properly maintained and working properly? Had you been trained how to use machinery or handle hazard chemicals or substances? What about flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise and radiation? Was your working environment properly ventilated, lit and heated? Were you provided with protective clothing and was there adequate signage warning you of risks? Were emergency plans in place in the event of an incident?

If you feel that your employer has in any way failed in their responsibilities to you and that your suffering is as a consequence of their negligence then you may be entitled to make a claim. Talk with a specialist workplace injuries lawyer, someone with the experience and the expertise to evaluate your case and advise you on how best to proceed. With their professional help, usually on a no-win-no-fee basis, you stand a much improved chance of getting the compensation that you are entitled to.

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Free Workplace Accident Guide For You

We have created a guide to help you. This has been formed by answering the most commonly asked questions about workplace accidents. The guide explains all that you need to know about Work Accident Claims including answers to the following questions:

• Can you really make a claim and keep all of your compensation or is that just too good to be true?
• Will you lose your job if you make a claim?
• Does it cost you anything to make an enquiry if you decide not to pursue a claim?
• What does "No Win No Fee " really mean?
• What if you need treatment; will you have to wait for months?
• Should you choose a Claims Company or go straight to a Work Accident Claim Solicitor?

Request the guide now and you will receive it instantly and have the answer to all of these questions at your fingertips.