Head Injury Claims at Work: A Comprehensive Guide

By Ian Morris | Updated October 10th, 2024

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Head injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, both physically and financially. Seeking compensation for head injuries is crucial in order to alleviate the financial burden, hold responsible parties accountable, and ensure that the long-term effects of the injury are properly addressed. Here we look at what’s involved in claiming compensation following a head injury at work, and how to know if you have a valid claim.

When Can You Make a Head Injury Claim?:

You can make a head injury claim if you’ve suffered a head injury at work due to your employer’s negligence or failure to maintain a safe working environment. This includes situations where proper safety measures were not in place, inadequate training was provided, or necessary protective equipment was not supplied. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim.

Key Takeaways

Head injuries at work can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
To be eligible for a claim, you must prove your employer’s negligence caused your injury.
Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs.
The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
No Win No Fee agreements can help you pursue a claim without upfront legal costs.

Types of Head Injuries Eligible for Compensation

Head injuries can vary significantly in severity and long-term impact. Here are some common types of head injuries that may be eligible for compensation:

Concussions: Often considered a mild traumatic brain injury, concussions can result from a blow to the head or a sudden, violent movement. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, and memory problems.

Skull Fractures: These involve breaks in the skull bone and can range from linear fractures to more severe depressed or compound fractures.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These serious injuries can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional changes. TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Contusions: These are bruises on the brain tissue, often caused by direct impact to the head.

Haematomas: These involve bleeding in or around the brain and can be extremely serious, potentially requiring surgical intervention.

Lacerations and Cuts: While often considered less severe, cuts to the scalp can lead to significant bleeding and potential scarring.

Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Although primarily associated with neck injuries, whiplash can also cause concussion-like symptoms and other head-related issues.

It’s important to note that even seemingly minor head injuries can have serious long-term consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly after any head injury, regardless of its perceived severity. This not only ensures your health and safety but also provides crucial documentation for your potential claim.

Eligibility for Making a Head Injury Claim

To be eligible for compensation following a head injury at work, certain criteria must be met. Understanding these can help you determine if you have a valid claim:

Your employer owed you a duty of care: This is generally a given in any employment relationship. Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
Your employer breached that duty: This could be through negligence or failure to follow health and safety regulations. Examples include:
- Failure to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats in high-risk areas
- Inadequate training on safety procedures
- Poor maintenance of equipment or premises
- Failure to conduct proper risk assessments
- Ignoring reported hazards
This breach directly resulted in your head injury: There must be a clear causal link between your employer’s negligence and your injury.
The incident occurred within the last three years: In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as:
- If you were under 18 at the time of the injury, you have until your 21st birthday to claim
- If the effects of the injury weren’t immediately apparent, the three-year period may start from the date of knowledge
You have evidence to support your claim: This can include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence.

Remember, making a claim against your employer is your legal right, and it’s illegal for them to discriminate against you for doing so. Employers have insurance to cover such claims, so your compensation would typically come from the insurance company rather than directly from your employer.

Benefits of Claiming Compensation

Making a head injury claim against your employer can be a worrying prospect. You may be concerned how it will affect the business and your job security, or that of your colleagues. Rest assured, these worries are typically unfounded.

Firstly, it’s your employer’s liability insurance that will pay any compensation, rather than the business itself. Secondly, employers are not allowed to dismiss you or threaten you with the sack for making an accident at work claim.

Seeking compensation for a head injury at work is not just about financial gain; it can provide crucial support for your recovery and future well-being.

1. Financial Support: Compensation can help cover a range of expenses, including:

Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
Rehabilitation expenses, including physical therapy and cognitive rehabilitation
Lost wages, both current and future if you’re unable to return to work
Costs of home modifications or special equipment needed due to your injury

2. Access to Treatment: A successful claim can provide funds for specialised medical care and therapies that might otherwise be unaffordable. This could include:

Advanced neurological treatments
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy

3. Accountability: By making a claim, you’re holding your employer accountable for maintaining safe working environments. This can lead to:

Improved safety measures in your workplace
Greater awareness of potential hazards
Better training and safety protocols for other employees

4. Prevention: Your claim could prompt your employer to take action to prevent similar accidents in the future, potentially saving others from injury.

