Injured in a fall at work? See if you can claim compensation and how much

330 questions have been answered on this subject, why not ask your own?

You are entitled to claim compensation if you have been injured by a slip, trip or fall at work as a result of employer negligence in providing a safe working environment. Here we look at what’s involved in making such a claim.

Table of contents

Can I make a claim if I fall at work and injure myself?

Simply being injured in a fall at work doesn’t mean you are eligible to claim compensation, the key to making a successful fall at work claim is being able to hold your employer responsible for your injuries, usually as a result of breaking health and safety rules.

You can make a personal injury claim if you fall at work because of your employer’s negligence rather than it being your own fault. This applies whether you are a full time, part time or temporary member of staff.

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure a safe and secure working environment for staff and prevent foreseeable injuries. If your employer has failed to follow health and safety guidance to protect staff they can be held liable to pay compensation to anyone injured as a result.

The comments at the bottom of this article will further help you to understand the wide range of scenarios involved.

Employer responsibilities to prevent slips, trips and falls at work

Employers and contractors are responsible for their worker’s safety and injury claims will succeed if it can be proven they have been negligent and failed to comply with their statutory duties.

To reduce the risk of injury, employers must ensure:

  • That staff are given a safety induction relating to the workplace, made aware of accident risks and how to minimise them.
  • That staff are made aware as to how to deal with accidents and seek first aid.
  • That health and safety signage is properly and prominently displayed.
  • That all staff are provided with the correct PPE.
  • That staff are adequately qualified on any tools or machinery they use.
  • That faulty equipment is fixed asap and machinery regularly serviced.
  • That cleaners display hazard warning signs when making floors wet.
  • That any slip or trip hazards are identified and repaired or made safe.
  • That they follow working from height regulations

Claims for slipping on a wet floor

Slips at work are usually caused by wet floors and stairs. Employees can also slip if they are not provided with the correct footwear, or if a floor surface is not fit for purpose, such as no non-slip covering in potentially wet environments. Commonly we see slips caused by these workplace hazards:

  • Spillages of liquid or food
  • Recently cleaned floors
  • Rain, ice or snow
  • Leaking machinery, roofs and pipes

Employers should be prepared to do all that they can to minimise the chance of staff slipping and sustaining an injury. They must ensure that any wet floors are cleaned up and dry as soon as possible. If there is a spillage, water or other slipping risk present a wet floor sign should be erected to warn of the hazard. These should always be displayed when floors are being cleaned.

If your employer failed to display a hazard sign warning of a wet floor, you are likely to have a strong claim for slip and fall compensation if you’re injured as a result. Such an error confirms employer negligence and as such, it’s a valid claim. However, even if a hazard sign was erected, you could still be able to claim if it can be demonstrated that the sign was inadequately displayed – hidden or obscured from view, or located in the wrong place.

Claims for tripping over

Tripping accidents at work usually involve uneven floors and potholes in work areas and car parks. They can also arise as a result of a messy workplace, if wires or cables are not stored properly or if items are left in walkways or beside desks etc. We’ve dealt with claims arising from:

  • Rubbish and packaging on the floor
  • Broken steps and railings
  • Uneven floor surfaces
  • Loose wires and discarded items

Again, tripping hazards should be identified by your employer and action taken to warn staff and remove the risk in a reasonable time.

Claims for falls from height

Claims for falling from height at work often arise from ladder accidents, missing barriers, broken steps, guardrails or unmarked holes in the floor. We also see accidents involving falls from scaffolding, vehicle steps and tail lifts, forklift trucks and other plant machinery. Some claimants are injured because of insufficient training on equipment they’re tasked to use or because they were provided with the wrong equipment for the job.

Any activity performed above floor level carries the risk of a fall. This would include using foot or kick stools within shops or factories, through to the use of ladders, scaffolding and even rope climbing. Obviously some jobs are more dangerous in this respect than others, but the same basic health and safety laws apply to all.

Usually, falls from height involve a fall from one level to a lower level, they don’t include a slip or a trip on the same level or falling down a staircase.

According to the Health and Safety Executive: Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. You are working at height if you:

  • Work above ground/floor level
  • Could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface
  • Could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground

Working at height regulations

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 were specifically created to protect those working at height, whether half a mile above the ground or simply standing on a chair. Regardless of the kind of workplace, If employers are tasking staff members to work at height, they must by law ensure:

  • That staff are adequately trained in how to access anything at a height above arms reach.
  • That staff understand what equipment they should use to safely access the height needed.
  • To provide the right equipment to access anything at height.
  • That equipment used to work at height is regularly maintained and repaired.
  • That such equipment found to be faulty or dangerous is removed from use.

Common work injury claims after a fall

Slips, trips and falls at work, accounted for 29% of all non-fatal work injuries in a 2019/20 survey by the HSE. While they may seem innocuous, the injuries suffered can have big implications for the injured persons’ future.

Common injury claims include slipped discs, fractures to the ankles, legs, arms and wrists, or to the coccyx area of the lower back. They can also cause people to suffer nasty soft tissue injuries with damage to the knees, hips and shoulders.

In most cases, people are left with mobility and independence impairments, whether temporary or permanent. In cases of severe injuries, such as an open fracture, we have also helped people who have suffered psychological trauma.

Is it worth claiming compensation?

If you’re injured after a slip, trip or fall at work, claiming accident at work compensation can help ease some of the problems you’ll experience in a number of ways:

  • Claiming injury compensation is a legal right, and if successful it fairly compensates you for injuries that were not your fault.
  • A successful claim can help to pay for private medical treatment and rehabilitation therapies to speed your recovery.
  • Claiming can recoup your expenses and make up for lost income now and in the future if you are prevented from working again.

As well as the pain and discomfort of an injury, it’s the stress of losing income that often forces workers to claim compensation. All employees are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they do not get full sickness pay, but this is often not enough to live on.

It’s worth noting that it’s absolutely possible to maintain a good relationship with your employer while making a claim, and you can’t be sacked for doing so. Furthermore, your employer’s liability insurance deals with the claim and pays the compensation, rather than the business itself, so you can be assured you’re not placing colleague’s jobs at risk.

Finally, as all claims are made on a No Win No Fee basis, you will never be charged if your claim does not succeed.

How much compensation can I claim for a fall?

A successful personal injury claim will ultimately see a claimant recover a settlement for their injuries, ongoing treatment and also for their special damages, which covers lost earnings.

How much you can claim for a fall at work is calculated from the severity of the injury, your financial losses and the impact on your quality of life. This would include:

  • The pain and distress caused to you by the injuries sustained
  • Psychological effects from the accident and/or injury
  • Associated costs and losses
  • Lost earnings if you have been away from work as a result of the accident
  • Medical treatments, rehabilitation therapies and post accident care
  • Restrictions on your ability to fulfil your usual activities and social life
  • Miscellaneous expenses (bus fares, painkillers etc)

Compensation amounts for injuries after a fall

There are guidelines issued by the courts for solicitors, but it’s impossible to say exactly how much you can expect as all cases vary. Some example values are listed in the table below for common fall injury claims, these are excluding special damages:

Type of injuryCompensation amount
Neck injury£2,000 - £140,000
Minor brain or head injury£2,070 - £11,980
Finger injury£4,000 - £85,000
Wrist injury£3,310 - £44,690
Hip or pelvis injury£3,710 - £24,950
Fractured forearm£6,190 - £18,020
Permanent back injury£11,730 - £26,050
Serious shoulder injury£11,980 - £18,020
Ankle injury£12,900 - £46,980

What should I do after being injured at work?

After being injured at work it is important to understand your rights so that you can confidently manage your recovery and working future. Your employer has a duty of care to you if you’re injured, and there’s a lot you can do to help yourself after a work accident.

When a slip, trip or fall leads to injury you should record the details within your employer’s accident book. If they don’t have an accident book, or won’t let you have access to it, there are things you can do.

If you are receiving ongoing treatment for your injuries your employer MUST release you to attend appointments..

If your usual work involves aspects of hard physical labour such as heavy lifting, carrying, climbing or standing for long periods, your employer is duty bound to accommodate you (where possible) in returning to work on lighter duties whilst you complete your recovery.

What evidence do I need to win a claim?

A successful claim for a fall at work will need evidence to back up what happened and prove the accident was not your fault.

First and foremost, the incident should be recorded with the company in its accident book.

Witness statements are also admissible as evidence, so try to collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw your accident and is willing to back up your claim.

If you can take photos of what caused your accident it can be really useful in forcing your employer to admit liability. Try to show the size of any tripping hazards by using something like a coin for scale.

Medical evidence will be used to evaluate how much your injury claim is worth, so it’s important to seek professional medical treatment for your injuries at the earliest opportunity. Also, ensure that your GP is made aware of any ongoing problems with an injury to ensure a fair compensation amount. If your injuries don’t settle and you notice discomfort a few weeks or months later, or if you’re not sleeping or feeling depressed because of your injuries, make sure it’s on your medical records.

Keep a record of any lost wages and expenses you incur as a result of your injuries as you may be able to claim those costs back.

If all this seems a bit complicated, or you haven’t done any of the above, don’t worry – if you contact us we can talk you through it and help you to complete the necessary steps.

How do I make a claim?

You can start your claim online or , and one of our expert team will be in touch. Alternatively, call us on 01225 430285. We’ll only need a few minutes of your time to let you know if you can make a claim.

With over 20 years’ experience, you can use our knowledge and expertise to get your claim off to the best start. There is no charge for assessing your case, so you have nothing to lose and much to gain if you can make a successful claim.

330 questions have been answered on this subject, why not ask your own?

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    Questions

    Read on for questions and advice about claiming, plus fall at work claim examples...

    Hello
    I have been in touch before about my sons fall at work and his death i have heard from the health safety that he went up the gantry to clear the machine because it had blocked up his workmate was clearing one side and my son was clearing the other side and my son lost his footing and fell about 3meters hard to explain but there was safety rails but not where my son fell he fell backwards off the machinery and on to the floor.

    Ian Morris

    Please contact us so that we can further investigate this matter and assist you with a claim on behalf of your late Son.

    Reply

    I had a bad fall at work (slipped on wet floor) I damaged a bone in my index finger and hair line scaphoid fracture on wrist, I hurt my knee and since having this fall I have developed Arthritis which the DR’s say was probably caused by the fall , I have lost use of index finger and can not weight bare in my wrist the accident was 2 years ago , I’m now on medication for rest of my life and I could no longer do my job so I have now had to leave a 20 year career in care do I have the right to put in a claim ?

    Ian Morris

    You certainly have the right to pursue a claim – indeed, any employee injured whilst at work as a result of negligence, employer breach of duty (this can include lack of training, inadequate equipment etc) has a right to seek compensation from their employers mandatory insurance cover.

    It is almost certainly the case that the arthritis that you are now coping with was caused to be symptomatic by the injury that you have sustained. Athritic joints (osteoarthritis) is usually associated with age degeneration and is a sad reality that most of us have to accept in old age. However, where younger people are suffering from this condition as a result of a trauma to a joint, a successful compensation claim will see them able to claim compensation for the acceleration of symptoms and the impact of the condition (along with the initial injury) when setting their claim.

    Reply

    My son had to work about 10 feet or 12 feet above where he actually worked – he had to go up there to clear the machine if it got clogged up, he had to clear it of cardboard. There was a rail going around but he fell and passed away. Should he of had a hard hat on and a belt clipped to the rail to stop him falling? I read on google that if you work at height you had to wear a hat, that it was the law or compulsory.

    Ian Morris

    Employers do have a duty of care to ensure that all staff working at height are given the appropriate safety training and that the right personal protective equipment and other safety measures are provided and enforced.

    In this case, as there has been a fatality, the incident should have been subject to a Health and Safety Executive investigation and reported to RIDDOR. If their reports show any element of employer failure, the next of kin of the deceased can pursue a claim on behalf of the estate of the deceased.

    Reply

    I slipped on the stairs at work and hit my back. I stayed at home for a week with pain and I wasn’t paid. Now I still feel pain but I started work because otherwise I can’t support myself. I’m also pregnant in 3 months. Can I do something?

    Ian Morris

    It is understandable that you have returned to work due to the financial pressure of needing to earn an income. Returning to your duties after an accident work will not impact any right to make a claim for personal injury compensation.

    In this case, we need to know what caused you to slip on the stairs at work, so that we can identify whether or not you can make a claim. As an example, if there was a spillage on the stairs or the stairs were wet but no hazard signs were on display, you would have a valid claim. Likewise, if the stairs were damaged or disrepaired, your employer would be liable for any injuries and lost income. However, if you simply misplaced your footing because you were not looking where you were going, you would not have valid grounds to make a claim.

    Please call us on 01225430285 so that we can discuss your accident and advise you further. Alternatively, you can use the form on our website to provide further information and we’ll then call you to discuss your claim for compensation.

    Reply

    I had a fall at work, when I tripped over toys on the floor. This caused a fractured in my tibia. Management were in the room when it happened but just laughed it aside, as seeing me falling seemed too funny. I sat on the floor in pain but felt silly for making a fuss. No accident report was made, with no one checking on me and I stayed on the rest of my shift. A hospital trip later that night confirmed it to be fractured. Now I am on crutches and in a boot, my work are already asking when I will be back. It’s only been 4 days.

    Ian Morris

    It’s vitally important that you try to ensure that an accident book entry is now made. Although people laughed at the time because they hadn’t realised the severity of your injury, they should now allow a record to be made given that Management witnessed the incident. The best course of action would be to email your employer outlining what happened in your words. You should state what caused you to trip (toys on the floor) and what injury you have sustained, listing the date and approximate time of the fall.

    We would be very happy to speak further with you regarding this injury at work as it would seem that you have grounds to pursue a claim for compensation. Please call us on 01225430285 or contact us via our website for further help.

    In terms of your return to work, you should follow doctors orders. If your job is something that you can do with limited mobility/using crutches, you should return when you feel able to do so. If however, the injury requires you to be fully mobile, you will clearly have to wait until any cast or support boot is no longer required before you are able to go back to your duties. If you lose pay through any period of absence from work, we can help you to recover any lost income by making a claim for compensation for you.

    Reply

    I slipped on a wet metal doorframe at work. There were no signs to indicate it would be slippery if wet. I broke my nose and my radial head in my arm and had to have a radial head replacement implant. I’ve been off work for 4 months. I’ve been told I have no grounds to claim compensation by another law firm as there is no obvious defect. Would they be correct?

    Ian Morris

    Our initial view is more positive than the one you appear to have been given by other specialists. As the door frame was wet and slippery, there could well be potential to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation and we’d like to put this matter before our specialist Solicitors for detailed consideration. Your injuries are clearly serious and as such, it is reasonable and right to further consider this potential claim.

    Reply

    I am postwoman I full over and hurt my chest on the street.

    Ian Morris

    How did this happen? Did you trip on some disrepair or unsafe pavement surface? If so, please email photographs of the accident site to us at justice@direct2compensation.co.uk and we can then review this for you.

    Reply

    Hello,
    I have had an accident at work which I slipped on wet floor in the kitchen while there was no any sign, I went to the hospital by ambulance, so now I am suffering from severe pain on my back and I have bruised on my back because of fell down on the floor.
    I would to know can I claim for personal injury?
    I would appreciate it if, you give me advice.

    Reply

    I work in a carehome as a cleaner. Rooms are quite cluttered and a commode was left in the middle of the room by a carer. As I was cleaning I turned and fell over it. Landing on my left knee. I was stuck there for quite a while as my leg was dead. When I adventually got up. I called for help and the manager checked my leg and I went to hospital. Knee was xrayed badly bruised and told to rest it. I was booked on annual leave to go away 2 days later. This ruined my holiday as I was on crutches. I took another week off after so the swelling was down and I could walk properly.. I was paid SSP for the second week. Went back as I couldn’t afford to not go back. Still painfull now as the day goes on after 3 months. Could I make a claim ?

    Ian Morris

    We feel that you have valid grounds to make a claim for personal injury compensation. Employers have a duty of care to ensure a safe working environment and if they have allowed rooms to become unduly cluttered, we can argue that the employer has have been negligent. Of course, your claim will be strengthened if there is any evidence of people having complained about the clutter, but in any event, we feel that you should make a claim.

