Accident at Work – Your Rights and How to Claim Compensation

If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

At Direct2Compensation, we provide free, expert advice to help you understand your rights and will get you connected with a specialist solicitor on a no win no fee basis.

Whether your accident happened on a construction site, in an office, or in any other workplace, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

For accidents outside of work, you may be interested in our guidance on claims for accidents in public places.

Can I Claim Compensation for an Accident at Work?

Yes, if you were injured in the course of your employment and it was someone else’s fault, you are eligible to claim. Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe at work. If they fail to do so – whether through poor training, unsafe equipment or lack of safety procedures – and you get injured as a result, you have a valid claim.

Even if you were partly at fault, you could still be entitled to compensation. We’ll help you understand your rights in your situation and the options you have in terms of making a claim with no pressure or obligation for you to proceed.

Worried about your job?

Did you know that it’s against the law for your employer to sack you for making a claim or for being injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault? You can also make a claim in the knowledge that you are not jeopardising any colleagues’ employment.

Common Workplace Accidents We Help With

Workplace accidents are often preventable, and are usually caused by dangerous working practices, poor risk assessments, a lack of safety training, no PPE provision or badly maintained equipment. 

Workers can suffer any number of injuries as a result of an accident at work, and both physical and psychological injuries can be claimed for. 

You can also make a claim for injuries that are pre-existing and made worse by your work or an accident at work, and also for health conditions linked to your job (industrial disease compensation).

What Evidence Do I Need to Make a Claim?

The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim. However, we know you probably don’t know what information or evidence will be needed, so we’re here to help. Key things that will support and strengthen a claim include:

  • A written record of the accident in your employer’s accident book
  • Medical treatment records and diagnosis of injury
  • Witness statements from colleagues if available
  • Photos of the scene or your injuries

Some serious accidents must also be reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). We can help you understand whether this applies to your situation, although the employer should take care of this if applicable..

We can talk you through what’s needed and how to ensure the right information and evidence is available..

If you didn’t report the accident immediately, you may still have a valid claim – this is a common issue in work accidents, so please don’t worry. Supporting evidence like emails to colleagues, medical records or witness statements can help fill the gap.

Understanding the Claims Process

We know that making a claim can feel overwhelming, so here’s what to expect:

  1. Initial conversation – We listen to what happened and advise you on whether you have a valid claim on a no obligation basis
  2. Gathering evidence – We help you understand what information will be needed to support your case.
  3. Referral to a solicitor – You’ll be introduced to one of our specialist solicitors who will work for you on a no win no fee basis.
  4. Claim submission – Your solicitor will prepare and submit the claim to the other side.
  5. Resolution – The claim is either settled out of court or proceeds to a hearing if needed.

We’re here at every stage to make things simple and stress-free.

Explore how no win no fee works if you’re unsure about what to expect and remember, we’re always here to answer questions and help you to understand your rights and options.

Worried About Claiming Against Your Employer?

It’s natural to feel nervous about bringing a claim. Many people worry it could affect their job or workplace relationships. But it’s important to remember:

  • Making a claim is your legal right
  • Your employer is not allowed to fire you or discriminate against you for making a claim
  • Claims are handled through their insurance, not from their own pocket

You deserve fair treatment and financial support while you recover. We’re here to help you get it.

Self-Employed, Agency and Zero-Hours Workers

Even if you’re not a permanent employee, you may still be eligible to claim:

  • Self-employed: If another party (like a site manager or contractor) was responsible for the work environment
  • Agency staff: Your claim could be against either the agency or the company where you were placed
  • Zero-hours contracts: You still have rights under health and safety law

Not sure where you stand? Contact us and we’ll help you work it out.

How Much Compensation Can I Get?

The amount you can claim depends on the type and severity of your injury, as well as any financial losses. Compensation is usually split into:

  • General damages – for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  • Special damages – for lost earnings, travel costs, care and more

For example:

  • Minor injury (e.g. sprain or short-term pain): from £1,000 to £5,000
  • Moderate injury (e.g. fractured arm, prolonged pain): from £5,000 to £20,000
  • Serious injury (e.g. head trauma, life-changing effects): from £20,000 to £100,000+

We’ll give you a realistic idea of what your claim might be worth based on our 28 years of experience.