5. Long-term Security: If your injury has long-lasting effects that impact your ability to work, compensation can provide financial stability for you and your family.

6. Recognition of Suffering: While money can’t undo your injury, compensation acknowledges the pain, suffering, and life changes you’ve experienced.

7. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have the financial resources to manage your injury and its effects can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Remember, claiming compensation is your legal right and should not be seen as a hostile act against your employer. It’s about ensuring you receive the support you need and deserve after suffering an injury at work.

Compensation Amounts for Head Injuries

The amount of compensation you may receive for a head injury at work can vary significantly depending on several factors. While every case is unique, understanding potential compensation ranges can help set realistic expectations. Here’s a general guide based on the Judicial College Guidelines:

Severity of Brain or Head Injury	Compensation Amount
Very severe brain damage	£265k - £379k
Moderately severe brain damage	£206k - £265k
Moderate brain damage	£40k - £206k
Less severe brain damage	£14k - £40k
Minor brain or head injury	£2k - £12k
Epilepsy	£10k - £141k

It’s important to note that these figures are for general damages, which compensate for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. Your total compensation may also include special damages, which cover specific financial losses such as:

Lost earnings (both past and future)
Medical expenses
Travel costs for treatment
Care costs
Adaptive equipment or home modifications

The final compensation amount will depend on various factors, including:

The severity and long-term impact of your injury
Your age and life expectancy
Your earnings and career prospects before the injury
The extent of medical treatment required
The impact on your quality of life

It’s important to work with an experienced solicitor who can accurately assess all aspects of your claim to ensure you receive fair compensation. They will gather detailed medical evidence and expert opinions to support your case and maximise your compensation.

Steps to Take After a Head Injury at Work

Taking the right actions immediately after sustaining a head injury at work can significantly impact both your health and the strength of your potential claim. Employers have responsibilities after an accident at work. It is their responsibility to understand an accident and take the right measures, rather than the injured employee. However, you should take these steps to protect your well-being and legal rights:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional. Head injuries can have delayed symptoms, and prompt treatment is essential for your health and for documenting your injury. However, you can still claim if you haven’t had treatment.
Report the Accident: Inform your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Ensure that the incident is recorded in the company’s accident book. If your workplace doesn’t have an accident book, or won’t record your injury, send a written account of what happened to your employer and keep a copy for yourself.
Gather Evidence: If you’re able, or ask a colleague to help:
- Take photos of the accident scene, including any hazards that contributed to your injury
- Photograph your visible injuries
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of:
- The circumstances of the accident
- Your symptoms and how they progress
- How the injury affects your daily life and work
- Any conversations with your employer about the incident
Retain All Medical Records: Keep copies of all medical reports, test results, and treatment plans. These will be crucial evidence for your claim.
Keep Receipts: Save receipts for all expenses related to your injury, including travel costs for medical appointments and any purchased medical equipment.
Consult with a Personal Injury Solicitor: Speak with our solicitors who specialises in workplace accidents and head injury claims. They offer free initial consultations and work on a No Win No Fee basis.
Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to all treatment plans and attend all follow-up appointments. This is crucial for your recovery and demonstrates the seriousness of your injury.
Be Cautious in Communications: Be careful what you say to your employer or their insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injury. Let your solicitor handle these communications.
Consider Keeping a Diary: Document how the injury affects your daily life, work, and relationships. This can provide valuable evidence of the injury’s impact.

Don’t worry if you haven’t been able to do any of this yet, get in touch and we’ll be able to guide you.

These steps will help ensure you receive proper care and preserve your right to seek compensation. Remember, you have certain rights after an injury at work to help you to recover, including being able to return to work on lighter duties. Your health should be your primary concern.

Building a strong case takes time and attention to detail. Your solicitor will guide you through this process, ensuring that all aspects of your claim are thoroughly documented and presented. Their expertise will be crucial in negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing your case in court.