    Reply

    I had a fall at work. My foot got caught in flooring that was coming up and I had previously reported this as dangerous. The maintenance man put duct tape over the area. It was put on plan on for repair. This did not happen. I reported it again and was informed plan on had been sent. Another area of flooring near to the aforementioned area also came up and I reported it again. Small tacs were put down to try to join the floor edges together. To date no repair has taken place. At some point too the duct tape had been removed leaving exposed flooring again. The area where tacs put in the flooring was coming up around the tacs and a piece of flooring missing. I was walking into the medication room and as I said caught my shoe in the flooring that was coming up. I have now been off work for 8 days and will try to go back to work tomorrow. My injuries are: shoulder pulled and painful with less ROM. Knee painful and was swollen making it difficult to get upstairs hence sleeping on the sofa. Knee locking at times. Uncomfortable to put pressure on the leg. Swelling in thigh and bruising. Rib cage very painful and this remains the worse injury. Sore all over with neck and back discomfort. I cannot afford to be off work getting SSP. I am a nurse. GP prescribed three lots of medication including strong painkillers. No record in an accident book as person in charge due not know we have one. GP is referring me for physio later as injuries still acute. My concern is I reported this flooring more than once and still not repaired. I had said one of our patients could possibly fall and little did I know it would be me!! I believe there is negligence on my employers part to keep those we look after safe and the staff. I should not be feeling this pain and discomfort and having to modify my activities of daily living due to negligence. My emotional state is affected too as it has made my mood low and I am tearful. I want to put in a claim fir my injuries and suffering.

    Ian Morris

    From the description of the accident you have provided, we believe that you are in a strong position to make a claim and that establishing negligence on the part of your employer is clearly possible. As you had reported the faults with the floor, your employer was on notice of a risk to health and safety within the workplace and the flooring in question should have been repaired correctly or cordoned off until repaired.

    If successful, you can claim compensation for the various physical injuries sustained as well as for the impact of the injuries on your mental health and personal life. We can also recover lost income or overtime that you may lose out on whilst away from work.

    Reply

    I fell off a low loader trailer approximately 3-4 years ago holding an object weighing in excess of 15kg, I went to hospital had an X-ray and physo!! I recently hurt my knee again doing my duties at work!
    I have now been off for 5 weeks and I cannot return just yet due to being in a splint and on crutches! I am awaiting my consolation for the results of my MRI scan!
    I have not claimed any ssp from my employer, but they have basically let me rinse my holiday entitlement as pay! So my future booked holidays are now going to be unpaid!! Obviously being off work has a massive financial impact, as my earnings would be approximately £1500-1800 per fortnight due to my work being in the events industry,
    I’ve been with the company almost 20 years and the current owners have held the company for about 4 years. Kind regards. Wayne

    Ian Morris

    The initial accident you mention some 3-4 years ago is now out side of the 3 year claim period, so you cannot take action for that incident or injury. However, the more recent injury to your knee that has caused you a prolonged period of absence from work may well be something which we can assist with. Please explain how you were injured at work recently and we can then advise you about a potential claim for personal injury compensation.

    Wayne

    I was putting Air in the trailer tyres and stood up!! due to the previous injury which is an ongoing issue my knee just gave way simple as that

    Ian Morris

    Your injury is clearly unfortunate and may well be linked to your previous accident. Unfortunately however, it is unlikely that you would be able to establish employer negligence on the 2nd incident and that establishing a causal link would be prohibitively risky for a Solicitor to be able to act on a No Win No Fee basis.

    Reply

    My husband had a bad fall at work into a Pit 3 meters down. A heavy beam hit him on the head as it fell as well. He sustained a fractured wrist and hand and needed to stay in hospital and have a 2 hour operation to put his wrist and hand back together. He has been off for 9 weeks and is still in plaster. 3 weeks more in plaster and then he goes back to hospital for another operation to find out how his hand and wrist work. Since the Accident, he has been called into his workplace and been given a first written warning due to the accident. He should have been provided with a harness, but never was issued with one. At first he was a little coerced into saying he had one. The company premises he was on are a big buyer of the company he works for and the lead engineer asked my husband and another lad (who did not get injured) to all stick to the same story, which they did. However my husband has decided to now tell the truth as his injuries are much worse than first thought. Also he got the warning for not wearing a harness, although now he has told the truth he was never given one. With this in mind, can the warning be withdrawn?

    Reply

    I work for a fish processing plant. They left out an empty wooden pallet which I tripped over and re-injured my lower back after surgery i’d had 3 years ago.
    They also make me climb up a ladder that is a pallet leaning against a wall.

    Can I file a claim for my back? My neurologist wants to re-check my back but its way too expensive.

    Ian Morris

    It would appear that your employer has allowed a hazard (in this case the wooden pallet) to obstruct a walkway and that they are therefore liable for your injury.

    You have a right to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation as a result and should be able to recover medical expenses if successful.

    Reply

    I am a cleaner, I had just cleaned and mopped the floor – I had put signs out and slipped on the step on my way out, I did not report in an accident book as Did not know where it was, I have been off work for just under a week. Can I claim for this?
    Work are refusing to pay for any time off.

    Ian Morris

    If you slipped on a floor that you had made wet through mopping the floor and you knew it was wet, you would not be able to pursue a claim as there is no negligent party against whom to take action.

    Reply

    I work as a Telecommunications Engineer. I fell down on some concrete stairs leading into the basement at a customers property. I fractured my coccyx and have been off work for around 10 months. I was told I can’t make a claim because I fell at a customers property. Could you help?

    Ian Morris

    Attempting to pursue a claim against an individual property owner is not straightforward as it is unknown whether the property owner would have insurance or the financial might to be able to compensate you if you succeeded with a claim. As such, Solicitors are often reluctant to go against an individual whereas they have no qualms when pursuing action against an organisation or insurers as they can be certain that should they succeed, funds will be available to compensate their client and to finance the costs of the legal process.

    In your case, although you were injured in a customers property, you may be able to make a claim against your employer if it can be shown that they had failed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent you from falling. With this in mind, we first need to know what caused you to fall and whether there are any questions to ask regarding adequate training from your employer or their provision of suitable and correct work equipment or even whether the employer risk assessed the work in question correctly. If you feel that there are potential questions to ask of your employer and their approach to your health and safety, we may well be able to assist you.

    Reply

    My mother has fallen in work and broken her humerus bone. After 3 months in a cast its now been decided that an operation will need to be had and she will never regain full movement of her arm, it will be a disability. We have spoken to a solicitor who says without proof that it was the employers fault the accident happened, she wont be able to claim. Please could you advise?

    Kind regards,

    Ian Morris

    The Solicitor you mention is correct in that evidence of employer negligence is always needed to enable a personal injury claim to succeed. There are many ways of evidencing an accident in the workplace such as an accident book entry, ambulance notes (if an ambulance attended the scene), Hospital/GP records or emails/texts from an injured employee to an employer.

    In your Mothers case, there is clearly a serious injury with permanent consequences. As such, it would be fair and reasonable to pursue a claim against the employer if there is any question of employer negligence. You mention that your Mother fell at work. Do you know why she fell and what caused this? If you can elaborate on the accident itself a little, we can advise further as to a potential No Win No Fee claim for personal injury compensation.

    Reply

    I have worked for an employer for a few weeks on a cash in hand basis. The employer was happy with my work and he wanted me to continue working for him. However, I tripped over a power lead that was stretched across the entrance to an area that I need access to and was injured.

    The accident was recorded in the accident book, but I did not read or sign this. I don’t know what was written.

    The employer has asked for proof from my Doctor regarding the injuries I have sustained, as he believed they were not serious. However whilst at A and E, they x-rayed me and confirmed that I have a fractured knee cap.

    What should I do?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer has no reason to doubt you, but if you want to provide evidence of the injury to your knee, you should ask your GP to sign you off and then provide the sick note (which should confirm the reason for your absence from work being a knee fracture) and hand this to the employer.

    In terms of the injury itself, you can pursue a claim for personal injury compensation as the cause of your accident (tripping on a power cable that was laying across the entrance to an area you needed to access to work) can be seen as an act of negligence.

    robin

    Thanks for the reply Ian.
    I took your advice, and provided a sick note confirming the injury.
    I am not entitled to sick pay, as I am a casual contractor.
    My employer informed me that he, and the owner of the company, plan to contest my claim.
    Is there much point? I doubt anyone wants to give a witness statement, in this instance, as I sense the workforce feel somewhat intimidated by the boss, which i do understand.
    Is there much hope of a successful claim here?

    Ian Morris

    The employer and their insurers may wish to contest a claim if you make one – as is the employers right. Whether or not their defence of a claim would hold weight will depend on what evidence there is available to support your claim. Was an accident book filled in at the time of the fall? Is there anything in writing anywhere (emails, text messages, accident book) that mentions tripping over a power cable? If so, you have every chance of succeeding.

    Importantly however, you can pursue a claim on a No Win No Fee basis so if the claim were to fail, whilst you would be disappointed, you would not face any financial liability for the costs of the claims process.

    Reply

    I had a trip at work. There was a manhole cover with a metal plate attached to it which was slightly raised causing me to kick the plate and fall forward injuring my knee. I sought medical attention and was off work for 2 weeks and I’m now getting physiotherapy for the injury.

    I’ve heard that I’m not entitled to claim. Is this correct?

    Ian Morris

    Whoever told you that you cannot make a claim is incorrect. Any person injured due to negligence has a right to make a claim if it can be shown that the raised edge of the manhole cover met the criteria needed to pursue a claim for tripping accident compensation. Essentially, we need to consider the height of the raised part that caused you to trip and whether disrepair or negligence has played a part in the edge being raised.

    Reply

    I was at work and another employer drove his forklift into the trolly I was using to pick and pack. The trolley then crushed my leg between that and a pallet of wood where I fell. My leg and ankle has server bruising and my shin has a dent where it bled. I did attend the hospital where they advised I would need some time off. This was not my fault and has put me out of work because someone else. Is there anything I can do?

    Ian Morris

    You were injured through no fault of your own and due to the negligence of the forklift driver. As such, you can make a claim for personal injury compensation and loss of income and we can help you with this on a No Win No Fee basis. Making a claim in these circumstances has no impact on your right to continue with your job when you are fit to do so and you cannot face any discrimination or negative consequences from your employer for making a legitimate claim.

    Reply

    Fell over milk cartons at work .. was left on the floor by milk delivery man who didn’t notify anyone he had left it there. Sustained backed fractures to foot been off work for 3 months and still off with symptoms .. do I have a case? Thank u

    Reply

    I fell into an empty swimming pool whilst working on the edge of the pool in a mini digger, me and the digger went head first. I had a two lacerations to my head that needed glueing and stiched, and a broken arm, the company health an safety info states work will not commence unless there is safety precautions in place to avoid injury, well there was nothing in place and I was injured, is there a claim to be made ?

    Reply

    I work as a teaching assistant at school. On our yard we have a climbing frame with artificial grass underneath. The artificial grass has not been maintained over the years and is now covered in moss. One lunch time I had to go and ask some pupils to come out from behind the brush and to come back on the yard. The pupils were not listening so I walked on to the artificial grass, I took two steps on and slipped backwards and landed on my ankle. I have fractured my ankle. In the day if the accident there was no cones or tape up to say that the area was unsafe. Since my accident the school has taped the area off and said the area is unsafe. So wondering if I have a case ?

    Ian Morris

    It would appear that you should pursue a claim for compensation for the injuries you have sustained.

    The lack of maintenance of the artificial grass prior to your accident may well be seen as employer negligence and although it is good that cones and tape have been erected since your accident, it would have prevented your accident from happening if you had been warned of the risk of slipping.

    Reply

    Had a fall at work, wet floor, no sign, wrist in cast 3 weeks, scans badly bruised or nerve damage, can I still claim if not broken?

    Ian Morris

    Although you’ve no fracture, the severity of your injury certainly meets the required criteria to enable you to make a claim. Further, the fact that you slipped on a wet floor at work and there was no hazard warning in situ indicates that you have a good chance of succeeding with a claim for personal injury compensation. If you have not already done so, please ensure that there is a record of your accident within the employers accident book (or similar recording system).

    Our Solicitors can help you to make a claim on a No Win No Fee basis if you call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    Hi

    I fell at work, stood on some metal, which was left on the floor outside my stores. This shouldn’t have been there. The ground is also uneven where I fell also.

    I sprained my ankle and broke my elbow. My ankle was injured in June whilst playing football, so I do have a weakness.

    I am on getting paid ssp & have been told at least 6 weeks to recover.

    I am very concerned about a claim not going through or not being worth it.

    I have no doubt they would force me out if I claim.

    Any advice would be great.

    Ian Morris

    Your employer cannot discriminate against you for making a claim and you can’t be legally dismissed for making an honest claim – such as the one you would make in this case. Of course, there is no guarantee of success in any claim but given your initial description of the incident in which you were injured, it would appear that it should be possible to attach negligence as the metal was left outside your stores (where it shouldn’t be) and the surface is uneven. With that in mind, your claim would succeed if this can be evidenced.

    Any claim would be against the mandatory insurance cover that your employer is obliged to have in place rather than against the company or owner directly.

    The only way you can recover the loss of income you have incurred is by pursuing a claim for personal injury compensation. If you were to succeed with a claim, you would receive compensation for your injury (and the impact that such an injury will have on you for the coming months) and also special damages to cover your lost income or incurred costs.

    Reply

    I had a slip at work a few years back as a supermarket delivery driver.
    Employer hadn’t gone out to the property and done a risk assessment even tho they had been told several times about a very slippery path. I had concussion, vertigo, whiplash, cut nose, bruises all over my arm and went down on knees so couldn’t walk. My head wasn’t right after and I then suffered panic attacks for weeks after so had to be medicated. Can I still Claim?

    Ian Morris

    If more than 3 years has passed since your accident, you will be unable to pursue a claim as you have not done so within the 3 year time limit.

    Reply

    I briefly worked in an office this summer 2021 and lost the job due to poor mental health. Whilst in training fell to the floor having tripped on bump in the carpet , there was no sign or warning , I fell strongly and hurt both my knees and ribcage and even my dress ripped and mug i was holding smashed. At the time I didnt want to claim but I now have pain in my ribcage daily and even at night. This was in june 2021 is it too late to claim? They should have cctv evidence of that fall, thanks

    Ian Morris

    It is not too late to claim and we can still have our Solicitors act for you in this matter.

    Reply

    I was at work unloading a sofa out of the back of a van when I fell out of the back and twisted both my ankles, I’ve been off work now for three weeks and I still get pain when I walk, what can I do about work as I can’t go?

    Ian Morris

    Make sure that the incident is recorded properly with the employer – in an accident book or in some other written record. You may well have a valid claim for personal injury compensation and we can look at whether the appropriate training was provided or whether the employer hadn’t provided the correct equipment to enable you to work safely.

    Reply

    Had a 15ft fall from scaffold, was taken by ambulance to a&e. Had to have ct scan, nothing broken just SEVERE bruising and pain. I’ve taken photos of injuries, been off work a week now, should I claim?

    Ian Morris

    You absolutely have a right to pursue a claim and doing so will be the only way you can recover any loss of income or costs you have incurred because of your injury at work.

    Whether or not you do claim is a decision only you can make, but you do have a legal right to do so and cannot be dismissed from work, have your hours reduced or face any discrimination for making a legitimate claim such as this. We would certainly be very happy to help you make your claim.

    Reply

    Hi I just want to know where I stand with being paid while I am off sick due to an accident at work. I was working nights in a care home with an agency staff and she had mopped a hall floor and not put a wet floor sign out. I walked over the floor and proceeded to go down the stone cellar steps ( our laundry room is down there ) I didn’t realise the bottom of my shoe was wet and I slipped and fell on my back and elbow causing significant bruising. I attended the hospital and they confirmed nothing was broken but I can’t work as I am in a lot of pain.

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is not obliged to pay your salary – despite the fact that you are off work through an injury caused by negligence at work – unless your contract includes a clause that affords you sick pay. As such, your only way to recover any lost pay or costs that you incur through your injury and not being able to work is by pursuing a claim for personal injury compensation.

