Accident At Work Claims – Compensation Examples

By Danielle Nichollson. Last Updated 7th June 2023. Have you suffered an injury in the workplace or because of your working environment? If so, there is every chance that you will be entitled to personal injury compensation.

Nonetheless, this type of personal injury claim can often be a worry for many. People are concerned about making a claim against their employer, as they fear potential repercussions.

Keeping that in mind, we have put together this complete guide on workplace injury claims. Below, we’ll provide you with accidents at work compensation examples and offer details on the requirements to claim.

There is a wide number of injuries that can lead to a successful accident at work claim. The type of injury you have sustained is not the important factor when determining whether you have a case, rather you need to be able to prove that your employer is at fault for your suffering.

Here at Advice.co.uk, we have provided thousands of personal injury victims with the advice they need to get the compensation they deserve.

You can reach us on 0161 696 9685. But don’t give us a call just yet.

Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about making a claim.

Accident at work claim guide

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Check If You’re Eligible To Make An Accident At Work Claim

In order to be eligible to make an accident at work claim, you must be able to demonstrate that your injuries were caused by a breach in the duty of care your employer owes you. A breach of duty of care causing injuries is known as employer negligence.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA) sets out the duty of care; the employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees. Later in this guide, we look at what evidence you could submit to prove your employer was liable for the injuries you suffered.

As well as proving negligence caused your injury at work, you must start your claim within the limitation period. Generally, this is three years from the date of the workplace accident that caused your injuries as set by the Limitation Act 1980. However, there are some exceptions to the accident at work claim time limit. Call our advisors for more information.

Accidents At Work Compensation Examples

Let’s begin by taking a look at some accidents at work compensation examples.

Various factors will impact your compensation for an accident at work. However, the table below provides a rough guide of figures, using the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document provides guideline figures for injuries that legal professionals can use to help value claims.

This first head of your claim is called general damages. Under this, you could be compensated for your pain and suffering. Additionally, some accident at work compensation claims can include special damages. This is addressed in the next section.

However, the figures given may not be the amount you will get. Your injury could be of lesser severity or more severe than the examples provided.

InjurySeverityPotential CompensationNotes
Back severe (a) (ii)£74,160 to £88,430Back injuries with special features such as nerve root damage that causes functioning impairments including impaired mobility, scarring and impairments to sexual functioning as well as the bowels and bladder.
Brain damageless severe (d)£15,320 to £43,060Not all normal functioning, such as problems regulating moods, return following a brain injury, but overall, there's been a good recovery.
Other arm less severe (c)£19,200 to £39,170Although there are significant disabilities, substantial recovery occurs or is expected to happen.
Neckmoderate (b) (i)£24,990 to £38,490Severe immediate symptoms caused by fractures or dislocations. May also include serious soft tissue injuries when they occur to both the neck and back together with functioning impairments.
Partial hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ii)£14,900 to £29,710Noise-induced hearing loss along with moderate tinnitus or moderate to severe tinnitus by itself.
Legless serious (c) (i)£17,960 to £27,760Serious soft tissue injuries or a reasonable but incomplete recovery from fractures.
Shoulderserious (b)£12,770 to £19,200Pain and sensory issues resulting from a dislocated shoulder along with damage to the lower brachial plexus.
Psychological harmmoderate (c)£5,860 to £19,070Coping problems occur, but, so do improvements from psychological harm. This includes cases of work-related stress that resolve. There is a positive prognosis.
Chest(e)£5,320 to £12,590Some residual damage from toxic fume or smoke inhalation that isn't bad enough to cause lung functioning problems permanently.

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What Can You Claim For After An Accident At Work?

Did you know that compensation is split into two parts? You probably already know about general damages. This is the compensation you are going to receive for the injury you have suffered. However, did you know that there are also special damages? Read on to discover everything you need to understand about both types of compensation.

General damages

This is the money you will receive to compensate you for the injuries you have experienced. This will be calculated based on the medical report that your doctor has put together. This will state the extent of your injuries, your treatment, and anything else that is significant to your case. This will then be used to determine how much money you will receive.