The Claims Process

Understanding the claims process can help you navigate this complex journey with more confidence. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect when making a head injury claim:

Initial Consultation:
- Meet with a specialised personal injury solicitor to discuss your case
- They will assess the viability of your claim and explain the process
- If they believe you have a strong case, they may offer to represent you on a No Win No Fee basis
Letter of Claim:
- Your solicitor will send a formal letter to your employer (the defendant) detailing your claim
- The defendant has 21 days to acknowledge receipt and 3 months to investigate and respond
Investigation:
- Your solicitor will gather evidence to support your claim, including:
  - Medical reports and records
  - Witness statements
  - Workplace accident reports
  - Expert opinions if necessary
Medical Assessment:
- You’ll undergo an independent medical examination to assess your injuries
- The resulting report will be crucial in determining the value of your claim
Negotiation:
- Your solicitor will enter into negotiations with the defendant’s insurers
- They will aim to secure the best possible settlement for you
Settlement or Court Proceedings:
- If a fair settlement is agreed upon, your claim will be concluded
- If an agreement can’t be reached, your solicitor may advise proceeding to court
- Note that most claims are settled before reaching court
Compensation Payment:
- Once a settlement is agreed or a court judgment is made in your favour, you’ll receive your compensation
- This is typically paid within 14-28 days of the agreement or judgment

Throughout this process, your solicitor will keep you informed and guide you through each step. They will handle most of the complex legal work, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Remember, the duration of a claim can vary significantly depending on its complexity and whether it goes to court. Simple claims might be resolved in a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or more.

No Win No Fee Agreements

No Win No Fee agreements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs), are a popular way to fund personal injury claims, including head injury claims at work. These agreements can make legal representation accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. Here’s what you need to know:

How No Win No Fee Works

If your claim is unsuccessful, you don’t pay your solicitor’s legal fees
If you win your case, you pay a success fee to your solicitor, which is typically a percentage of your compensation

Benefits of No Win No Fee

Financial Risk Reduction: You’re not left with a large legal bill if your claim is unsuccessful
Access to Justice: Allows you to pursue a claim without upfront costs
Motivation for Your Solicitor: They only get paid if you win, incentivising them to work hard on your case
Peace of Mind: Reduces stress about legal costs during an already difficult time

Key Points to Consider

The success fee is capped at 25% of your compensation (excluding future losses)
You may need to pay for disbursements (like medical report fees) if you lose, but insurance can often cover this
Your solicitor will explain all potential costs before you agree to proceed

After the Event (ATE) Insurance

Many solicitors will recommend taking out ATE insurance
This covers you against the risk of having to pay the defendant’s costs if you lose
The premium is typically only payable if you win your case

Choosing a No Win No Fee Solicitor

Look for solicitors with experience in head injury claims
Ensure they explain all aspects of the agreement clearly
Check their success rate with similar cases
Verify their credentials and membership of relevant professional bodies

Understanding the Agreement

Read the agreement carefully before signing
Ask questions about anything you don’t understand
Ensure you’re clear on what happens in both win and lose scenarios

No Win No Fee agreements can make it possible to pursue justice without financial risk. However, it’s crucial to fully understand the terms of the agreement before proceeding. A reputable solicitor will be happy to explain everything in detail and answer any questions you may have.

Remember, while No Win No Fee arrangements reduce financial risk, they don’t guarantee success. Your solicitor will give you an honest assessment of your case’s strength before proceeding.

How Direct2Compensation Can Help You

Seeking compensation for head injuries is crucial in order to alleviate the financial burden, hold responsible parties accountable, and ensure that the long-term effects of the injury are properly addressed.

We can help you to make a claim on a No Win No Fee basis where you will never be charged if your claim does not succeed. A successful claim will lead to a compensation settlement being made to you, with the value of the claim including any lost income and incurred costs as well as a settlement for the injuries and medical treatment that you have sustained.

If you have suffered a head injury at work and want to know if you can make a claim for compensation, contact us today. You can start your claim online or , and one of our expert team will be in touch to offer help. Alternatively, call us on 01225 430285.

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Comments & Questions

Read on for questions and advice about claiming, plus work head injury claim examples...

Hi there I was in an accident at work 3 weeks ago , I work for my local council as a PA, I work on transport escorting children with SEND, autism & challenging behaviours too and from school. The minibus we were travelling in was involved in a crash after hitting black ice. It was no fault of anyone and police and ambulances came to the scene ,I don’t think any reports were made due to it clearly being black ice. I was taken to the hospital and had stitches to my head and although I felt ok afterwards to go back to work ,work kept me off for a couple of weeks. I’ve not been off sick for that length of time before, so not sure if I will get paid or not but as far as I’m aware we get full sick pay working for the council. All my family and friends think I should make a claim but it’s not something I’ve ever done before and it wasn’t neither my employers , my drivers or my own fault so would just like a bit of advice please .