    In your case, it would seem that you have a strong claim due to the lack of hazard signage and this is likely to be seen as negligence. Your claim is certainly a matter that we would very much like to help you with. Please call us on 01225430285 or provide more details via the ‘start your claim‘ page of our website and we’ll have your claim placed with one of our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors to act for you on a No Win No Fee basis.

    Reply

    I tripped at work on uneven shabby groundworks impacting in to metal lamp post. I have pain to the shoulder, wrist & my knee is also badly bruised. I have had 8 days of bruising and still quite severe discomfort to the shoulder shoulder. My knee is painful to bend with a crunching sound with the slightest movement.

    I have spoken to my GP today who is putting me on anti inflammatories. This has also caused a flare up of my fibromyalgia with pain in the joints heightened. The GP prescribed tramadol for the pain but I cannot take them due to them making me drowsy and feel really sick. I am currently signed off work.

    Ian Morris

    We would like to speak with you as it would seem that you have valid grounds to pursue a claim after you tripped on uneven ground at work. If you haven’t already done so, make sure that an accident report has been passed to your employer – if the accident book wasn’t completed at the time, simply send an email to the employer outlining what happened, when and where and the symptoms you have. This will ensure that the details of your accident at work have been reported to the right people and give strong supporting evidence to your claim.

    If you can obtain photographs of the accident site, please do as that would be extremely useful evidence in support of any claim.

    Reply

    I fell over a pile of brochures at work being used to prop open a security door, went face first into a brick wall. (Have a brain tumour, company aware of this), ended up in hospital, having cat scan, mri, ecg etc.. in the end I had shock and concussion. Can I claim?

    Ian Morris

    The stack of brochures may well be seen as a hazard obstructing a walkway and this should allow you to pursue a claim against the employer for negligence and for the concussion and distress caused to you.

    Reply

    My wife fell at work and suffered damaged tendons in her ankle. Her work said that she was not covered, so if she needed to take time off, that she would have to take it out of her annual leave.

    She was in pain with a very swollen ankle and when it happened there was no first aider. The supervisor was called in & he is supposed to have to attend within 30 minutes, but it was almost 4 hrs later when he came. The employer did not take her to hospital and just sent her home 7 hours after the incident.

    I’ve called her work cover and they said that she is covered?! She has had an X-ray but no bones were broken but the scan shows ligament damage. Work have paid her using all her holiday pay. It was very poorly handled by the whole management team. What are her rights?

    Ian Morris

    If your wife can attribute her injury (the cause of her fall) to employer negligence or due to a faulty piece of equipment or lack of training, she has a right to pursue a claim against the employers mandatory insurance cover for personal injury and loss of income. Although she has been paid, this has caused her the loss of her annual leave entitlement, so a successful claim would see that re-instated.

    Reply

    I fell off the office chair at work because of the flooring. The flooring is slippery and the chair moved from underneath me and I fell onto my back. I am on regular medication for the last year, are my employees responsible to pay for my medication?

    Ian Morris

    The only way to compel your employers to pay for your medical costs is to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation against them. If successful with your claim, you can recover compensation for your injuries, medical costs and associated losses including loss of income.

    Reply

    My daughter had an accident at work, she slipped on water. Her accident was never recorded in the accident book and her manager still hasn’t looked through the CCTV to see if a sign was out. She fractured her arm and was given strong painkillers, but still her manager has not followed through to find out what happened and has still asked her to come in and work, my daughter is a young woman and this is her first job and she has bills to pay so she feels that she has to still go to work with her arm which is not in a cast as of yet, could you please help me on what I should do?

    Ian Morris

    You should make a written report to the employer (signed by your Daughter) outlining the accident so that a report is made. Please ensure that the date, time and location of the incident are noted along with the cause of the fall and the injuries sustained.

    Your Daughter has a right to make a claim for personal injury compensation and recovery of lost wages from the employers insurers and we can help her to do so on a No Win No Fee basis.

    Reply

    I suffered a back injury 8 months ago. I’ve had an MRI that has revealed to disc bulges pressing on my nerves causing friction, pain and limited mobility. I’m told that this is close to being herniated discs if the treatment doesn’t work and I’m only 20.

    My injury was caused by a wet floor – there was no wet floor sign and no-one informed me & it seems that nobody knew even when I told them after it happened. The staff neglected proper procedure by continuously putting it off for documenting in the accident book so was never done in the end. When I fell my back clicked loudly. My doctor has told me this click was my discs in my lower vertebrae shifting out of place and they are still out of place even now as I have a long recovery, although I am now receiving pain meds which helps a little.

    Please can you help me claim compensation from McDonalds. I’m also in the middle of an employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal, but was told to pursue a claim with you guys for the pain I’m in daily. Please let me know as soon as possible preferably over email. As my voice is coarse.

    Ian Morris

    We can help you with your claim and look forward to doing so. We’ll email you directly, but you can always call us on 01225430285 or if you can access further help on the ‘start your claim for compensation‘ page of our website.

    Reply

    My sister tripped over a pot hole on her works grounds and after a week of plodding on, found that she has fractured it. This isn’t the first incident in which someone has tripped over this pot hole on the same grounds.
    Is it worth looking into?

    Ian Morris

    This is absolutely worth pursuing further. As the employer appears to be aware of this pothole due to other staff members having tripped in the pothole, the employer was on notice of a risk to health and has been negligent in not repairing the pothole or at least placing a warning or barrier around it. As with all accidents, it is vital that the details of the accident are recorded in the employers accident book and it is also important, if possible, to document the pothole with some photographs – ideally with a measurement visible to show the depth at the edge of the pothole.

    In this scenario, if successful, a claimant will be compensated for the injury to their foot and the impact that the injury has on their independence, mobility and day-to-day life. The value of the settlement will be decided on the basis of a medical experts report and the prognosis of recovery. The claimant will also be able to recover loss of income or other costs incurred due to the injury sustained.

    Reply

    I broke my arm at work after falling from a hatch in the floor in the loft, I was never told not to go up there or that it’s off limits. There’s no signage saying do not go up there, there is even a ladder that is fully accessible for anyone to go up. I was doing my daily duties as a labourer cleaning up and i went up there to clean like I do every day, as there was a bend in the corner the lights were off and i fell through to the floor below and broke my arm.

    Ian Morris

    We would be very happy to help you pursue your claim for compensation for the pain and discomfort of your broken arm and to recover any lost income or other costs caused by your accident at work.

    The lack of signage, no lighting and no barrier around the hatch is likely to be seen as employer negligence and this should enable our Solicitors to succeed with your claim.

    Reply

    I am a 7.5 tonne lorry delivery driver. I was delivering a pallet and accidentally fell off the tail lift at full hight and passed out, a member of the public rang me an ambulance. I have had head stapled and am black and blue all over.

    Ian Morris

    Do you know what caused you to fall from the tail lift? Can you attribute the fall to a lack of training or due to a tripping hazard that caught your foot? If so, we may well be able to establish that you were not at fault and succeed with a claim for compensation for you.

    It would be prudent for us to talk with you about the incident in order that we can then ascertain whether or not we can pursue this for you. Please use the start your claim form on our website to make further contact and we’ll be happy to discuss your situation with you.

    Reply

    I am a shop supervisor and during my shift i was taking things off a pallet to put onto a trolley ready to go on to shop floor.
    I picked up a box of containing 12 bottles of comfort, i didn’t realise something had leaked onto the box so as i went to put it on to my trolley the box broke so as a natural response i tried to stop comfort dropping on floor.
    Next thing i know i had fallen on my right side onto the warehouse floor as my right foot had got stuck around the shrink wrap that was around the the bottom of the pallet.
    I was helped up by the store manager and 2 other colleagues and felt excruciating pain. My daughter picked me up from work as i was unable to drive. Ambulance was called to my address later on in the evening and they thought my injury was possibly a muscle injury.
    I was taken by ambulance to hosp and after xrays it was found I had 2 fractures on my pelvis.
    Is this reason for a claim?

    Ian Morris

    We feel that you have a valid claim for your pelvis injury and that this is a matter that warrants pursuit. You have sustained serious injuries and by succeeding with a claim, you can recover compensation for the injuries sustained and recover any lost income or other costs incurred.

    Reply

    My friend slipped and fell at work the door was wet, hitting her little finger as she fell. She has to have an operation to have a pin put in her little finger as it was out of line and fractured and will need her arm/ hand in plaster for six weeks.
    Can she make a claim for this?

    Ian Morris

    The injury you mention appears to be serious and given the obvious impact that such an injury will have on them with all sorts of day-to-day tasks and even her ability to work, the potential value of any finger injury claim will reflect the severity of it.

    romeo

    I have slipped and broken my ankle at work. I work in a fast food restaurant and the floor was very greasy. My work have requested a photo of the soles of my work shoes? What does this mean? If I send such an image to them, does that become evidence against me?

    Ian Morris

    If you have not yet had any advice from a Solicitor and have not instructed anyone to act for them, you should not provide any such images to the employer. As the floor was greasy, it was hazardous and the employer is likely to be held liable for any injuries that you then sustained as a result of your fall.

    The shoe issue is likely to be a bit of a red herring and should not impact on any claim – unless you have chosen to wear footwear that is prohibited by the employer.

    We can have our Solicitors advise you and seek to represent you in any claim for personal injury on a No Win No Fee basis, ensuring your rights under employment law can be upheld.

    Reply

    Hi, I was getting off of a wet wooden boarded trailer at work and slipped off tearing ligaments in my ankle, mean time off work and loss of earning and having to undergo physio therapy, is this something your team could help with?

    Ian Morris

    We would absolutely like to help you further with this potential claim. Please visit the start your claim page of our website to provide further information and we’ll be in touch to discuss a potential claim for compensation – both for the injury and to recover any lost income or incurred expenses caused by the accident at work.

    Reply

    I fell off a lorry at work about 2 months ago and been off for 1 month 1/2 of it. I’ve been there for 2 1/2 years but only contract I have is when I was in 6 months apprenticeship, but they say I’m still an apprentice. I was walking backwards on a hgv curtain side lorry and hadn’t realised the rear doors was open and fell off onto my back. I was with two other people so was under their guidance and there was nothing in place to prevent a fall or injury. I’m still in bad pain in my neck and back and my normal life is affected, let alone my work life, I just want to know my rights and if I’m liable?

    Ian Morris

    You should not worry about your contractual situation – that is irrelevant to any potential liability or claim for personal injury compensation. In the accident scenario you describe, there is certainly a potential to succeed with a claim for compensation to recover damages for your injuries and recover any lost income. The fact that there was no barrier to prevent a fall and no warning etc does strengthen your position. You may have understandable concerns about making a claim against your employer, but you need not worry. Any claim would be against the employers mandatory insurance cover and would not directly affect the business or any colleagues.

    Our advice at this stage would be for you to have a no obligation conversation with one of our specialist Solicitors to find out more about your rights, you can then decide what further action – if any, you would like to take.

    Reply

    I fell down stairs at work causing my foot to fracture and twisted ankle, I am in a cast, my boss has offered 80% of my wage and has suggested I use some holidays to make up a short fall in income.

    The stair carpet had been removed and the stairs were then painted with a gloss pain. The residents walk up and down the stairs and spillages have become a problem and this is the reason for my fall.

    Ian Morris

    Whilst on the one hand, the fact that you are receiving 80% pay is a good thing, the fact that you are losing out on 20% of salary or losing your holiday allowance (not to mention the nasty injury to your ankle) is clearly not good.

    Whether or not you receive some or all of your pay, it would appear that you have a valid and justified claim to be made against the employers insurance cover as the cause of your accident could have been avoided if different choices were made by the employer. Not only have they allowed a smooth surface to be present on the stairs where spillages occur, there appears to be no warning sign in situ to give you prior notice of the risk of slipping.

    We would be very happy to help you further.

    Reply

    Hi, could I claim? I work for a company that subcontract for a big company and we use their machines and equipment. I slipped and fell 6-8 ft from a machine at work and the part I fell from has no fall protection whereas the rest of the machine does. I end up with a fractured heel, nerve and soft tissue damage in my foot. I have been off for 13 weeks now and having to see a physiotherapist for my injury.

    Ian Morris

    You have sustained a nasty injury that would appear to have been avoidable if the appropriate safety measures had been taken. As such, this is likely to be seen as negligence and could well enable success in your claim for compensation.

    Reply

    I tripped on an extension wire and hit my knee on a steel bench with force. The Hospital Doctor was of the view that I had probably snapped the ligaments in my knee. What action can I take? I am now waiting to see a physiotherapist.

    Ian Morris

    We can help you to make a claim for personal injury compensation for the injury to your knee and also to recover any loss of pay caused by the injury or costs that you incur as a result.

    In terms of the potential value of your claim, it is impossible to say at this stage due to the fact that we don’t know the extent of the injury or whether you will make a speedy recovery or suffer ongoing longer term problems.

    Reply

    I fell from a ladder landing on large stones breaking a bone in my foot, bruised ribs and back. Stones have been reported as risk many times. Unsuitable ladder to access the job correctly, manager insisted we only use ladders fitted to that machine. 25 days lost time at work. Am i entitled to a copy of any minutes relating to my accident at work investigation?

    Ian Morris

    Do you have a Solicitor acting for you? If not, please call us on 01225430285 (or use the start your claim for compensation form on our website) so that we can get our specialist Solicitor to act for you, recover compensation for the injury and any lost income. A specialist Solicitor could also obtain a copy of any accident report or investigation conducted by the employer.

    As an employee, you don’t have a prescribed right to obtain the accident book report, but also, the employer does not have to refuse you access to it.

    Reply

    I slipped and fell on a spillage of detergent at my work. There was no wet floor sign and no first aider in building to attend me. My left arm took the impact on the slip which stopped the back of my head hitting the floor. I’ve been off for couple of weeks with my injury.

    Ian Morris

    You can make a claim for personal injury compensation against your employers insurance. As you have slipped on a hazardous substance on the floor at work that was not marked with a hazard warning sign, you have a right to seek compensation for the pain and distress caused by your injuries and to recover any loss of income or incurred costs relating to the accident at work.

    Reply

    Someone painted yellow arrows on the footpath in my work. I was walking along and slipped and have hurt my back. There was no hazard warnings. Do I have a claim?

    Ian Morris

    What did you slip on? Wet paint? If so, you certainly have a claim.

    Make sure that your accident has been recorded in the employers accident book. If you can’t access the accident book, you can email your Line Manager to report the incident stating what happened, when and where and list any injury symptoms you have. Make sure you note the lack of signage in any report.

    Reply

    I slipped at work breaking my wrist. When one of the bosses came over they asked what I slipped on, I didn’t know and he asked if it was wet. There was no witnesses but a camera above the cash office that was not on apparently. I made a claim but got nowhere as they said I had no evidence.

    Ian Morris

    Have you tried claiming but it has failed due to a lack of evidence? Sadly, if you can’t be certain why you slipped, you would not succeed with a claim. Should the matter end in a court hearing, a judge would refuse to find against the employers insurance as there is simply no evidence to confirm that they were liable (such as a leak, spillage with no hazard sign or other item on the floor).

    Reply

    Broken tile on floor has been broken for over a year, after repeated advise to have it fixed. Tripped on it and sprained lower back. Have video of fall and HR manager witnessed it.
    Will they have to pay for being negligent for the broken tile and me being injured.

    Ian Morris

    As the hazard has been in situ for such a long time and repeatedly reported, there is certainly a potentially successful claim for personal injury compensation to be made.

    Reply

    i was working on site they let me the site with no cscs card or insurance i fell off scaffolding from roof height and dislocated my shoulder, i’ve been to hospital, i was just wondering if theres anything i could do?

    Ian Morris

    You are likely to be able to pursue a claim against the site management company on the basis of their negligence in not ensuring that the required health and safety protocols were followed on the site and you subsequently sustained injury on the site.

    Reply

    Hello, I fell leaving my work, I slipped on the step outside the building as it had been raining all day and have broken my leg in three places (currently waiting for surgery). When the ambulance staff came to pick me up, 1 member also slipped, thankfully no fall. One of the employees of the office said that the walk way is cleaned every March from the dirt and moss that builds up, however this did not happen this year. Do I have the basis for a claim?