Special damages

This is a type of compensation that is designed to cover any out of pocket expenses you have experienced because of the injury you have suffered. You need to ask yourself… Would I have encountered this cost if I had not been injured? If the answer is no, then you should claim for the cost in question when making your accident claim. Nevertheless, please be mindful that you need proof of all special damages in order to claim for them. Let’s take a look at these special damages in further depth…

Treatment expenses / Prescription costs

There is only one place to begin and this is with medical costs. It is likely that you will need to pay for treatment or medication if you have been injured. This cost will of course be covered by special damages.

Cost of counselling

Some people find themselves in a position where they need to have counselling after an accident has occurred. This is especially the case for those that have been involved in a traumatic incident or have a severe injury to come to terms with.

Loss of income

If you are self-employed or do not have the luxury of being covered by sick pay it is likely that you will suffer a substantial loss of income during the recovery period.

Travel expenses

This can relate to anything from the cost of using alternative transport whilst you recover to paying for hospital parking tickets.

Repair costs

This type of special damage is most common in road traffic accidents whereby you need to pay for your vehicle to be repaired. However, it could be relevant to workplace cases if part of your kit has been destroyed and you need to get it repaired or your personal property has been damaged.

These are a mere handful of examples. So long as the cost can be related to your injury, you can claim.

Which Types Of Workplaces Can People Be Injured In?

You can be injured in any type of workplace. While some workplaces may seem safe, for example, an office, there are still many different injuries and accidents that could happen if the correct procedures are not followed. In this section, we are going to take a look at some work environments and the accidents that can happen in further depth. However, if you cannot find your workplace below, don’t panic, as you can still make a claim.

Armed Forces

Of course, injuries and even deaths are always a risk when working for the Armed Forces. However, you will be able to make a claim if you have been involved in an accident that was caused due to negligence. There are a number of different examples of this.

For example, you can claim if you have fallen from a helicopter, been injured due to faulty equipment, medical negligence, and slipping on a tank because the surface has not been maintained properly.

Factories

Injury Claim Against Employer In Factory

young male worker injured on the floor in factory warehouse

Have you suffered an injury whilst working in a factory? There are many different types of injuries that can occur in this manner. This includes everything from lifting accidents, to incidents involving various equipment, to ladder accidents, to injuries that have been sustained because of problems with a forklift… the scenarios vary. You may feel that you have been involved in an accident because the factor is an unsafe working premises or maybe your employer has failed to provide the adequate training that is required of him or her.

It is the duty of every employer to ensure the working environment they provide is a safe one. There are many regulations in place that outline this responsibility. Your employer must carry out a risk assessment to identify any potential hazards with the working environment, as well as every task that is going to be carried out in the workplace. A factory is an environment that is slightly more dangerous when compared with a lot of other workplaces, as a lot of heavy lifting and heavy machinery is used. If you have been injured in this workplace, there is a high chance you will be entitled to compensation. You simply need to be able to prove that the injury you suffered is as a direct result of negligence or error on behalf of your employer.

Construction

Have you suffered an injury as a result of a construction accident? If so, it is possible that you may be entitled to compensation. Of course, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous. However, this does not mean you should simply accept the accident that has occurred. If you believe your employer has made an error or acted negligently and this has resulted in the incident, you should definitely think about making an accident claim.

All employers are required by law to provide their employee’s with a safe working environment. This is no different when it comes to the construction industry. Here are a few guidelines that have to be adhered to in the UK when it comes to the construction sector…

  • All contractors should sign in when they begin work and sign out at the end of every working day
  • Before work begins there should be a list of all contractors’ names
  • All site personnel should benefit from an induction course
  • At the end of each day the site must be left clean and tidy
  • Any incidents must be reported in the accident book
  • Materials should be brought onto premises before and after core business hours when possible
  • Equipment and tools should not be left around

This should give you an idea of the practises in place when it comes to ensuring the construction site is a safe one. If you feel these practises are not being adhered to and you have suffered an injury as a result, you definitely need to proceed with your claim.