You certainly have an absolutely valid right to make a claim for compensation. As a passenger in the vehicle, you are clearly not liable for your own injuries and as such, you can make a claim against the insurance covering you whilst you’re at work for the pain and distress you have been caused by the injuries sustained. As you have had to have stitches to your head, your claim value will reflect the extent of any visible scarring that will remain and will also include the soft tissue injuries (things like whiplash, bruising and muscle pain) that you would have sustained in the incident.

It is very common for people in your position to feel absolutely torn when it comes to considering a claim. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be in your position – injured whilst at work and facing the likelihood of permanent visible scarring – and then having to consider the prospect of making a claim for personal injury compensation. Sadly there are many misconceptions around claiming compensation and many people wrongly think that making a claim will jeopardise their own job and that of other colleagues. Thankfully, this is not the case and you really do not need to worry about upsetting anyone by making a claim.

Most people will never have contacted a company like ours or have any real knowledge of making a claim – until such time as they need to consider making one. Most people are fortunate enough to get through life without suffering a nasty injury that could lead to a claim, so it’s absolutely right that you will be uncertain and have many questions about making a claim.

As a company, we passionately believe that people should be made aware of their rights and afforded space to understand the No Win No Fee claims process so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to make a claim. This ethos is both right morally, but also right for claimants and the vast majority of people go on to exercise their legal right and make a claim when they understand the process.

Please call us for a friendly no-obligation conversation on 01225430285 so that you can ask questions and find out more. You can then take your time to consider whether or not you would like to make your claim and seek rightful compensation for the painful injuries and permanent scarring that you have sustained.

I had a minor head injury at work today where I was left feeling dizzy, with a bruise on my head and a headache for the rest of the day from something that was broken at the hotel I work at. A metal crate with broken hinges to be precise. I used some ice and got let home after by my manger. I wondering if there was anything I should do about this?

The cause of your injury would certainly be something that would form the basis of a valid claim for accident at work compensation. The crate having broken hinges is dangerous and the employer should have removed the item or repaired it to prevent injury. As your accident only happened in the last 24 hours or so, it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek the appropriate medical attention should the symptoms warrant such action. Often in cases where someone has taken a knock to the head, along with the symptoms commonly associated with such incidents (dizziness, headaches, bruising), it is common for people to then notice additional painful symptoms presenting over the next 24/48 hours such as neck pain.

It is vitally important that you ensure that the details of your accident is recorded in writing within your employers accident book. You should seek to do that at the earliest opportunity if you haven’t done so already.

We would be very happy to assist you with a claim for personal injury compensation. For further help, please call us on 01225430285 or use the call back form on our website to start your claim.

I had a serious head injury at work due to misuse of heavy lifting equipment and faulty heavy lifting equipment where a big conveyor belt had fallen off of a crane and onto my head, I was lucky there was wire ropes above my head otherwise I’d be paralysed or even dead with the weight and height of that belt, when this accident occurred I was left without a check over from a first aider and left alone for most of the day when I was barely able to understand my own thoughts, I was left to write my own report which took me 2 hours because I couldn’t really see the page as my head was spinning, I later in the day phoned the NHS myself and they requested to see me and later kept me in overnight, but overall I was left basically by myself without any sort of check over from a first aider from around 9am – 6pm (when I finally got to the hospital) they determined I had a concussion and whiplash, which my management later on tried to tell me it was caused by shock and not an accident at work because all the guys I work with said they saw nothing which was bound to happen considering they weren’t following health and safety rules, now at 21 I’ve had a TIA and we don’t know what’s caused it yet but I think it is due to my head injury a few months ago as there’s no other reason and I just want to know if I have any basis for making a claim?

There are certainly grounds to pursue a claim for personal injury for your initial head injury. Whether it will be possible to establish that the head injury has then caused the subsequent TIA is unclear, but our specialist Solicitors would instruct a medical expert to review your initial injury treatment and subsequent medical incident with a view to establishing a causation link if at all possible. You are young and conditions such as TIA’s tend to be less common in younger people, so there may well be a link that can be established.