    Ian Morris

    It would seem to be a possibility that a claim can be made. As the employer/building owner appears to be aware that the area does become slippery and has previously carried out an annual cleaning of the area, the employer/building owner cannot claim to be unaware of the potential risks posed by the site. Although the cleaning did not happen for understandable reasons, there has been ample opportunity of late for such cleaning to have been conducted. The fact that nothing has been done to provide any warning or mitigation of the risk of slipping, there is a case to be made that negligence has led to you slipping and sustaining a painful and nasty injury that may have been avoided if the area had been cleaned or if adequate hazard warning signage had been in situ.

    Reply

    I slipped and fell very badly at work. Although there was a yellow wet sign, it was near the sink and dish washer. A colleague was washing trays and spilled water and soap all over the floor. I am now in a lot of pain.

    Ian Morris

    As a hazard sign was visible, it could be hard to succeed with a claim for slipping accident compensation. However, provision of a sign is not in and of itself something that would thwart any claim or remove the prospect of liability attaching to the employer. A hazard sign must be clearly visible at the site of the slip risk. If the hazard sign was not in the area where you fell, you could seek to make a claim.

    If you would like to discuss this further with us, please call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    Hi, I was at work and slipped on a step, I banged my head and hurt my arm on the way down. I was in a lot of pain but had just started the job and didn’t want to make a big fuss. The next day my foot was swollen and sore, but I somehow managed to get to work. I was not offered the time off to get it checked and 3 months later I’m still having problems. Do I have a claim?

    Ian Morris

    In this case, whether or not you have a claim will depend on why you slipped on the step. To succeed with a claim after a slipping accident, a claimant must either demonstrate that the step was damaged/disrepaired in some way – perhaps the surface of the step should have been non-slip, but the surface was worn, cracked or broken or if the step was an internal one inside a building, it was wet or had some other slip hazard on it and no hazard warning sign was present.

    We would like to speak with you to find out more about your accident so that we can advise you as to whether or not you can make a claim for compensation. Please call us on 01225430285 so that our team can help you.

    Reply

    I work as a cleaner. I have gone to empty all the bins and what I didn’t realise is there was a step leading into a different room level with the floor on the one side but a slight step on the other side which I didn’t see due to holding big bin bags full of rubbish. I have tripped over it and badly damaged my knee and back in the process. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and I can hardly walk or bend my back now. There was no signs to let you no there was a step either.

    Ian Morris

    If the flooring makes a step hard to see, there is an onus on the building owners/managers to make sure the step is marked – either with a sign or with some sort of hazard tape on the edge of the step. If you feel that this matches the nature of the floor and step where you fell, you may well succeed with a claim.

    If you would like our help with a claim, please call us on 01225430285. It would be helpful to get photographs of the step – if possible – showing the similarity in floor colour on each side and the lack of hazard tape edging or signage.

    Reply

    I’m a window and door installer and I was unloading old doors of my van when I slipped off the back of the van and damaged my knee, I’m still working but I’ve been told it’s permanent damage and it’s going to effect my career. Am I able to claim?

    Ian Morris

    If the cause of your slip can be attributed to employer negligence, you can make a claim against the employer for the injury and the impact it will have on your career and life – something we can help you with.

    It would be a good idea to speak with our team on 01225430285 to discuss the accident. Our staff will be able to identify whether the employer can be held liable and offer further assistance with a view to starting a No Win No Fee claim for personal injury compensation.

    Reply

    Working in a cafe and went to clear a table I slipped and went to hospital. When I fell twisted my arm and broke it. They had to numb arm to put back in place. Now in plaster for 8 weeks. Been told a customer had spilt a little bit of coffee on floor in which I didn’t see.

    Ian Morris

    Did your employer ever provide training on the issue of floor inspections and checking for slip risks? If the employer had no policy in place that required you to make regular floor checks and remove any such slip risks, you could succeed with a claim.

    Reply

    I fell off the back of a lorry at work that had pulled in to the yard at the end of my shift. My supervisor and another colleague told me to get on the back of lorry and had me pull the pallets off of the truck. However, in doing this I fell off and broke my wrist. I received no first aid and don’t think that they properly recorded the details in the accident book.

    It has been 11 months now and I still haven’t got proper movement or full use of the wrist. Do I have a claim?

    Ian Morris

    We need to speak with you to find out more about your accident at work. Our initial view is that you may well have valid grounds to pursue a claim for compensation against your employer and we’re happy to investigate this for you. The injury to your wrist appears to be serious and making a claim for personal injury compensation is a completely reasonable course of action for you to take.

    Reply

    Hiya, I work as a store assistant, would I be able to claim if I fell off my chair at work (some dodgy ones) and ended up with Rotator cuff tear on my shoulder 10 months ago? Still having ongoing problems, and seeing physio. Can’t really do my job anymore.

    Ian Morris

    If your injury was caused because a faulty or disrepaired chair caused you to fall, you have every right to make a claim.

    Please contact us so that we can help you make your claim for compensation. Rotator cuff injuries are known to be painful and long term injuries that cause considerable discomfort and impact on every day tasks. Our specialist Solicitors can assist you with such a claim.

    Reply

    I’ve been on full pay from work for four months now after I had a fall at work on 23.3.2020. My work have sent me to see a private Doctor who has said that I could return to work on light duties as of next month, but work has not paid me this week. Do you know why they would have done this?

    Ian Morris

    We have no idea why your employer hasn’t paid you – have you used up the full allowance of sick pay? Clearly, this is something you should discuss with the employer.

    In terms of the initial cause of these issues – the fall at work in March, you may have a right to claim compensation for the injuries. Even though your employer has paid your salary, you can still make a claim if you would like.

    Reply

    I had a fall at work broke my wrist and was made to work with a cast on, after 3 weeks the pain got worse and i told my boss I had to have a week off for it to heal. That night he came took the van and told me i was lying then sacked me. 7 month’s later I came back, fell through a roof, broke my pelvis and ribs and now he says I wasn’t working for him and left me with nothing again. They work with no safety in place at all, if nets were up I would of been ok and not hit the floor. Can I claim?

    Ian Morris

    Please call our team on 01225430285 so that we can take some further details and help you make claims for personal injury compensation. It would appear that the employer has been negligent and as such, you have a right to pursue personal injury compensation claims for the injuries you have sustained at work. It is also illegal to sack someone for the accident if it was not due to their misconduct.

    Reply

    My Father works as a dish washer and he has slipped twice. The first time his leg was injured and badly bruised and today his head hit the floor hard.
    My question is what should he do in this case we don’t have enough money to lose the job but he is hurt. This is the second time he has slipped at his work and he is hurt. What should I do?

    Ian Morris

    You should ensure that the details of the accidents at work are recorded correctly within the employers accident book. He should state what caused him to slip and what injuries he has sustained. Your Father should also ensure that he reports his injuries to his Doctor or Hospital.

    If he is fit enough to work, he can work without jeopardising his right to make a claim. However, if he needs some time off to recover, he should take some time off – even without pay, to ensure he recovers.

    We can help your Father make a claim for compensation for the injuries sustained at work. If successful, our Solicitors would obtain compensation for the injuries and also recover any lost income. You don’t need to worry about paying legal costs either. Our No Win No Fee service means that your Father won’t have to pay any costs if his claim fails.

    Reply

    I tripped at work and I had only just started the job. I immediately informed the Manager of the premises and he had obstacle which was lying across the walkway removed (I am a contract cleaner).

    I informed my manager and requested that the trip was added to the accident book. I was informed that I would be able to fill in the accident book by her emailing me the form. This happend on Friday 12/6/20 after several requests I still haven’t received the form. I have back pain and leg pain from this fall and I am worried as it is very painful.

    I went to the hospital and was given pain killers and advised to rest. If I am unable to fill in the accident book because I am being obstructed to do so, is the company in breach of health and safety laws? Also, as I have ongoing pain, can I make a claim for compensation?

    Ian Morris

    You have a valid right to make a claim for compensation and we can assist you with this. As the employer is being awkward with regards to the accident book, we would recommend writing your own accident record and sending it to them via email with a formal request that it be added to their records.

    The item you tripped over should not have been in situ and therefore, you are likely to succeed with your claim.

    Reply

    I have slipped on a wet floor in work and there was no “wet floor” sign in place.
    I have a laceration to my elbow which has restricted movement in my arm. Where do I stand with this with regards to compensation?

    Ian Morris

    You have a valid right to make a claim for compensation against the employers insurance cover and we would be very happy to assist you with this on a No Win No Fee basis.

    Reply

    Hi I fell at work when another employee was washing the floor with a hose. I slipped and fell heavily, breaking my leg badly and I then had surgery on Feb 25th and further surgery on the 27th Feb. It is now June and I still can’t go back to work.

    Ian Morris

    If you were caused to slip due to a wet floor and the employer had failed to erect any hazard warning signage to indicate that the area may be unduly slippery, you should pursue a claim for personal injury compensation.

    In the UK, employers are required by law to ensure that the workplace is as safe as possible and that all risks to health, including slip risks are indicated so that employees can attempt to avoid serious injury. That obligation appears to have been breached in your workplace and as such, you can pursue a claim against the employer for negligence.

    Reply

    My boss told me to clean a manhole when another men he had employed for the day wouldn’t clean it. Whilst climbing down it, without a safety line, I slipped and fell over 2 metres and damaged my arms. I have now been off work for over 6 weeks and have had MRI scans and now await the results.

    Ian Morris

    You certainly could and should pursue a claim for personal injury compensation for the injuries you sustained at work. Your employer appears to have been negligent by failing to ensure that you were using a safety line and may well have not provided you with the correct training, guidance or advice. We would like to help you make your claim and our specialist Solicitors are ready to assist you. Please call us on 01225430285 so that we can explain the process and help you further.

    Reply

    I work in a sawmill and tripped while trying to step over the end of an adjustable length wooden trolley which is used for stacking variable lengths of sawn timber.
    My right shoulder hit the concrete floor and I was immediately in pain and unable to move my right arm. I have been off work now for almost 6 weeks. My doctor wrote a not saying that I could resume work on light duties but my employer says they have no light duties available. I’m on SSP and don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills.
    Can I at least claim my pay for the time that I have been off?

    Ian Morris

    We feel that there is potential for a claim against the employers insurance to cover both the injuries (the pain and discomfort caused) and recover loss of income. Our specialist Solicitors will need to consider this matter in detail to confirm whether or not a claim can proceed.

    Reply

    I had a drink at work and slipped in the toilets which were wet and slippery. As a result, I have broken a bone in my shoulder. Can I claim? I don’t think I can due to having had a drink.

    Ian Morris

    It is not illegal to consume alcohol, so having had a drink does not prevent you from being able to make a claim. However, if you were intoxicated and this was noted in any accident book report or the medical records completed for any treatment provided, it may count against you in terms of having to accept some of the liability for the accident. This is regardless as to whether or not the employer takes any disciplinary action against you for the consumption of alcohol whilst at work.

    With regards to the specifics of your accident and your injury, you can make a claim if the floor was wet and there was no hazard warning sign displayed to provide warning of the hazard.

    Reply

    Hi

    I fell backwards into a concrete tundish while trying to get out after performing my duties inside. The only way to exit the tundish was to jump over the side. During health and safety meetings we have previously asked for a ladder or a step to make the exit safer but this request has gone ignored. I have attended A&E and the outcome was muscular damage to my lower back. To my knowledge there is no specifically written or trained procedure to exiting a tundish and the method I used is widely observed and acknowledged and has never been corrected so I am not at fault for the method I used. My employer has asked me to come back to work on light duties after my three days off (not sick days) I am concerned as there is only one person available at any time to work the job so I don’t understand how light duties can be accomplished when I will be alone and the job is still expected to be carried out.

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is within their rights to ask you to perform light duties and it can be seen as helpful on their part to offer this as it will prevent you from losing income. Of course, if you are asked to perform any duties whilst you remain injured that would worsen your condition or cause further pain, you should refuse.

    With regards to the cause of your injury, your employer has a duty of care to act on reports of a possible risk to health in the workplace. That requests have been made for a ladder during various meetings means that the employer was on notice of a potential risk to health. That does not mean that they should have provided a ladder, but it does mean that they should investigate whether a ladder is needed and would be suitable.

    Whilst we don’t know whether a claim for the cause of your injury will succeed, our initial view is that you have every right to pursue a claim and have this investigated by a specialist personal injury Solicitor – such as those who represent our clients.

    Reply

    Hi, I slipped at work on water in the bathroom with no wet floor sign, and dislocated my knee ( my knee had dislocated before) I like my job and worried that if I make a claim it will look bad on me.. Any advise and could I claim?

    Ian Morris

    The wet floor within the bathroom was a hazard to health and a hazard warning sign should have been in place. As such, liability could well be proved and we would be very happy to assist you in making such a claim.

    Any claim would be made against the employer liability insurance cover that your employer is obliged to have in place by law. Claiming does not directly impact on your colleagues, managers or business owners. No person would lose a job and it will not damage the business. Your colleagues will not know that you have made a claim should you decide to pursue your legal right in doing so.

    Reply

    I was working on a building site and my boss wanted me to erect some scaffolding, which I know how to build, but I was made to do it on my own and with out any training or any safety equipment.

    I wasn’t given any safety induction on the site. I was 3 stories high when I slipped and fell about 10ft through the scaffolding and suffered damage to my lower back. I have been off work for 10 weeks now. I told my boss it was my fault at the time, because I should of been more careful in what I was doing as I didn’t want to lose my job. Can I claim?

    Ian Morris

    Yes, you can make a claim given the nature of the accident and the injuries you sustained in falling from height. Your employer should have ensured that you were given the appropriate training and support to do the job safely. Also, there is an argument that the employer failed to provide you with the correct safety equipment that may have prevented such a fall.

    We would like to speak to you further and present a claim to our specialist Solicitors. Please call us on 01225430285 so that we can take this further for you.

    Reply

    I slipped and broke my ankle working at a night club. Stairs and passageway were overcrowded, someone pushed from behind and I slipped on wet stairs. I don’t work directly for the night club, but for security company. Can I sue the night club or do I deal with the security company – my direct employer?

    Ian Morris

    In the scenario you describe, the liability will rest with the nightclub. If it can be shown that they have allowed the stairs to be wet, with no adequate warning sign or cleaning regime to reduce the risk of slipping, a claim may succeed against them.

    If you would like our help with a claim, please call us on 01225430285 and we’ll further discuss the process with you and explain how we can assist you.

    Reply

    I had a fall at work tripping over the door threshold of my office i fractured my left elbow ,badly hurt my left knee and had a black eye and a cut nose I went straight to the local drop in centre after the trip and my employers were informed and my trip was put in the accident book. I had 2 and a half weeks off work I am still having problems with my knee and have been referred for physio by my GP
    The trip has been put on a RIDDOR and the local council health and safety officer has been to look at the threshold, he has said that the threshold has to be changed as it is a tripping hazard, also he has said that another threshold needs changing and several other door thresholds need highlighting with tape, and has said he is sending this recommendation to my company after taking several photos of the threshold.
    Do you think I can claim against my company for this trip?

    Ian Morris

    You absolutely have a right to make a claim. The fact that the local authority representative – an independent expert – has made specific recommendations to alter the thresholds due to the risk that they pose indicates that you would be likely to succeed with your claim. You may be concerned about making a claim against your employer – most people are and don’t really wish to have to take such action. However, you needn’t be concerned about your colleagues, managers or even the business owner as your claim would be made against the obligatory insurance cover that employers must have. Our team would be only too happy to offer you help in getting your claim started. Please call us on 01225430285 so that we can explain the process to you and answer any queries you may have before passing your claim to one of our expert specialist Solicitors.

    You have clearly suffered nasty injuries and have every right to make a knee injury claim. On success in your claim, you would be able to receive compensation for the pain and discomfort of the injuries, the value of which would be based on medical evidence and an experts report regarding a longer term prognosis. You would also be able to recover any loss of income, losses or incurred expenses caused by the accident and injuries you have sustained.