Office

Sitting at a desk for hours on end can be more damaging than a lot of people realise. This is why regular breaks and ergonomic furniture is a must. One of the most common injuries in this working environment is repetitive strain injury. This occurs through misuse or overuse, and is a common workplace issue. A lot of people suffer this when they have been sitting at a desk for too long. Therefore, if your employer has refused breaks or you feel they have not provided enough training, you will be able to claim. Other common types of accidents that can happen in an office environment include slips, trips, and falls, as well as injuries due to faulty equipment.

What Happens To My Job If I Make A Claim?

When it comes to making a workplace accident claim, a lot of people are worried about their employer’s reaction. In fact, some individuals go as far as to not make a claim because they are worried about causing friction or being fired. Therefore, they miss out on the accident at work claim amount they would have been entitled to.

We don’t want this to happen to you and, therefore, it is important to be aware of the fact that you will not be sacked by your employer. They know that it is their duty to provide you with a safe working environment and if they have failed to do so they know they will have to compensate you. Plus, they should have insurance in place to cover them.

Moreover, your employer would only land himself or herself in further hot water by firing you, as you would have grounds for unfair dismissal. The only thing you need to do to make sure the whole process runs smoothly is handle everything as it should be. You should report the incident to your employer or safety representative. They will need to record it in the accident book, which they are required to have by law.

Do I Still Get Paid If I Am Injured At Work?

Naturally, one of the biggest concerns for someone who is ill or injured is whether or not they will get paid while they are off work.

This will differ depending on your employment contract, so you do need to check this to ensure you get extra sick pay. However, as a minimum, you should get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you need time off because of an injury.

At the time of writing, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is set at £92.05 per week. If your employer has a sick pay scheme, you may get more.

You may also be able to claim benefits depending on the nature of your injury.

What Are The Most Common Examples Of Workplace Accidents?

Below, you can find information on some of the most common types of accidents that occur in the workplace, according to the Health and Safety Executive. This is just to give you an insight into the type of accidents that can happen.

Slips, trips, and falls

Did you know that slips, trips, and falls make up one-third of all personal injuries that happen in a working environment? Some of the most common incidents involving slips and trips are as follows: tripping because of bottom drawers not being closed properly, uneven walking surfaces, uncovered cables, wrinkled carpeting, clutter, poor lighting, and having an obstructed view, as well as slipping because of flooring that lacks the appropriate degree of traction, loose mats or rugs, weather hazards, occasional slips, and oily or wet surfaces.

Falls From A Height

Have you been injured in the workplace during an accident that involved ladders and scaffolding or any other type of fall? If so, you will likely be entitled to personal injury compensation.

The Work at Height Regulations came into place in 2005 in order to protect those working in this environment. Did you know that working at a height is the biggest cause of workplace deaths? This is why it is so important to adhere to the regulations that are put in place. From protecting leading edges or holes with toe boards or guardrails, to using towers and scaffolds that are completely erected, to working on a safe and secure platform… you need to act extremely carefully when using both ladders and scaffolding.

If you want to make an accident claim for an incident involving ladders or scaffolding you need to prove that your employer is at fault. You cannot make a claim if you have made the mistake. You need to show they acted negligently and this has resulted in your suffering. Contact Advice.co.uk for more information.

Machinery Accidents

When it comes to accidents involving machinery you need to refer to PUWER, i.e. the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These state that all equipment must be properly inspected and in a safe and good condition. The regulations also state that all equipment has to contain adequate warnings and safety markings and that equipment can only be used by those that have received adequate instructions and information. Aside from this, it must be able to be used safely in the workplace and must be suitable for its intended use. If you fail your employer has failed to upload his or her duty to abide by these regulations you have grounds to make a claim.

What Procedure Should Be Followed If You Have An Accident At Work?

If you suffered injuries because your employer breached their duty of care owed to you, a work related injury claim might be possible. We examine the duty of care and what evidence you could submit to support your claim in the next section. First, we are going to investigate the accident at work procedure.