I worked in a chip shop. In December 2020, the chef mopped the grease up with a cold mop and this caused me to slip while going into the back for something. I worked all that day and the next and slept all of Sunday, took the kids to school then went to my friend before work then had a cup of tea and felt really ill. I vomited twice then felt all weird and strange as my body wasn’t functioning properly. I had to leave work early and ever since then I have been suffering with severe migraines, pains in my eyes and I am now very sensitive to light.

I’m currently under an Optometrist, having many appointments and examinations including blood tests and mri scans. They are investigating the possibly that the problems were caused and linked to the fall at work as I was perfectly fine before the accident. I am now awaiting the results to find out what the next protocol is.

Was your fall at work ever recorded in an accident book or did you ever text or email your boss to report what had happened? Also, was there a hazard sign on display when the chef had mopped the floor?

It would certainly seem that you may well be in a position to pursue a claim for personal injury and if the reports and scans you are currently awaiting the results of do link your ongoing symptoms to the fall at work, you can seek to recover compensation for these issues.

Hi! I have had a head injury at work (been taken to the hospital right away) caused by a low cage that fell on my head, although after an investigation my employer made me guilty for not handling the cage correctly, although I took some photos in that moment as the low cage was damaged and with the red tag wrongly attached to it.

Please email the photographs to us and we’ll call you to help you to start your claim for personal injury compensation.

Hi my husband recently collapsed at work and hit his head on the edge of a metal table. This has resulted in a minor head injury however has since struggled Walking without the support of another person or a walking stick. He was taken to A & E by his manager after the incident however due to his mobility he has been unable to return to work as yet.

Not withstanding your Husband’s awful injury, I am not sure that he has a claim. You state that he collapsed at work. If he fainted or was taken ill, there is no claim. However, if he collapsed due to a demonstrable failure from the employer and the cause of his collapse can be attributed to negligence on the part of the employer he could potential make a claim and hold the employer liable for his injuries.

I work for Asda unloading lorries and last week I had trays of carrots fall onto my head resulting in a deep cut (I didn’t notice till after shift) and a bruised head.

The items coming off the ramp to the lorry are often not secured properly and by the time you find out, its usually too late. I immediately felt dizzy, had blurred vision and slurred speech (amongst other things) for the rest of the shift. I told the manager about the accident to which his only response was “oh s***.

I haven’t had the incident recorded in any accident book and wasn’t advised to go home even though I was clearly not in the right state of mind when I decided to stay.

Although your accident hasn’t yet been recorded in an accident book, you should still ensure that an accurate record of your accident at work is recorded within the employers accident book. If the employer won’t let you use the accident book, simply email your HR department to outline what you have explained here – making reference to the unsecured loads, the fact that your Manager didn’t record the details or even intervene in your continued attendance at work.

You certainly have a valid claim for personal injury compensation and have every right to pursue such action. If you would like our help in taking this further on a No Win No Fee basis, please contact us on 01225430285.

On Tuesday I was at work using a power tool with a spinning wire brush on the end. I was using this to clean a bit of steel at head height, the tool got caught in one of the gaps on the bit of steel and bounced off and hit my head. My head has been sliced by the tool and left a gash above my eyebrow on my forehead, I notified my employer and went to the hospital to get it glued. I have recently asked for the accident book and got told the business owner had it but not yet received it. I was left with a lump on my head and an open wound.

There is a strong likelihood that you can make a successful claim for personal injury compensation as a result of the injury you have sustained at work. Please call us on 01225430285 as there are questions to be asked of the training you had received, whether you’d been provided with the appropriate PPE and whether the employer had adequately risk assessed the method of work you were tasked with performing.

At work today, at Waitrose, I work behind the meat counter the dishwasher is leaking which caused the floor around where I work to be slippery earlier in the day I tried to stop the leak and clear the wet floor, however the leaked continued. I was putting a tray into the display counter when I slipped and smacked my head on the top, I’ve got a lump on my forehead and a concussion.

Make sure that your accident is recorded within your employers accident book. You should seek medical attention for the head injury and any associated symptoms including dizzyness, nausea, blurred vision and even soft tissue pain around the neck/shoulders as this is commonly associated with a knock to the head.