    Reply

    Hi, I broke my wrist at work on 11/10/19. I fell backwards over a pallet, which was on the floor, in the correct area. I work for an Agency. No one told me to report the Accident. When my hand became so painful, that I could not work, I asked who do I tell? I saw a First Aider. He commented, he had seen me fall, seen a Manager come over, and the Manager had let me return to work, without telling me to report it. I went to Hospital, and my wrist was broken. 5 weeks on, and I’m still in a plaster cast. The Employer (not the Agency) paid for me a taxi to the hospital, paid me a full day’s wage, and allowed me to work on light duties. I did this for a week, but it was too hard, so I went on Sick Leave on 15/10/19. I receive SSP £94.25 a week. Paid through the Agency. The Company (Not the Agency) asked me to make a Statement, saying the Company were not Liable, which I did do. Does this mean I cannot make a Claim?

    Ian Morris

    You have been poorly advised and in making the report saying that the company were not liable, you have undermined your own rights and it is now unlikely that you will be able to make a claim.

    Reply

    My Mother works in a kitchen. Recently she slipped on jelly and fell to the ground whilst carrying plates. Her leg has been hurt as a result. However she does not want to attempt to claim compensation as others who have done so after being hurt, have been relegated to worse duties afterwards. They only ever received back pay for days off work too. What do you guys think?

    Ian Morris

    Under UK law, your Mother has a right to make a claim for compensation if she is the victim of a non-fault accident at work and has a right to make that claim without any risk to her rights to continue her employment and position already held – so long as she is acting honestly and giving truthful information.

    In the case that you describe, your Mother would succeed with her claim if the employer is found to have been negligent in failing to ensure that the floor of the workplace was regularly cleaned and checked for slipping hazards.

    If she would like to discuss making a claim or find out more about the process, understand her rights and see how we may be able to assist her, please ask her to call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    I recently had a fall at work. I work in a supermarket. I work twilight hours. I was carrying a footstool in the warehouse to place it back in the storage area for them and didn’t see plastic wrap left in the middle of the walk way, which was still connected to the big crates- as no one bothered to cut it back or get rid of it.
    As the footstool covered my foot view the plastic wrap wrapped around my foot causing me to fall, the stool hit the floor first and I followed landing chin first onto the stool. The accident was reported straight to my manager who really wasn’t interested and never logged it in the accident book. I am now in the mist of physio and acupuncture but have been told this is going to take a while to get it back to being right. I am still working and meant to be on light duties, however my boss is still making me carry heavy stuff and drag heavy cages which I have now refused point blank to do anymore. Is this something I could make a claim for? It happened just over a month ago now.

    Ian Morris

    You describe an accident at work scenario that would lead us to taking an initial view that you have a valid claim for compensation to be made against your employers insurance.

    It is good that you have finally had the details recorded in an accident book and good that you have attended A&E regarding the injuries. We would certainly like to assist you in pursuing your claim for compensation and have specialist Solicitors able to advise and represent you in a claim should you so wish.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work whereby I fell down the stairs. I tore my miniscus and have undergone surgery to repair this. A year on it still hurts to bend my leg.
    Can I claim?

    Ian Morris

    You can certainly make a claim. Whether or not you have a valid claim will depend on what caused you to fall down the stairs. If there was a slipping hazard on the stairs – such as they were wet or there was a loose item on them with no hazard warning etc, you would likely have a strong claim. If there was a raised edge strip or a damaged section of flooring that caused you to trip, again a claim would be valid.

    Reply

    My niece has just started a hotel job within the restaurant. The first working day she slipped with her hand full of cutlery. This was due to an agency employee who has mopped the floor and did not display any sign posted.

    Her “supervisor” advised her to stop working as her knee was hurting BUT THEY DID NOT FILL ANY ACCIDENT FORM! The following day, she could not work because of this but went to see her GP.

    Any chance for her to make a claim?

    Ian Morris

    The cause of the injury – a slip on a wet floor that was not marked with a hazard sign – indicates that there is a decent prospect of succeeding with a claim for compensation. It is important that the details of the injury at work are recorded within the workplace accident book. As it was your Niece’s first day, she would probably not know how or where to report accident information and as such, her supervisor has a responsibility to ensure that a report is made. If she has not already done so, we would recommend that your Niece speaks with her Manager regarding the incident and lack of an accident book report and request that a formal record is made.

    We would be happy to assist her with a claim or to help her understand what her options are regarding such action.

    Reply

    I recently slipped and fell over at work. I got up straight away but I was in shock.

    I have been hospital today and was told that I have torn a ligament in my leg and been advised that I need a week off work. Although I have been off for 2 days now, my employer contacted me on the first day and I was told to come in to work. I explained that I couldn’t and that standing behind a bar for 6 hours wouldn’t help me. I have not seen or heard my manager say anything about an accident report form. Right next to the bar there was a wet floor sign but not a sign were I had fallen. Do I have a case here?

    Ian Morris

    I assume that you have slipped on a wet floor at your place of work and that the wet floor in question was not marked with a hazard warning sign? If so, you have a valid reason to pursue a claim for compensation. The claim will allege that your employer failed in their obligation to minimise the risk of injury at work by failing to erect a hazard warning sign and that your injury would have been avoided if such a sign had been erected.

    The employers insurers may of course, mount a robust defence of any claim but that should not deter you from pursuing a claim. As we work on a fully no win no fee basis, you need not be concerned about the costs of making a claim as you would pay no fees whatsoever should your claim fail

    Reply

    Fell on a extremely slippery floor at work not long before my shift ended. Got right up and tried stretching it off finished my shift and went home. Mentioned the fall to a couple of employees on floor but that was it. Having a 45 mins ride home when I arrive I could barely get out of car seat. Next two days I stayed home due to excruciating pain in lower back, left hip, left hand and forearm, which were swollen and bruised and have pictures to follow up. Third day I went back in and I had contacted manager and told him what happened during the two days I was out. When I went back I was asked if I’m ok and that was it. I could barely finish 12 hr shift and for the next 3 days I could barely get out of bed. Stayed in and trying to use my own time vacation so I don’t loose income. Is it wrong that no one followed up with an incident report? Did I have to go out of my way requesting one? I’m still in a lot of back pain and have no feel in my left hand.

    Ian Morris

    We understand your frustration in having to repeatedly chase the employer to complete an accident or incident report form. In the scenario you describe in which you sustained soft tissue injuries as a result of a fall, it is not uncommon for the severity of any injury symptoms to not be immediately apparent. Therefore, for you to have not completed an accident report at the time of your fall is understandable.

    If your employer has now completed an accident report form, that is good to hear. However, if they have not you should make your own record in writing listing what happened and when what caused you to fall, what if any warning signs you saw (or note if there were non) and you should also state to whom you verbally reported the incident at the time. You should then send a copy of this report to your line manager and retain a copy for your own records.

    If you have not already done so, you should seek medical attention in order to get your injuries noted on your medical records and then contact us so that we can discuss your accident at work. Our staff will help you identify whether or not you are able to pursue your claim for soft tissue personal injury compensation.

    Reply

    I slipped at work due to a leaking roof at work that had been verbally reported for years on and off to our boss and ignored until the accident. I have video and photo evidence of this taken before the date of the incident and also a work colleague that witnessed the accident happen and he also verbally reported it, as have numerous colleagues.

    Ian Morris

    The cause of your accident should have been avoided given that the leak to the roof had previously been reported to the employer on numerous occasions. The reports of the leaking roof should have been acted upon prior to your accident. As such, liability is likely to attach to the employer should you pursue a claim for compensation.

    Providing your injuries were of a sufficient severity you have a valid right to make a claim for compensation and we would be very happy to assist you in making your claim.

    Reply

    hi, i work in a school kitchen as a dinner lady, last thursday i caught my foot in an electrical cable which was plugged into one of the hotplates, the cables have rubber strips over them to make them flatter to floor but aren’t much good really always moving about, and because the plug point are half way up the wall there is always a loop at the end where cable goes to plug. I was walking into the kitchen and didn’t notice my foot had gone inside the loop of cable, i went flying straight on my right knee banged my arms the pain was agony, it was written in accident book, i haven’t been back to work yet, but i know they don’t pay sick pay and i am single paying rent on a flat with my daughter.

    Ian Morris

    The cause of your fall would indicate to us that you have a valid claim for compensation against your employer. If you do not receive your usual pay whilst off work through injury (which is likely to be the case), you could recover that by making a claim for compensation and along with the settlement you would get for the injury, if successful you would recover all lost income and incurred costs caused by the injury.

    Reply

    Hi, I work in a Care home and had a fall at work two days before Xmas last year. The fall was caused by one of the residents leaving a cable on the floor of his room which I trip over landing heavily on my shoulder. I am still in pain and receiving physio for the injury, my employer says he will have nothing to do with it as I received training and should have anticipated any hazards in the room when I entered it. Am I entitled to any compensation? I have had no time off work due to the injury.

    Ian Morris

    You certainly have the right to make a claim. It could be the case that you may have to accept some contributory negligence in that there may be an argument that you should perhaps of checked for the tripping hazard. However, that should not prevent you from attempting to make a claim.

    Reply

    Partner slipped whilst at work and sprained his back, has had two weeks off already, awaiting physio referral. He works in a hotel as night porter, had gone into the kitchen to put away crockery, did not see that the grease trap was leaking onto the floor as the kitchen has automatic lights that come on when you have already stepped into the kitchen. he slipped and fell straight onto his back. He took photo’s of the leaking grease trap. His GP has told him he could potentially be off work for months and have reoccurring issues in the future.

    Ian Morris

    Our initial view is that your partner has a valid claim for compensation to be made against his employers employer liability insurance cover. Given that he has slipped on grease/oil on the floor of the workplace caused by a leaking grease trap and sustained painful injuries that are limiting his mobility, impairing his independence and preventing him from working, he has every right to make a claim for personal injury compensation.

    We can assist him in starting his claim and ensuring that he is linked with a specialist personal injury Solicitor and that his claim is pursued on a No Win No Fee basis.

    Reply

    I injured my lower back at work in may. I tripped on damaged flooring which caused soft tissue damage, which caused swelling and sciatic problems. I received physio from occupational health and was given strong pain killers. After 6 weeks I returned to work but my back hasn’t been quite right since. I’ve continued to do the stretches given to me by the physio. Monday night I was operating a heavy lifting assistor and as I lifted I felt a pop and severe pain in the lower part of my back again. Would this be considered as a flare up of my original injury?

    Ian Morris

    It would appear that the ‘new’ injury is indeed a worsening of or exacerbation of the previously sustained injury. However, we would need to speak with you further to ask some questions about the use of the heavy lift assist equipment and training of use of the same to be able to advise you further on that issue.

    You mention that you initially injured your back when tripping on damaged flooring in May. If you have not already pursued a claim for that, you should certainly consider doing so now as it would appear that you have a every chance of succeeding with such a claim if you were to do so. We would certainly like to help you with this.

    Reply

    I have fallen in work last Thursday down two steps, landed on the floor damaging my ankle and shoulder. Both just heavily bruised and sore/swollen. I don’t believe there is a fault on the stairs, just a bad design. There has been two other reported falls on these steps. Would I be able to claim?

    Ian Morris

    You do have a right to make a claim, but without an obvious hazard or defect being in situ, the prospects of succeeding with a claim on the basis of ‘poor design’ are limited. However, you should not simply rule out your prospects on the basis of this response as we have not seen any photographs or plan of the area.

    We would be happy to review any photographs you have taken of the accident site and seek expert opinion for you from our specialist Solicitors.

    Reply

    I was on a roof busy working, my plan was to put building line on the trusses, as i walk i step on a rotten sheet and i didn’t know it was rotten. The one moment i was on the roof, seconds later i fell through – both my feet broken, one month in hospital. Suddenly i got a call from my employer saying i don’t have to come back to work, is that right? I just want to know my rights?

    Ian Morris

    How long had you worked for the employer? If you were working as an employee and acting on the instructions of a supervisor or hadn’t been trained properly, you could potentially pursue a claim for compensation in this matter.

    Reply

    I drive a lorry with a Hiab crane which means I have to be able to access the bed of the lorry to hook up bags I am delivering. The lorry does not have any steps or ladders meaning I have to climb up the back of the lorry on the bumper and light fittings to access the bed, I mentioned this about a year ago when they first bought the vehicle but nothing has been done to rectify this. Subsequently this last week I fell from the lorry and landed on the chassis on my ribs causing quite severe pain and I am currently in a minor injury unit getting checked out. What are my rights regarding compensation as my employer has now decided that they are not paying sick pay even though they have not changed my contract?

    Ian Morris

    You have a valid claim for accident at work compensation and should seriously consider making a claim for compensation. You have previously pointed out a risk to your health and safety at work to your employer. As the employer has ignored this report and taken no action, it indicates that they will have questions to answer regarding the injuries you sustained.

    Reply

    I have slipped off a step on the side of a machine and broken my elbow, they secured the step once it had happened, am now on light duties and haven’t had time off work. What are your thoughts on this?

    Ian Morris

    You mention that the step has since been secured? We assume then, that the step was not secured before you fell and was therefore hazardous?

    If our assumption is correct it would seem that you have a valid claim for compensation and we would like to discuss this with you further. You could well have a grounds for a successful claim in this scenario.

    Reply

    Hi, I had a fall at work where I twisted my ankle and ripped my ligaments. I was signed off for two weeks and for one of the weeks I couldn’t use my ankle at all, I needed to go back to work for money the doctors signed me back to work on light duties but as a ground worker I got to work and they sent me to a site where the ground was really uneven and the ankle kept wanting to twist so I had to go home, now I’ve been left at home as they said they have no light duties but they are refusing to pay me any sick pay what so ever, now I’ve been off work for 3 weeks (this is now week number 4) without pay.

    Ian Morris

    Unfortunately, the issue you raise about coping with a loss of wages as a result of an accident that causes an injury and forces you to take time away from work is a commonly aired problem. UK law does not oblige an employer to pay full wages to any person off worth through sickness or injury (even if it were a work place injury) and there is also no obligation to provide light duties if non are available.

    In your case, the only route you have to recover your lost income is to pursue a claim for compensation against your employers insurance for the injury you sustained. With that in mind, we would like to know more about the cause of the initial ankle injury and how you came to fall. It could well be the case that you have a valid claim for accident at work compensation that would see you able to recover compensation for the injury you have sustained as well as enable you to recover any lost income or incurred expenses.

    We would like to help you explore your rights and find out whether or not you can make a claim.

    Reply

    A couple of months ago I had a fall at work, went to use the lady’s toilets as I went in I slipped with my walking stick on the toilet floor because the cleaner had been in and cleaned it, but never put a wet floor sign out to notify us of a slip risk.

    After my fall, I went straight to the hospital as my foot had started to swell. I had to stop using my walking stick and start using crutches. I still went to work a day or 2 later. I feel that due to my disability the work place wants me out. They made me talk to their health management team. Work said they would terminate my contract if I did not speak to them, because I have had more than 3 sick days.

    I went to talk to the Manager and told him that I was sorry for not getting to work after my fall and tried to explain that my younger daughter had come forward about something bad and I was trying to deal with that too, but the boss just said; ‘I thought you were grateful for this job’ – which hurt because I am grateful. I feel I need to find another place of work because they still haven’t followed the advice of their own heath management team. Don’t know what to do any more!

    Ian Morris

    You have a valid claim for slipping accident compensation against your employer for the injury to your foot/ankle caused when you slipped on a wet floor that was not marked with a hazard warning sign. You mention that you went straight to Hospital regarding the injury which is good as there will be medical evidence available to support any claim if you were to make one. May I ask if the details of your slipping accident were recorded in an accident book at work?

    If you would like to discuss the possibility of making a No Win No Fee claim for compensation, please call us on 01225430285 as we can explain your rights, explain what No Win No Fee means and ask you the right questions to find out whether or not you can pursue a claim. Alternatively, if you would prefer to liaise with us via our website and email, please use the ‘start a claim’ page of the site and we’ll provide assistance that way.

    Reply

    I had an accident in work. The carpet slipped from under my feet in the stairs and caused me to injure my right arm. The carpet had been reported to senior and we had carpet fitters out to give a quote a few weeks ago. I have been told that I will only be entitled to SSP for the 2 weeks that the doctor has signed me if for so far. I have took photos if the stairs/carpet in question. Am I entitled to make a claim?