Real-World Example: A Successful Work Accident Claim

The majority of people who come to us after an accident at work are anxious and worried about making a claim.  We’re more than happy to explain your rights and give peace of mind that doing so does not impact your ongoing employment, nor your colleagues or the business directly.

One such claimant contacted us last year. He had suffered a serious back injury at work after being asked to lift heavy glass panels weighing over 100kg – without proper training, equipment, or a risk assessment. Despite raising concerns and requesting a hoist, the employer refused, saying the job would be too expensive. The worker was given an ultimatum: do the job or find a new one. With a young family and mortgage to pay, he felt he had no choice.

While lifting one of the panels, he experienced a sharp pain and was later diagnosed with a herniated disc pressing on nerves. He suffered temporary loss of bladder and bowel control and was unable to walk or work. 

The claimant was forced to take a prolonged period of leave from work, during which time his employer placed him on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rather than continuing his usual pay.  This left him facing severe financial hardship and distress at the same time as suffering serious physical pain and limited mobility.

After contacting us, we explained his rights, guided him through the no win no fee process, and referred him to a specialist solicitor. The claim proved successful with the employer’s insurers admitting liability at an early stage given the details provided. The claimant’s solicitor was able to secure an interim payment to help with income loss, as well as private treatment and rehab. 

The claimant has now returned to work and his and the employer has reviewed its safety procedures to prevent future incidents. The client was extremely pleased with the outcome and the support he received throughout the process.

What Our Solicitors Say

If you have been injured in an accident at work, you have a legal right to make a personal injury compensation claim against your employer’s insurance cover. As Solicitors, we like pursuing this type of claim because of the legal requirements for employers.

Employers have a legal duty to minimise the risks of injury in the workplace and they must ensure that adequate training is provided, that the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is made available and that machinery and equipment is maintained and kept in good order. 

We have a proven and genuine expertise in claims relating to accidents at work and injuries caused whilst in the workplace.  Our qualified and proven legal expertise along with the excellent service provided by Direct2Compensation gives us as Solicitors a really good base upon which to pursue your claim for accident at work compensation.

For us, it’s generally a straightforward process to successfully pursue an accident at work claim.  We know your rights after an accident at work and will establish whether an employer has been negligent in your injury at work.  Whether you have been injured at work on a construction site, on a busy production line, a manual handling injury or any other incident at work, we have the know-how to ensure that your claim has the best prospects of success.

Matt Teakle – Head of Personal Injury at Clarity Solicitors

Start Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. With Direct2Compensation, starting your claim is simple, hassle-free and completely confidential.

We’re here to listen, answer your questions and help you understand your rights. If we believe you have a valid claim, we’ll connect you with a specialist solicitor who works on a no win – no fee basis. There’s no obligation to proceed, and no pressure – just honest, expert advice from people who understand workplace injury claims inside out.

Get in touch today

Call us on 01225 430285, or start your claim online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Latest questions

  • Asked on: Accident At Work Compensation Claims – Your Questions Answered

    Question: I work for NHS collecting and delivering cages full of laundry. I handle around 200 + cages every evening. Some are overloaded ( bags of dirty laundry higher than the cage and the cage door isn't closed and can't close ( i have to push them backwards with the open door facing me and swivel wheels facing me) Some cages the wheels don't work properly and the cage goes off to one side and some clean laundry cages have a mixture of all above and if the door won't close they wrap cling film around the whole cage so there isn't anywhere to get a grip on the cage. Apparently the cages don't weigh more than 250KG however i dispute this. I am off work for the second time in 2 months with hand, wrist and lower arm problems and i am seeing an Orthodontist who has agreed the problems are caused by overloaded cages ( cage doors not closed). I've complained to my boss and refused to move the cages but and am getting nowhere. What can i do about this problem ?
    • Answer: Please call us on 01225430285 or use our website to request a call from us as we can assist you with a claim for compensation and recovery of any lost income or costs you have incurred.
  • Asked on: Accident At Work Compensation Claims – Your Questions Answered

    Question: Hi I had an accident at work where an engineer left a cable across the floor plugged into an extension cable then plugged into the wall. I tripped leaving me with a swollen left elbow black eye right knee injury and a tight rotator cuff injury. Do I have a claim? I have been absent from work for 6 weeks now.
    • Answer: This is a matter our specialist Solicitors can assist you with. You were caused injury by an avoidable tripping hazard that should not have been present. Please call us on 01225430285 so that we can advise you further.
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