Given the cause of your workplace injury, our view that you have a valid claim for compensation. We feel that you should take this further and contact us on 01225430285 for help.

My mum slipped on path at her place of work a care home for adults with severe learning disabilities. It was icy and no grit on path where my mum fell and head Injury and high blood pressure when paramedics did their observations. They wanted to take her to hospital but she declined with the current situation in pandemic. She has only just been able to open her eye and is very bruised. They haven’t apologised. They have reported it to RIDDOR

It is good to know that the incident has been reported to RIDDOR as that indicates that evidence will be available to support your Mother should she take any action against the employer.

Your Mother has 3 years from the date of the incident in which she can seek to make a claim and we would very much like to help her to do so. As and when she feels able to, please ask her to call us on 01225430285 to discuss the incident and seek further help.

I was hit by a battery powered hand jack. I had a brain bleed. I had brain surgery leaving me with a deformed area on my forehead. I have several problems after surgery. The operator of the jack had no license to operate the jack. He also failed a drug screen. The company sent out a memo listing people to have classes to attain a license to operate the jack. This was 6 days after my injury. The jack has a pre-inspection book that’s left on the jack. To this day the book is only filled out maybe once a week, not every day that is company policy. What are my chances on winning this claim?

The fact that an employee was allowed to use the tool in question despite the fact that they had no licence to use the item (and cannot therefore have been properly trained), indicates that you should pursue a claim and that the claim should have good prospects of succeeding. Further, the operative who caused the injury subsequently failed a drug test and the employer has closed the door after the horse has bolted by then requiring all employees to undertake training after your accident.

Our initial view is that you appear to have a valid claim with every prospect of succeeding. The employer appears to have realised that they need to ensure that staff are appropriately trained, but not done anything about that until you had already been injured due to a lack of sufficient training!

Your injury was clearly serious and has caused permanent and ongoing problems from visible scarring/deformity and no doubt other physical or psychological problems. We would be delighted to hear from you and help you make your claim.

I was working in the storage warehouse at work and was asked to help a customer take down some very large wooden shelving units, the top shelve then fell on my head and gave me a wound , was slightly concussed . Was bleeding quite a bit . Then went to office , put it in accident vook . After that went to the local hospital and had it glued. No ppe was offered to me to prevent this. Had a few days off work after this was like 5 years ago .

As more than 3 years have passed since your injury, you cannot make a claim for this injury at work.

At work, I hit my head when changing a bagging machine roll, steps were put next to a light and I hit my head resulting in concussion and time off work. I wondered if this results in any chance to claim

We need to know more about this incident to be able to advise you. To make a claim, we’ll need to identify employer negligence – that could be a lack of training, provision of inadequate equipment or the working environment. Do you know who placed the steps by the light fitting that caused your injury?

Hi I was working as a sub contractor in a business where a metal cabinet was mounted on a wall behind a opening exit door and boxes/obstacles behind the door. I moved rubbish from behind the door and when I got back up I hit my head on the edge of this cabinet and sub stained a cut to my head, treated by a staple and concussion a week later. Can you confirm having this cabinet on a wall behind a exit door is a serious hazard including the boxes/obstacles in accordance with the health and safety at work? Secondly that I can claim a successful injury claim as a subcontractor for my injury? Thank you

We feel you have a valid claim and that the location of the cabinet was hazardous. As a sub-contractor, you have a right to make a claim against the business in question.

I work in a factory , I was pulling a pump truck behind me and turned around to make sure it was okay and walked/tripped into a thick metal pillow post , there is no caution signs present and nothing to stop anyone hurting themselves ,also there was no first aider present at all and had to take myself to the main office (over side of the site) to get medical attention.

If the post that you hit is ‘in the way’ or obstructs a busy working area where it is not always possible to look in one direction – such as when you are moving goods or pulling pump trucks etc, there is an argument to be made that the post should be marked with warning signage and even padding.

This is certainly a matter we can investigate further and would be happy to bring to the attention of our specialist Solicitors for you.

Hello, I’m not sure if my employer is at fault, I work as a contracted Security Officer for at a site in Warwickshire, on Thursday 15th Oct 2020 I suffered a head injury when a vehicle pole barrier came down on my head.