    Ian Morris

    You are certainly entitled to make a claim in this scenario and you have no choice other than to make a claim if you wish to recover the loss of income you will incur whilst off work due to the injury.

    The claim would be made against your employers insurance cover, so it wouldn’t impact directly on the employer or business and does not affect your rights to continue with your work when you are recovered.

    Reply

    I was working for royal mail and felt pressured by my bosses to take on two duties that day as my team member was on holiday and we were understaffed. I was delivering mail trying to fit all the work in and fell off a step dislocating and breaking ankle having to have metal plates put in, this was due to me rushing so I could do my team members work as well, can I claim?

    Ian Morris

    Although you were under pressure to work hard and were probably doing more work than you should, that in and of itself would not see you succeed with a claim for falling off a step. In this matter, you will need to demonstrate a fault or hazard with the step to succeed with a claim.

    Reply

    Hi I am currently in plaster with two broken arms – I slipped on the step of my van and fell forwards onto concrete. The plastic cover was not secured to the metal step and all the fixings were missing, this had been reported several times by myself and other drivers but no action was taken to repair it. I had concussion, injured knees and whiplash and was 130 miles away from the depot, I called the office to report I needed to get to hospital and i was struggling to steer and change gears they said ok bring the van back then go to hospital, I managed to do 100 motorway miles but had to pull over on an emergency lay-by on the motorway where I fell unconscious for 50 minutes until the police found me and called an ambulance. The van was on tracker so was visible at all times to the office but no contact was made by them – do the company have a duty of care to track an injured driver and would I be able to make a claim? My partner asked to see the van but the company had off-hired it, but not before my partner had managed to get a picture of the faulty step.

    Ian Morris

    On the basis of your description of the cause of your accident at work, my initial assessment is that you certainly have a valid claim for compensation and we would be very happy to assist you with such a claim.

    The fact that the plastic cover on the step of the vehicle was loose and had been reported several times, yet was not repaired or action not taken by the employer would make it likely that liability can be attached to the employer in this matter on the grounds of employer negligence. Health and Safety regulations place an obligation on employers to provide a safe working environment and when a possible hazard to health is reported, the employer cannot ignore such a report and must ensure that any hazards are removed.

    We would very much like to help you and given the nature of your work and the injuries sustained, you could recover a substantial sum of compensation for the injuries and also the loss of income.

    Reply

    Hi. I had accident in warehouse I slipped on something that had not been cleaned up. Resulting in a broken wrist.

    Ian Morris

    If you have not already done so, you should pursue a claim for compensation for the injuries you have sustained and the losses you have incurred as a result of your broken wrist.

    We would be very happy to pursue your claim for you.

    Reply

    Was in work and slipped on lino which is quite worn. I have had two visits to the doctor and have had to go physio. Been in constant pain for over three weeks and haven’t had good night’s sleep since the fall. Had to take time off work and don’t receive sick pay only ssp. Where do I stand on making claim?

    Ian Morris

    To succeed with a claim for slipping accident compensation, you’ll need to be able to identify a viable cause of your fall. In this case, you mention worn lino on the floor. Do you know if anyone had ever made written note of the worn floor as a hazard or was there a spillage or substance upon it that caused you to fall? Perhaps our article on valid slipping claims will be of further help.

    Reply

    I was badly injured at work suffering a fractured tibia and fibula I have had 2 operations and wore an external fixator for three months.
    I was given the job of changing light bulbs in the house (large home) some were very high up.
    I received no training to use a ladder and subsequently fell when attempting to change a hard to reach bulb.
    My employer says it is my fault as I decided how I was going to change the bulb.
    Are they at all liable?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer cannot simply pass judgement on negligence or liability and it would appear that they have failed in their obligations towards your health and safety whilst at work. Effectively, your employer is admitting that they failed to ensure that you could work as safely as possible as they have simply left you to do the work without guidance or training.

    Given the severity of your injury as a result of your fall from a ladder at work, you really should consider pursuing a claim against the employer on the basis of their negligence. Whilst there can be no guarantee of success with the claim, there is certainly every reason to pursue this matter and it would appear that you have a valid claim with every prospect of succeeding. Our article on ladder accident claims may provide further info for you.

    Reply

    Hi, I am on a zero hours contract. I fell at work last week due to a missing piece of flooring. I have severe bruising to my wrist and ligament damage but no break. Would I be able to claim as no break? I get the feeling being on zero hours I would just not be employed anymore…

    Ian Morris

    Whether you have a zero hours contract, work via an agency, are part time or full time, you have the same rights to claim compensation as anyone else.

    You mention a missing piece of flooring at the workplace. This would appear to be clear employer negligence in their failure to provide a safe and secure working environment and i’d imagine that you would have a valid claim for compensation.

    Reply

    If I have slipped on a greasy floor in work and suffered back pain to the point I can’t pick my own child up is a claim possible? I have been off work for 2 days now on a zero hours contact due to pain awaiting a doctor’s appointment.

    Ian Morris

    My initial view is that you certainly have a valid claim for compensation to me made against your employers insurance cover. We can pursue a claim for you and it does not impact on your rights to continue with your work. Just make sure that the details of your slipping accident and back injury is recorded in the accident book. We deal with quite a lot of slips at work and look forward to helping you.

    Reply

    2 years ago I slipped walking out of the office on ice right outside the main door. I went down with a bump and complained to the management. I was in pain and it was put in the accident book. I went home but was back at work the next day only to find that they dismissed me as I didn’t fit in. I couldn’t do anything about it as I was still in my probation period.

    Now, 2 years later I have severe, debilitating back pain which had caused a protruding disc, spinal stenosis and cervical spondylisis which I’ve been told has been caused by a trauma to the spine such as a fall.

    The only fall I know if was this one 2 years ago. Can I do anything about claiming compensation?

    Ian Morris

    Given that your accident happened 2 years ago, you still have a period of 12 months of your claim limitation period remaining. In the UK, any person injured in an accident has a 3-year period in which they can make a claim against the person(s) that they hold responsible for their injuries.

    In your case, as you slipped on ice directly outside of the office in which you worked, you may be able to claim against the employer as it could perhaps be argued that they ought to have erected a hazard warning sign or gritted the area in question. If the area where you fell was not the property of the employer and was a public footpath, claiming would be far harder.

    As your accident was recorded in the accident book where you work, there is evidence to prove that you did have a fall. Do you have medical evidence that will link well with the accident book entry, i.e, did you attend your GP or a Hospital at the time of your fall or within a few weeks of it? It would be useful to know when you attended your GP and whether you have any pre-existing back issues?

    Reply

    Hello my name is James. I am a subcontractor for a construction company that installs metal buildings. I was on a job site the day after it rained and was still drizzling that day, while attempting to secure a sheet of metal to the side of the building my ladder sank in the mud and I subsequently fell and broke my arm and leg. My boss informed me he isn’t liable and offered to pay me for 6 weeks while I was out but have only seen 3. I was wondering if I have any legal recourse at all because he is now going from someone that seemed concerned and wanted to help to now someone that just seems to avoid me. Thanks for your time

    Ian Morris

    You do have a right to make a claim for compensation if you are injured in an accident at work. Given that you have fallen from height, the safe working at height regulations and Health and Safety guidelines covering such work would be considered. Whilst it could be seen that you have contributed to your own injury by erecting a ladder on soft ground, the employer is likely to bear responsibility for the health and safety failings that lead to your ladder accident.

    Hopefully an accident book entry or incident report form has been completed with the employer? If not, you should write to them to outline what happened and apportion responsibility to them for instructing you to work in risky conditions on unsafe ground.

    We would be happy to assist you in trying to claim compensation for your injury and also to recover all lost income caused by the accident – this could include future loss of income if the injury prevents you from working for sometime and you succeed with the claim.

    Reply

    I was working on site and was not provided with rams or inducted onto site before the job. I am an apprentice and was told to go out a fire exit by a member of staff in charge of a job to go to another part of the site as this was the only route at the time. I fell down a grate which wasn’t put on correctly. I am being told i should except responsibility for going out the fire exit even though was instructed to by by the person in charge of me. I am only an apprentice and just following instructions by someone fully qualified and in charge. Am i at fault and should i accept responsibility?

    Ian Morris

    I don’t see how or why you should accept responsibility for your accident at work. Firstly, you were acting on the instructions of the senior person for whom you were working. Secondly, the cause of your injury was an incorrectly/badly fitted grate. As such, I believe you have a valid claim.

    Reply

    I walked through a fire door that led to the yard and because the sun was extremely bright I tripped over a very low barrier and hurt my hand . The barrier wasn’t even bolted to the ground.

    Ian Morris

    When you say you tripped over a barrier, what kind of barrier was it and what was it a barrier for? The fact that the barrier wasn’t secured to the ground indicates that it may not be an official barrier and could therefore be a tripping hazard? If so, you may have a valid claim.

    We would need to see some photographic evidence of the barrier in question and the proximity of it to the doorway before we could advise you further.

    Reply

    I have injured my knee at work, a fall on wet floor, it was 15 years ago, got an operation on my knee, can i still claim ? The cleaner was busy cleaning the floor and there was no wet floor board.

    Ian Morris

    Unfortunately, you are unable to make a claim for compensation after you were injured 15 years ago. UK law applies a strict claim limitation period of 3 years from the date of an accident. This period states that any person who has suffered a non-fault injury can make a claim, but must do so within 3-years of the date of the injury.

    Reply

    I fell through a ceiling and broke several ribs installing garage equipment. There was no risk assessment carried out and the equipment supplied was not fit for purpose. Am I eligible to claim?

    Ian Morris

    As long as you make your claim within 3 years of the date of your accident, you have a legal right to pursue a claim for compensation. In the scenario you describe, you have a valid claim on the grounds of employer negligence being the cause of your accident at work and subsequent injuries.

    Reply

    My wife suffered a heavy fall at work while carrying boxes and tripped over a plastic covering on some bottles landing heavily on her knee, cutting her chin and arm, heavy bruising to her knee and shin and big toe. She called me to collect her as her boss said she should go home as she was not fit for work. Then when she got her wages he stopped her a days pay saying it was her fault she fell over and also said she said it was her fault which she says she doesn’t remember saying. Any help with this would be much appreciated.

    Ian Morris

    The key issue here is the cause of your wife’s fall – the trip on the plastic wrapping from some bottles. If the wrapping was loose and partially obstructing a walkway where staff would be expected to be walking whilst going about their work, there is a strong possibility that the employer would be held liable for causing the fall and the subsequent injuries and losses sustained. Given that your wife was carrying boxes, she would not necessarily have had a clear view of her route. With this in mind, it further emphasises the responsibility of the employer to ensure that walkways are kept clear.

    If your wife disagrees with the employers comment regarding her having admitted fault, she should put the same in writing to the employer.

    We would be very happy to investigate this matter for your wife with a view to pursuing a No Win No Fee claim for compensation as our initial view is that there is a valid claim to be made here.

    Reply

    I sub contract for a cleaning company, my employment was in a boarding school, in September 2018 i stood on a wet carpet and slipped down a flight of stairs, which resulted in a left broken fibula and severe bruising down all of the right side. There was a hole in the ceiling and water had been leaking onto the floor, they had put two black buckets to catch the water and did not corden off any area, i was not told to keep clear of the area, the boarding school are denying responsibility, where do i stand?

    Ian Morris

    Are you being represented by a specialist personal injury Solicitor? From your description of your accident and the cause of your fall, it would appear that there is no viable defence to be mounted by the school.

    We would like to speak with you about this incident so that we can find out more.

    Reply

    Hi I slipped at work today as I am still waiting for my safety shoes from my employers, my leg got trapped under a shelf the manager was on but she made me fill out the accident book, is this ok?

    Ian Morris

    If you slipped due to the employer having failed to provide you with the safety shoes, it is likely that employer negligence will attach and you could well pursue a claim for compensation if the injury you have sustained is sufficiently severe. It is good that you have filled in an accident book record as this will provide good evidence of what happened.

    On face value, it would appear that you have a valid claim for compensation further to your accident at work and as such, we suggest that you either call us on 01225430285 or use the ‘start a claim’ page of our website to get further help with your claim.

    Reply

    Hi, I had a fall in August 2018 at work and broke my humerus bone. I have since had numerous hospital and GP appointments as well as physiotherapy, which I am still having. I do not have full movement in my rotator cuff yet. I recently returned to work on a phased in period. Would i be able to claim?

    Ian Morris

    The injury you have sustained after you fell at work is a serious one and you are likely to suffer with some permanent problems as a result. Therefore, if you could succeed with a claim for personal injury compensation, the settlement value that would be assigned to your claim would reflect this.

    Whether or not you can make a claim will depend on what caused you to fall. We would very much like to know more about your accident and find out what happened in order that we can then advise you on the appropriate course of action.

    Reply

    I was making a beer delivery at a bar, their Basement floor was broken and the Ladder for the building. I fell into the crack in the floor and broke my ankle and I have been out of work for two months and still In a lot of pain, what do i do?

    Ian Morris

    If your accident had happened in the UK, we would have immediately taking a claim forward for you for the injuries to your ankle, also recovering any lost income and incurred costs/expenses. UK law would support a claim for the scenario you describe in that it would appear that the floor of the premises was damaged and dangerous.

    Reply

    I fell at work on a polished wooden floor just inside the main entrance doors. The floor has a slight slope to it. After a 18 months of pain I am now claiming pip for my disabilities. My job is going to end due to incapability. They have only just put a rubber mat in place due to parents falling in the same place. I work in a school as a cover teacher.

    Ian Morris

    Our view is that you have a valid claim for personal injury compensation against the employer for their failure to minimise the risk of injury on the polished sloping floor. Having spoken with you, we understand that a rubber mat has now been placed on this floor after further falls and as such, the risk of slipping has finally been addressed and dealt with. Therefore, there is a clear argument in your favour should any claim follow in that the employer failed to act on the risk of foreseeable injury presented by a slippery sloping floor surface and exposed you to the risk of injury.

    Reply

    I slipped and fell at work and wasn’t sent for treatment and did regular duty for two months until my elbow swelled. Then was sent to an orthopedic surgeon and they said I had a broken elbow.

    Ian Morris

    Under UK personal injury law, your employer would not necessarily be responsible for ensuring that you sought and obtained medical treatment as it would be for you to decide whether the pain/discomfort of an injury required medical treatment.

    However, the employer could well be liable for the actual injury if the cause of your broken elbow (your slip) can be attributed to employer negligence. We would like to speak with you further as you could well have a valid claim for accident at work compensation with which we could assist.

    Reply

    I was forced by my foreman and manager to perform duty on a fragile roof structure after a fire. Only a part of the roof had to be replaced and I asked my foreman and our building inspector regarding the unsafe roof structure, but my concerns were ignored. Whilst working, I fell around 4 metres through the asbestos roof and sustained a shoulder fracture, open flesh fracture on my leg and also hurt my back were my 12th vertebrae was shattered. 2 months after my fall I received an operation on injured shoulder after an orthopedic surgeon stated and confirmed my shoulder fracture.

    My employer doesn’t comply to health and safety regulations and if asked by me I receive threats to leave if I’m unsatisfied in working for my employer. The employer has also victimised me at work due to my always asking health and safety questions. On the job there was no scaffolding or any other safety measures present. Further, the building inspector also did not assess the fragile roof structure properly – his assessment just stated that a part of roof must be replaced with no safety guidelines for fragile roof structure work.

    Ian Morris

    My initial view is that you have a very strong claim for accident at work compensation. You have clearly highlighted a number of health and safety failings by your employer which should enable us to demonstrate clear employer negligence being the cause and as such, we would be confident of you succeeding with a claim.

    Clearly, your employer is not particularly honourable given their attitude towards your legitimate health and safety concerns. With this in mind, it is worth considering how any claim against your employer will be received with regards to your ongoing work with them. Whilst no employer can dismiss you legally for simply making a claim, that doesn’t always guarantee that you would not face difficulties. However, given the severity of your injuries and the long term implications that they present, you should not let the employers attitude prevent you from making a claim. If you were to succeed, your settlement would take in to account the long term implications of your injuries and also cover possible future loss of income and the benefit of such an outcome would far outweigh staying with such a dangerous employer.