It is a requirement for workplaces with ten or more employees to have an accident book. Any accident that causes employee incapacity for more than three consecutive days needs to be recorded. However, as it is considered good practice, your employer may record all workplace accidents. Additionally, if you would like to make an accident at work claim, the accident logbook can be submitted as evidence.

In addition to this, there are certain incidents that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). The HSE is responsible for enforcing workplace health and safety.

Reportable specific injuries include:

  • Fractures that aren’t to fingers, thumbs and toes.
  • Amputation injuries.
  • Loss or reduction of sight.
  • Crush injuries to the head or torso that damages internal organs.
  • Serious burns.
  • Loss of consciousness caused by asphyxia or a head injury.
  • Injuries caused by working in a confined space, such as hypothermia or heat-induced illness.

Call our advisors to discuss accident at work compensation examples and find out if you are eligible to make a claim.

Suing Your Employer – The Evidence You’ll Need

If you would like to claim compensation for your injuries, you must have evidence that your employer breached the duty of care owed to you under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA). It was this breach that must have resulted in your suffering before you can consider suing your employer.

In order to make a successful claim, you might be able to submit:

  • Medical records.
  • Injury photographs.
  • Accident scene photographs.
  • Accident logbook, as part of your health and safety training, your employer might have taught you how to report an accident at work.
  • Witness contact details.

When suing your employer, you might not have everything on the above list. However, you might have other items that could support your claim. Additionally, your workplace might have a specific accident reporting at work procedure. This might also support suing your employer.

Call our advisors for more information about accident at work compensation, how much your claim might be worth and supporting evidence.

No Win No Fee Work Accident Claims

A lot of people are worried about the costs that are associated with making a claim for an accident that has happened at the workplace. It is understandable that this may be something you are concerned about.

We are, of course, referring to No Win, No Fee accident at work claim solicitors. With this option, you are only going to pay your solicitor if he or she has provided a successful service and secured a payout for you.

In which case, you will give your solicitor a percentage of the payout, which you will have both agreed on beforehand.

Not only does this mean you are protected financially, but it increases your chances of benefitting from a first-class service because you know your solicitor is going to be doing all in his or her power to make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to.

Why Choose Us?

Have you been the victim of an accident that occurred in the workplace? From falls to machinery incidents, the scenarios vary dramatically. Nonetheless, so long as the accident was not your fault you will likely be entitled to compensation and Advice.co.uk is here to make sure you get the full amount you deserve. If you read accident at work solicitors reviews, you will see they our team comes highly recommended.

Contact our team by email, phone, or post. Our team will assess your claim.Once you are ready, we can then start your claim.

Here at Advice.co.uk, we have an extensive amount of experience when it comes to help our clients make successful personal injury claims. We have been helping personal injury victims for many years now, so you can be certain we have covered every type of accident claim you can imagine!

It is likely that we have dealt with cases similar to yours time and time before. This is vital. After all, the last thing you want is to be someone’s practice project when it comes to something as important as making a claim.

So, what happens when you use our service? Literally, all you need to do is give us a call on our legal helpline. You will speak to one of our friendly and experienced advisers.

They will explain the entire claim process to you and answer any questions you may have. They will give you a realistic picture of your case. If they do not believe you have a good chance of getting compensation they will tell you. We won’t waste your time.

If you do have a good chance of getting compensation, the adviser will then match you to the best personal injury solicitor for your case. All of the solicitors we are connected with work on a No Win, No Fee basis. This is extremely beneficial.

Financial risk will be diminished by dramatic amounts. You will also benefit from a much better quality of service and you do not actually need any money to start your accident claim. So, what are you waiting for?

You can call our team today on 0161 696 9685 to find out more about the accident at work procedure, as well as various accidents at work examples. No matter the queries you have, we can answer them.

More Information On Accidents At Work Claims

Workplace facilities – What makes for a safe workplace – This HSE page shows information about having a safe workplace.

Checking Symptoms – When you’re injured, sometimes you prefer to check symptoms online before you visit a medical professional. You can do so here.

We also have a bunch of dedicated guides on making an accident at work claim, which you can read below:

For more help with making an accident at work claim, or to find more compensation examples, please get in touch.