I suppose it was mild concusion. There was no visible outside injury to my head and no lumps, but massive headaches and fuzzyness and slight dizzyness and a feeling I am not well and should not be at work. Today (17th Oct 2020) I have lower back pain, that I didn’t have prior to the accident, I must have injured my back twisting and diving to avoid the barrier, which did not do what I wanted and avoid the injury, much much more to tell you.

This is a matter our specialist Solicitors can help you with and you have a valid right to make a claim for personal injury compensation. Concussion is a nasty injury that in the more serious of cases can cause long term problems, including blurred vision, headaches, nausea and dizzyness. It seems that you are suffering such symptoms now. Also, the lower back pain you mention is almost certainly linked to this incident and we would strongly recommend that you speak with a GP or attend A&E or a walk-in clinic to ensure that your injuries are treated and importantly, noted, on your medical records.

If you have not already done so, please make sure that an accident report is completed at work. The report should indicate what happened, where and when.We believe you have a valid claim and we look forward to helping you.

I work in retail. I was on a ladder and on the top step when a heavy boarded shelf fell on to my head. Above my right eyebrow was very swollen and I felt like I was going to pass out. I went into the fitting room to sit down where I was crying, it wasn’t until 15 minutes later that I got any help when a colleague came and assured me.

The store didn’t have ice packs or first aid. The managers completed an accident form and sent me home. I have been having such bad headaches and I’m now quite traumatised about heights.

We feel that you have a valid claim and our Solicitors can help you with this. Impact injuries to the head – such as items falling from height – are commonly associated with headaches and whiplash and you have a right to make a claim for the damage done to you. If you are now anxious about heights, you should also discuss that with your GP as that too could be included in any claim you make in the future.

Approximately 9 months ago, I had an accident at work. The employer had used a stand pipe for a sink to hold a window open – around 9 to 10 metres high.

When I tried to open the door to enter the building, the stand pipe on to my head from that distance. I almost blacked out and was dizzy for a couple of minutes. Then I noticed that there was blood as well, so I went inside to stop the bleeding. I was then sent to the hospital to get it checked. I had stitches and they glued it closed as well. I have an accident report and also the report from the medical center.

Also (and this is one of the reasons I am considering making a claim) I now have bad headaches, which are more frequent since this incident.

Could you please advise what would be the best decision to do? Thank you

You have every right to make a claim for the concussion injury caused and laceration to your head. Whilst none of your colleagues or your employer meant to harm you in this way, the use of the stand pipe to hold a window open is clearly unsafe and poses a clear risk to health of those working in the workplace.

It would appear that the blow to your head from the falling stand pipe has caused ongoing symptoms consistent with such an injury, most likely concussion related. Our specialist Solicitors will ensure that a suitably qualified medical expert provides a report regarding your headaches and their link to the incident at work.

We would be very happy to help you better understand your rights and explain how our specialist Solicitors can pursue a claim against your employers insurance cover. Our initial view is that you have a robust claim, likely to succeed. It is good to see that the incident was reported correctly and the accident report you have (along with the medical records) will be helpful evidence to support any claim.

Hi. I hit my head at work on a shutter door that had jammed half way down. I thought it just didn’t come down all the way but will still go up because of the sensor but as I turned round to make sure the pallet I was pulling was okay I hit my head off the door and then onto the pallet truck. I just want to know if id have a valid claim. No serious injuries just bump on the front of my head a headache and feel bit dazed. This happened yesterday. Thanks

At the moment, it would seem (fortunately) that your injuries are not sufficiently serious to warrant a claim. However, it is early days and although the injuries appear minor, that could change. With this in mind it is vitally important that you ensure that the details of your accident at work and the injuries sustained are noted. An accident book record should be made regarding the incident and injuries and you should take photographs of the visible injuries to your head.

If in the coming weeks the injuries become more problematic, you could then look in to the possibility of making a claim.

My gardener slipped on wet grass and banged his head on a wall. Am I liable?

It is unlikely that liability would attach in such a circumstance. However, if your employee had previously mentioned that the area was dangerous when wet and that they felt it unsafe to work their in such conditions and you ignored that, there could be a case to answer.