    Reply

    Hi i recently had a slip at work in a tipping bay where there is loose residual and recycling waste which caused me to dislocate my knee in resulting of having time off work with physiotherapy to strengthen my knee again. My work paid my in full for 7 weeks but then decided to put me on ssp for the last week and half of my sick note. I have also lost monthly performance bonus due to being off work. I also still have soreness and no confidence in my knee if it will dislocate again or not.

    Ian Morris

    Dislocation injuries are extremely painful, distressing and can carry long term implications. The knee is a complex joint and injuries to the tissues will be serious in the impact they have on the person involved.

    Dislocation of the knee is a serious issue and it is fair to say that it will never quite be ‘right’ again when the pre accident condition is considered. Therefore your concerns regarding the strength of your knee going forward are totally understandable.

    My initial view of your situation is that you have a valid claim for your knee injury. Whilst your employer has been good in paying you for 7 weeks, that does not prevent you from having the legal right to make a claim for accident at work compensation. Such a claim would ensure that any long term damage would be taken in to account in any settlement.

    Reply

    I slipped off the step on a gritter lorry due to snow nearly a year ago, I hurt my back and hip I’ve had x-rays to rule out a broken back, had physio and been to hospital, now I am waiting to get an MRI scan next week as I still have no feeling on the left side of my foot and sore hip, do you think I can claim?

    Ian Morris

    As you were injured in an accident at work, to be able to make a claim for compensation, you will need to be able to demonstrate that your employer has been negligent towards the management of your safety and in their obligations towards health and safety. Clearly, the work you were doing meant that you would be working in cold, icy and snowy conditions. As such, it was foreseeable that you would be at risk of slipping, especially when accessing your vehicle. This means the employer is duty bound to attempt to minimise the risks of slipping. As such, your employer should have provided or required appropriate footwear to be worn, ensured that the steps to the vehicle were safe and fit for purpose (grip surface?) and that you were adequately trained to access the vehicle as safely as possible in such conditions.

    It would be sensible for our expert staff to talk with you about your accident at work as there may well be a claim you could pursue.

    Reply

    I have been employed by ups for approximately 5 to 6 weeks. I experienced a slip and fall where my ankle and boot was caught between the truck and the dock and I fell and twisted and sprained my ankle and ligament and hurt my right shoulder, upper shoulder and back. I’m trying to find out if I have a workers compensation claim. I am a part-time employee there, seasonal worker.

    Ian Morris

    Under UK law, you may have a valid claim in this matter. If someone else was responsible for failing to properly park the truck and left the gap, your prospects would be good. If however, it was you that parked the vehicle badly, you may have less of a chance of succeeding. Given that you are a seasonal worker, there is a possibility that you did not receive the correct training and if so, you may have a claim.

    Reply

    I’ve worked for my company since 2014, first week in the job and by then we had received no health and safety info and I tripped in a cleaning room on an electric cable that was left on floor. That week we had no accident book set up as we had just opened and I did not report it. I had a problem with my ankle after this but just kept taking cocodamol tablets and ibuprofen to stop the pain. Ive had a problem with this ankle ever since. I put up with pain as I’d been diagnosed with arthritis in left knee and my doctor also said it was arthritis in my right ankle.
    Jump to 2017 and I slipped on a plastic disc on my van ramp. Unknown to me as I was taking all these painkillers I snapped a tendon on the right ankle. The pain was covered with my tablets. Upshot is I now need a new knee which is wear and tear and I understand that. But my ankle needs a tendon transfer and reconstruction of heel and foot. Am I just unlucky or does the original injury apply?

    Ian Morris

    The original injury will be considered should you pursue a claim for compensation and it is likely that some of your injury will be seen as pre-existing or ‘wear and tear’. Of course, you therefore won’t be able to claim the full value for such injuries (if you succeed with your claim) as a defendant would rightly claim that they were not liable for the pre-existing element of any injury.

    However, you can pursue a claim for the worsening or exacerbation of any pre-existing condition. With expert medical assessments a report can be provided that would detail the pre-existing condition and worsening, speeding up of or exacerbation of symptoms and a claim for this can then proceed.

    Reply

    I work at a busy restaurant, a steakhouse with peanuts on the floor front of house and food/ clutter on the floor back of house. I was taking a stack of dishes to the designated dishwashing area, with non slip shoes i slipped on food and water by the drain and had a concussion. I woke up convulsing and throwing up in the back of the restaurant with the owner and another server who is also an certified emt. I had to ask the owner to file an incident report, he only let me fill out half before he told me to get up and fill the rest out himself. I was not given a copy. I went to the er 3 times in under four weeks and was diagnosed post concussive syndrome. Doctors excused me 9 days but I haven’t worked in 3 weeks because I am still in pain. Should I quit? I’m still on anti nausea medication and pain meds.

    Ian Morris

    UK law wouldn’t require you to quit your work simply through ill health after just 3 weeks off work. You should return to your Doctor and request that you are signed off appropriately in order that you can recover.

    The cause of your accident would give risk to a claim for slipping accident compensation under UK law too.

    Reply

    Just outside after I had finished work, I left the premises and walking across car park, I got 5 feet across and slipped on ice as it had snowed a week before, I broke me tibia, fib and ankle and was out of work for 9 months I still need another operation after a year and it causes issues still now with walking and working and general activities. No accident report was filled either and I was rushed back to work. I got diagnosed with depression after crippling debt for being out of work for so long too.

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not you can claim compensation after slipping on ice and snow will depend on the nature of the accident site, where it is located and what if any action the employers (in this case) could or should have done to minimise the risk of such an injury.

    In your case, the lack of an accident book record could make claiming problematic but it doesn’t make it impossible.

    Reply

    I work in a kitchen and slipped because a fairly new staff member hadn’t cleaned up beans properly leaving the juice on the floor. I hit my head on a bin and sustained soft tissue and muscle injury’s down my right side of my back and shoulder and injury to my neck and hip as I hit the floor. I am waiting physio. I currently can’t work as I can’t barely stand let alone anything else. And I am in constant agony. Is my employer at fault here?

    Ian Morris

    Given the accident scenario you describe, our initial view is positive with regards to your right to pursue a claim. Of course, there can be no guarantee of success with a claim, but given your description of the incident in which you were injured at work and the injuries you have sustained, we feel that you should have a good chance.

    Reply

    Im a HGV driver, and after finishing a 10 hour night shift, i attempted to climb onto the rear catwalk of the truck to disconnect airlines from the trailer (standard practice). There is a fold down metal step that is used to climb up to the catwalk ( approx 3-4 feet from ground).
    It was very dark, and i was obviously tired but as I stepped up onto the catwalk but my foot slipped off the fold down step resulting in me falling to the ground and breaking my foot and being off work for 4 weeks without pay.
    I do not know exactly why my foot slipped off the step, the catwalks are often covered in grease from the trailer couplings, but as it was so dark i could not see if there was grease on the step or not.
    I remember a company rep came to my home to take details to put in the accident book – and i felt he was really trying to influence how my statement was worded (i assume to imply i was at fault for slipping). I never had any training or familiarisation on the type of vehicle – although i had been driving that type for a year so employer could probably argue that i knew how to use it through experience? Also I cant remember when i started working for them if i signed something to say that i wouldn’t claim in case of accident? – hard to find out as i don’t have copy of my contract (zero hours) and employer wont give me copy – i have since left the company so they are not interested in even talking to me anymore – your advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Ian Morris

    If the step you slipped on was covered in oil or grease and therefore slippery, you would undoubtedly have a valid claim. Of course, if you simply slipped or are unable to say why you slipped it will be far harder for you to succeed with a claim. Any claimant must demonstrate negligence or a breach of health and safety to succeed with a claim against an employer and there is one area that you may be able to place such a liability – the failure of the employer to provide any training or induction in to the use of the vehicle.

    Reply

    I was contracted to clean at a lorry place. I was cleaning the offices and had to come down a lot of stairs which were out side. I was taking rubbish to the bins when my ankle gave way and I fell 3 steps from bottom. I rang my boss but he didn’t come out so I had to ring my Husband to come and fetch me to take me to Hospital. I found out that I had badly sprained my ankle. I was only in the job 2 weeks. I do have a disablity of which i told my employer. The week after my boss came out to my house to fill in a accident report and then he told me that I wasn’t allowed on the site anymore.

    Ian Morris

    If your employer has terminated your employment in a manner that you think could be contrary to employment law, you should immediately contact your Union or speak with an employment law Solicitor.

    Regarding your injury at work, if you fell simply because your ankle gave way, you would not be able to pursue a claim for compensation. However, if you fell because of employer negligence or a fault with the stairs in question or some kind of tripping hazard on the stairs, you could pursue a claim.

    Reply

    I had a fall through a factory roof last week at work. I was erecting scaffolding so that a company could work up there safely with an edge protection handrail. Unfortunately, I fell approximately 6 meters through a skylight, through the suspended ceiling and through a table landing on my back with force. I spent a couple of days in Hospital and had MRI scans due to my injuries. The result of the scans showed that I now have a disc protruding and hitting my spinal column for which I am now awaiting the advice of a spinal surgeon.

    Who is liable for this as there was no safety netting under the roof? I hadn’t had a site induction nor have I signed any RAMS for this job. Any advice would be appreciated.

    Ian Morris

    The lack of induction and full attention to health and safety requirements could indicate that your employer is liable in this matter. Given that you were working at height, the risk of injury was clearly foreseeable and one would expect the highest possible attention to health and safety.

    I would suggest that we speak further with you regarding your fall from height at work as my initial view is that you should pursue a claim for compensation in this matter.

    Reply

    I fell in work 5 days ago, and broke my foot. I am currently in a fracture shoe returning to The fracture clinic tomorrow. The chef had placed a 10 pk of 1pts of milk on the floor outside of a chiller door while inside taking stock which i went flying over. I am not entitled to any company sick pay as I have only been there for 6 months. I don’t want to get this person in trouble by claiming though! Are the company responsible? Do you think I would be entitled to anything as I have no other income?

    Ian Morris

    It is not acceptable to block a walk-way with items that could create a tripping hazard so in this case, you may have a valid claim against the employers insurance for the injuries and loss of income you have sustained. You do not need to worry about claiming and impacting on the person who placed the milk in the way as they will not be in trouble. You can read more about not needing to worry about how a claim will affect an employer or employees in this article.

    I recommend that you use our ‘start a claim’ option on our website to make further contact so that we can present the details of your claim to our specialist Solicitors.

    Reply

    My partner slipped on oil in the factory he worked out and now he has a herniated disk and extremely movement restricting Sciatica. His employer did a risk assessment and accepted fault for the injury. They have sent him on physio therapy and so far has had most of the year off work as he has a very physically demanding job which he is now unable to do.
    He is considering sueing his employer but we are scared incase they sack him. With a back injury, he may struggle to find other employment. What should we do?

    Ian Morris

    Your partner can claim compensation for this accident and his employer can’t sack him for doing so. Your partner would entitled to a settlement for the pain and discomfort caused to them by the injury sustained and also to recover costs for private rehabilitation therapies or even surgery if needed and they would be able to recover any loss of income.

    Regarding your partners employment, your partner should not fear making a claim against the employer. Any claim would be made against the employers ’employer liability insurance’ cover and as such would not impact directly on the business or their colleagues. Further, and more importantly, your partner has a legal right to pursue a claim for compensation if he believes that someone else’s negligence lead to him sustaining a notable injury and left him out of pocket – as in this case.

    Reply

    I work as an apprentice truck mechanic, and we had the floor painted; but they didn’t put enough grit substance into the flooring to provide grip. We emailed health and safety about this but didn’t get a response, and today I slipped and fell flat on my back. My back is in pain and the doctor has said I need to take two weeks off to rest. It’s also caused my PTSD to spike due to this event. I don’t know if I’m able to make a claim or if the amount of the claim would be worth the stress of the claim. Any advice?

    Ian Morris

    As the employer was put on notice by you and colleagues of a possible hazard (slippery floor) and failed to rectify the problem, you would have a valid claim against the employer with reasonable prospects of succeeding.

    You should ensure that your physical and emotional symptoms – particularly with regards to a flare up of PTSD are noted by your GP to ensure that they could form part of any claim.

    Our claims process is designed to be stress free and as such, you would not need to be concerned about that causing you further worry.

    Reply

    I work in a bar, the old non stick bar floor had recently been torn up and the floor had now been painted with a shiny and slippery when wet surface. For the last 2 weeks I had been saying the floor is unsafe to work on as it’s very dangerous when wet and working on a bar there is bound to be some form of spillages. On Monday morning, I was putting some glasses in a shelf and in the middle of the floor, due to a leak from a bottle bin, there was some liquid. I ultimately slipped on this and as a 6ft male hit my head on the bar surface very badly and had to go to A&E with suspected concussion and a bleeding wound just above my eye socket that is more than likely going to scar, according to the hospital. I suffered from a lack of memory as I do not remember the incident taking place and have only got my information of the incident through looking at the cctv of the fall. A video that is now saved onto my phone. With a bleeding head, my duty manager said I should be okay to go without visiting A&E explaining I should go back to work, it was with my own advice that I decided to go to hospital. Would I be able to claim against the business for the ultra slippy floor and poor first aid treatment?

    Ian Morris

    The employer has been negligent – by the sounds of it – with regards to their new floor surface. Given that you have put them on notice of your concerns regarding the dangerous and hazardous nature of the floor surface and their inaction to that report of a risk, you have a very strong claim for compensation against the employer.

    I would recommend that you contact us further as we would be very happy to take forward your claim against your employer for the injuries and any subsequent loss of income or cost you have incurred as a result of your fall.

    Reply

    I started work at a fast food restaurant and had an induction. I had to shadow other employees and was told to wear gloves to handle goods, so I went to collect them. However, whilst on my way, I slipped on the floor breaking my glasses, injuring my mouth and teeth with bruising to my upper eye, knee and elbow.

    My Manager helped me up as I was stunned, then wrote it in the accident book. I went to A&E and I really felt sick. I also had to go to a Dentist. I am very worried that my teeth are damaged.

    After the accident, my Manager said that the floor was not wet and he blamed my footwear for my fall. I was wearing ‘pumps’ with a rubber sole with good grip! The floor was very slippery and I was not told about the surfaces or given specific instructions regarding what footwear was required. In my view, I did not receive adequate health and safety training and there were no signs to warn about the slippery floor. Am I entitled to claim compensation?

    Ian Morris

    Given the lack of training you mention, no specific instructions regarding appropriate footwear and no hazard warning sign on display it would be wise to further proceed with a claim for compensation.

    Of course, the employer may be able to mount a robust defence to this claim, but we think we can seek to pursue this matter further for you.

    Reply

    Hi. The reception area of the building I work in is having a refurb. New tiles have been laid on the floor but the large fixed mat at the entrance is pending replacement. The new tiles are slightly thicker than the old meaning they are slightly higher than the mat (the tiles & mat where previously flush). There is nothing to highlight this.
    Walking into reception 3 days ago I tripped on the lisp and landed on the tiles with my knees & elbows taking the main impact.
    Accident logged at the time. For the past 3 days I have been off work (paid) bruised, stiff & sore (knees, elbows, upper arms & shoulders).
    I have not seeked medical help & feel I’m now on the mend.
    Am I entitled to compo for pain & suffering?

    Ian Morris

    Given the lack of signage to warn about the temporary tripping hazard created by the refurbishment of your working area, I think you have grounds to pursue a claim against the employer for your injuries. However, it does appear (thankfully) as if you have escaped serious injury in this incident. Given the lack of medical treatment and no loss of income, if you are recovered and will not require medical attention you may not have the severity of injury needed to enable you to pursue a claim.

    Reply

    I was recently involved in a slip at work while pushing a non running vehicle for a large auction company. I slipped in the yard I worked in and damaged the muscles around my knee to the point it wasn’t weight bearing for a few days. I attended hospital for an X-ray and had a day off work due to this. My fall was in a section of the yard where there is a transition from loose stones to tarmac on a slight gradient. I was given no manual handling training or an induction to the company and was employed as a car cleaner so I believe being asked to do this initially was wrong. Do I have grounds for a personal injury claim as I am still getting pain 8 weeks after the initial incident?

    Ian Morris

    The scenario you describe would indicate employer negligence in this incident and as such, my initial view is that you do have a valid claim against your employer for the injury sustained.

