Had an accident at work, and wondering what to do? As well as being in pain, and perhaps being a little annoyed that you’ve ended up injured in the line of duty, you’re probably wondering why the accident has happened, and whether something should be done about it.
Well, read on for some quality advice as to where you stand legally, and what you should be doing after you have been involved in an accident at work.
Where Do You Stand?
Your employer actually has one heck of an important legal obligation to keep you safe from harm whilst you are at work at all times. In fact, there are loads of rules and regulations that they must abide by in order to uphold this duty they have to you.
These rules and regulations cover a broad spectrum of areas, such as:
- All traffic routes (walkways, corridors, etc) must be free from hazards – such as slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, or dangerous defects.
- All machinery and equipment must be safe to use, with appropriate guards, emergency stop buttons, and training provided to you in its safe use.
- Personal protective equipment – you must be provided with protective equipment in the event you need to guard yourself from harm – e.g. specialist gloves for handling hot liquids and chemicals.
- Adequate and regularly updated manual handling training – let’s face it; you can’t mess around when it comes to your back.
The point of bringing all these areas to your attention is that it can help you to better understand as to whether you are facing a situation where your employer has failed in the duty of care they have for you. Ultimately, if they have failed to uphold the important duty of care they have for you, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
Do You Have a Claim?
If the accident you were involved in was caused through no (or partial) fault of your own – i.e. you were not 100% at fault for the accident and your injuries – you have just ticked the first box to being eligible for potentially thousands of pounds in compensation. If the accident and your injuries were preventable, e.g. your employers failed to uphold one of the important rules and regulations they must abide by, and they are liable to compensate you for your suffering.
Can I Make a Claim? What are the Implications?
If you fit in to the category above, you are eligible to make a claim for compensation. Your employers must legally have a policy of Employers Liability Insurance to cover them for these types of incidents. This policy exists for innocent accident victims like you to claim from. The insurers will investigate the claim thoroughly, and will agree to pay out if they feel you have been genuinely failed.
Not only will the insurance pay you for your compensation, but the insurance will also cover all of your legal fees as well. That means you will receive 100% of the compensation you are entitled to get (with the right solicitor of course). If you sign up with a specialist personal injury lawyer working on a Genuine No Win No Fee, you should always receive 100% of the compensation you are entitled to have.
Better yet – there is no legal comeback on you for claiming. You are entitled to make a claim, and your employers should support you doing so. We often find that many employers are quite happy for you to make a claim from their insurance – at the end of the day, it exists to claim from. It’s your right to make a claim, and you cannot be subject to any adverse effect on your employment whatsoever.
General health and safety should also be improved as a result of your claim – hopefully, there won’t be a repeat of the accident.