    Reply

    Hi I’m working in retail. I fell on the stairs 4 weeks ago and my company took me to Hospital and paid for everything as I had broken two hands. I’m still on sick leave and got paid my usual salary, so my question is do I claim for compensation? I’m confused cause others says they must pay for my injury.

    Ian Morris

    Your employer has acted honourably so far by paying costs and ensuring that your salary is paid. However, UK law would afford you the opportunity to make a claim for compensation against your employer for the injuries that you have sustained.

    If you would like to discuss this further, please call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    Good morning, i had a slip at work resulting in me having a knee replacement operations. I have been off work for 6 months, now i’m in the recovery stage i’m now able to take steps. Work wants me back to work asp even though my sick note runs out 18th August, based on the clinical case workers advice.

    Ian Morris

    You should follow the advice of your medical professional rather than the desires of your employer. Of course, if the employer is able to offer you work in a way that is manageable to you without impacting on your injury and you are able to get to and from work then there is no harm in returning earlier.

    Given the severity of your injury and the impact that it had upon you (having to have knee replacement surgery is a serious consequence), you should look in to making a claim for knee injury compensation if you have not already done so.

    Reply

    I was injured at work about 5 months ago. I had a fall and hurt my back quite bad, I work for a small business ( 4 people ) and they have not been helpful at all in my recovery process if anything they have made it harder. I got approved to go on light duties 4 weeks ago but I was told they didn’t have any for me. I have now been approved to go back onto full duties on reduced hours for the first 4 weeks to get my work fitness back up but my employer doesn’t want me back. They also filled my position at work about 4 weeks ago I was a full time trainee. Just wondering where I stand?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer cannot replace you without going through the required statutory process, so if you feel that the employer has treated you unfairly in that regard, you should seek immediate advice from an employment law specialist.

    Regarding light duties, an employer is not obliged to provide light duties if they do not exist. However, if there are light duties available and the employer can provide the same then they should do so.

    Reply

    I was at work, we were all very jolly because of the Christmas spirit! We were all being silly and playing around when the HR manager of the company said to me ‘I dare you to get on to the desk and say it’. Being part of the team, I got up onto the chair to climb on to the desk, but the chair wheels made the chair move and caused me to lose balance half way up the table and I fell onto my shoulder, wrist and on to my back. I was in extreme pain. I went to the hospital and they told me my wrist was chipped. For about 3 weeks I still came in to work after the hospital with my broken wrist.

    The first thing my work did was to give me a form telling me to sign that I won’t claim for my injuries cause it was my own fault. After a while I had to stop working as I could not really use my wrist properly.

    Now, I can’t use my hand properly or as I wish to use it and I still have so much pain. Even my shoulder is still very painful. This was in 2016. Tell me if I have a leg to stand on? My employer said to me I would waste my time if I should ever claim as it was my own fault.

    Ian Morris

    Your enquiry is an unusual one and it is hard to say for certain whether or not you have a valid claim for accident at work compensation. However, given the fact that a member of senior management was involved and actively encouraged you to get on to the desk, there is certainly a question to be answered by the employer in this case.

    We would recommend that you contact us so that we can further investigate your claim to see if we can take this further.

    Reply

    Hello Ian,
    I work in a corporate restaurant chain. While in the kitchen I slipped and fell because they had fryer oil all over the floor. They gave no warning about this and actually at the time asked me to bring something over to where the oil was, and I slipped and fell on my back very hard. I had my non-slip shoes on as confirmed by my manager on duty. An accident report was filed. I have yet to go to seek medical attention because I thought at the time I just knocked my wind out, but a week later my back has issues. It is still difficult for me to take a deep breath or sneeze or cough.. I want to know if I have a legitimate case here??

    Ian Morris

    My initial view is that you do have a valid claim against your employer here. The oil on the floor is clearly a dangerous slipping hazard and should have been marked with a hazard sign or been cordoned off.

    The lack of medical treatment is not relevant as it is reasonable to self-medicate for a few days/weeks in the hope that the symptoms would ease. However, given your ongoing problems, you should now make an appointment with your GP to discuss the injuries to ensure that they are listed on your medical records. Make sure that your GP is made aware that you suffered the injuries by slipping on oil at work.

    Reply

    Hi,
    I tripped at work causing a fractured wrist. It has all been reported and HSE came out to analyse what I tripped over. They have advised my boss to screed over the grate on which I tripped.
    My recovery off work is my own holiday time as I work at a Secondary College.
    My boss is a bit snarky with me about me falling. I’m wondering now whether to make a claim. I haven’t lost any wages just holiday time with a cast on my arm.

    Ian Morris

    Given the HSE’s recommendation to your employer to screed the grate that caused you to trip indicates that you do have a valid claim for tripping accident compensation against your employer. Whilst there is no guarantee of success, there has clearly been a tripping hazard identified and because we work on a fully No Win No Fee basis, you can pursue the claim without risking anything personally.

    Work for a secondary college, you need have no worries about any implications to your work should you pursue a claim for compensation and even though you have not lost income, losing your annual leave and having your freedom and independence impaired with a cast on your arm is certainly worthy of making a claim for compensation.

    Mary

    Thanks for your reply,

    I read your description on tripping accidents and apparently the dip in the grate is only about 1cm deep. According to your stats it must be below 1 inch, so I don’t think I would have a valid claim.
    It does currently have cones around the area though and the trip I had is recorded on our CCTV.
    Regards

    Reply

    Hi, I work as a security officer, while on night building patrol of one the building offices I fell over some clutter left in the way. Later, my colleagues told me that it was a bowl of glass. When I fell, I hit my head and passed out. On coming round, I can remember a member of staff of the company I was patrolling for standing over me. The accident date was 07/03/2018.

    I broke my right ankle, had a concussion, found that my speech became slow, I have a constant headache and now my back is constantly in pain.

    I received my 20 days sick pay and afterwards they stopped paying my usual salary and all I got paid was £292 for SSP. I have been off work since March. I have also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia which means that I will take longer to heal and the injuries are causing significant pain. To top it all off, I have received an email from my employer informing me that I will be placed on a bank duty team in the security team which simply means that when work is available, I will be called upon. Previously, I was full time regular employed working 4 days on, 4 days off weekly. Please advise!

    Ian Morris

    These items were a hazard and should not have been in situ. We assume that they were not fenced off and that there were no warning signs and as such, it is likely that you have a valid claim.

    Reply

    I work as a carer and was coming out of a call and slipped on some mud and twisted my leg which is now painful. The place we have to walk has a slope and is dark. It also has a rusty old rail at the side of the door which is unsafe if you leant on it there is a 8 ft drop. Theres no sign warning you either. Ive put it in the accident book. I am now experiencing pain in my lower back but havnt attended hospital. Whats your thoughts please?

    Ian Morris

    We think that the scenario you describe and the details of your accident and injuries should be brought to the attention of one of our specialist Solicitors as you could well have a claim for compensation.

    Employers have a strict obligation to adequately risk assess the workplace and make any hazards as safe as possible. In this case, there is an argument that your employer has been negligent and this could mean that you could successfully claim compensation. Of course, we can’t guarantee anything at this stage but we would like to speak with you further.

    Reply

    Good evening, I have recently had a accident at work where i fell on some stairs that where not properly maintained causing the material on each step to lift i tripped and fell over this material and hurt my back. I have had to take 3 weeks on sick but i recently learnt that the faulty stairs was reported last year by our health and saftey advisor in a meeting but no repairs were done. I have now been informed the stairs have been fixed one day after the accident at no point in time were we told the stairs were unsafe to use. My employer will not tell whether i’m entitled to full sick pay or ssp, they have been trying to get me to fill out health and safety report as soon as 2 days after accident whilst i was on strong medication, is this the correct approach – am i entitled to a claim?

    Ian Morris

    You most certainly can and should claim accident at work compensation in this case. You have a right to seek compensation via a No Win No Fee arrangement for your injuries and also to recover your lost income or costs caused by this accident.

    The scenario you describe is a prime example of employer negligence and how it has lead your otherwise avoidable injury. The hazardous stairs had been reported to your employer and as such they were on notice of a hazard or risk to health and had an obligation to repair the fault and make them safe. That the employer failed to carry out any remedial work or erect any warnings to reduce the risk of injury despite ample time to do so is where they have been negligent.

    You may not know that it is important to report an accident in the workplace, so make sure you record that you tripped on the loose stair material and give information of your injuries in the employers accident book. Noting the lack of employer action on a previously reported hazard demonstrates the negligence of the employer and strengthen your prospects of winning your claim. You should also ensure that a full record of your injuries and symptoms are on record with your GP.

    Gary

    Hi thanks for your reply i never got chance to fill out the book, my work manager filled it out whilst i was in pain straight after the accident. I don’t think they put what i told them, they made me sign it but i was in too much pain read it. I don’t think this should have happened, i never had a choice.

    Reply

    My partner tripped over a cable running across a make shift uneven footpath while at work this morning. There was no lights on and it was dark, she has cuts and bruises and is saying her shoulder hurts. I have advised her to get a check over with her GP, and will take pictures of pathway tomorrow morning. Does she have a case for a claim?

    Ian Morris

    The cable running across the pathway is a tripping hazard. To leave that in situ, with no warning signs and no lights is something that we would see as a breach of care and negligent.

    Your partner should seek medical attention for the shoulder injury and should ensure that the accident is reported to the employer and entered in to the accident book.

    We would very gladly discuss her claim with her and we feel that she has a valid claim here.

    Reply

    I’m a hgv class 2 food delivery driver, after i completed a delivery, closed the tail lift, walking towards the cab on a wet surface i stepped wrong and broke my ankle. At the moment i have a plaster cast for at least 6 weeks, am i entitled to claim?

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not you are entitled to claim will depend on what caused you to sustain your injury. If you simply misplaced your footing and suffered an injury, there will be no negligent party and therefore no claim. If however, you were injured because of a hazard on the ground – such as a broken step or a hole in the surface of the ground, or if the ground was wet (only applicable if was is inside), then you have a right to at least pursue a claim with the hope of a successful outcome.

    Reply

    I slipped on wet stairs, falling down an entire flight, at work when there was no wet floor sign visible anywhere near, causing a back injury including muscle, tendon and ligament damage. I reported the incident to my manger but it was not entered into an accident book for a week. The injury was made worse as I was forced to continue work, which included heaving lifting and twisting. Do they have a right to reduce my pay for time off when the injury is their fault? Should I claim? I am just wondering where I stand.

    Ian Morris

    The employer is not obliged to pay you your full salary if you are unable to work as a result of an injury – even if that injuries was sustained at work as a result of employer negligence.

    Given the lack of a hazard warning sign being on display at the time of your fall, there is an argument to be made to place the liability with the employer on the grounds of employer negligence and this would give us initial hope that you do have a valid claim for slipping accident compensation. Whether or not you opt to pursue a claim against your employer for compensation is something you need to decide. However, given your injuries and their failure to pay your usual salary, making a claim to recover your lost income and obtain compensation for your injuries is something you would have every right to do.

    Reply

    Hi my name is Beverly. I have had a pre-existing problem and in 2014 had to undergo two knee surgeries. In October 2017 I fell at work when I slipped on a slippery dry waxed floor surface. I fell forwards on to both of my knees with force and fractured two front Teeth, injured my wrists (both left and right) jerked my neck, further damaging a deteriorating disc which was found in 2014 as well as it causing further neck pain, shoulder pain & back pain. I also have a deteriorating disc which was showing up on the MRI that I had done I believe in 2015. ALthough I have had some pre-existing injuries since before this fall in October 12th 2017, they have definitely been worsened as well as new pain. Do I have a case?

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not you have a viable claim for personal injury compensation will no so much rest on the pre-existing injuries you have listed or whether you have suffered new injuries, but will come down to whether or not the cause of your slip (the waxed floor surface) was unsafe and a hazard. If it can be demonstrated that the floor was excessively slippery and was either polished too much or had too much wax applied and should have been marked as a hazard with a yellow hazard warning sign, then it is likely that you would be able to mount a successful claim for slipping accident compensation.

    We would certainly like to speak with you with a view to pursuing a claim for you as there could well be something in this for you. Much will depend on whether or not the accident was reported in the employers accident book and what you can state in terms of what you saw in the area around the floor with regards to any warning signs or if you know of any other colleagues or visitors who have fallen or slipped on the floor in question.

    Reply

    If you work in a restaurant as a child minder then slip and fall whilst playing with the kids, am I right in thinking that this is an accident at work (I injured my left ankle – soft tissue) and that I could make a claim for accident at work compensation? Also, can you say how much compensation I could receive?

    Ian Morris

    Slipping at work could well give you rise to pursuing a claim for accident at work compensation, but it will depend on what caused you to slip and whether or not the employer put you at an undue risk of injury. If so, we could succeed with a claim for you.

    We can’t at this stage offer any real guidance on what level of compensation settlement you would receive as we would need to see medical evidence and have an understanding of the length of time it takes you to recover. We can however offer more info on ankle injury claims and possible compensation amounts.

    Reply

    Whilst at work I tripped over some boxes that had been left lying around when I was on the work premises and broke a bone in my right wrist and right elbow. I went straight to the A&E and sought medical help and was put on sick for 8 weeks. At present I’m still on sick due to the bones in my right wrist rubbing together. I put a sick note into the company but they refused to pay sick pay so I have to claim from the job centre.
    I got in touch with a solicitor to see about a claim but was told last week that they are not proceeding with the claim due the company’s insurance stating no liability due to them having filled in risk assessments, is this true that you can’t file a claim if these assessments have been done?

    Ian Morris

    What you describe does not sound correct. You mention that you tripped over boxes that had been left lying around in the workplace and suffering an injury as a result. I cannot imagine that the employer has carried out a risk assessment for boxes being left lying around and to be honest, even if they had done so, one could imagine a cogent argument that leaving boxes lying around in the workplace was an act of employer negligence.

    The fact that you were not technically at work at the time of the accident does not matter as any visitor to any premises is protected by Health & Safety law.

    At this stage we cannot be sure as to whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation, but we would certainly like to investigate this further for you.

    Reply

    In February my husband had a fall in work and broke five bones in his back, two in his back and his sternum he also suffered a 8 cm cut to the back of his head, he fell twenty foot down an embankment which had no safety fence around it, since the accident my husband has been suffering with ptsd and has had to wear a frame.

    Ian Morris

    Is your Husband now making a claim for accident at work compensation? If not, he should contact us immediately. His claim is something we would very much like to assist with. The lack of a safety fence or barrier by the embankment could well indicate that he has a valid claim on the grounds of employer negligence.

    Clearly, your Husband has suffered serious physical and psychological injuries and if successful with his claim for compensation, there is no doubt that he would receive a substantial compensation settlement.

    We would only need a few minutes on the phone initially in order to get the basic information needed to enable us to instruct one of our specialist accident at work compensation Solicitors to pursue this for him.

    Reply

    I had a near death accident at work, I fell on my head and I cracked my skull. There was a lot of internal bleeding, luckily I survived. But due to the amount of headaches I had it was impossible to work long without complaining. The company paid for when I was booked off and my medical bills. But they fired me, do they have the right to do that? Can I claim compensation for all the trauma I went thru and am still going thru?

    Ian Morris

    Any employer has the right to terminate an employees contract, as long as they follow the employment laws of the country in question.

    Clearly, you suffered a very nasty accident at work and now have to live with the long term effects of a head injury. We often find that the long term symptoms and effects of such accidents can lead to huge turmoil in the lives of our clients who are making a head injury at work claim. It sounds as if your employer did all they could to assist you with regards to your ability to work and they allowed you time off during your recovery. Unfortunately, it sounds as if you are not able to work regularly on a full-time basis due to your ongoing headaches etc. In the UK, an employer cannot fire you for having an accident or for simply taking time off. However, if a worker is regularly unwell and unable to work their will come a time where they will simply have to terminate that workers contract – even if they are unwell due to an accident at work – as it would become prohibitively costly to retain that worker. As long as they then follow the employment rights laws and terminate the position correctly then they are allowed to do so legally.

    If you have any concerns as to how your employer dealt with the termination of your position, you should seek the advice of an Employment Law specialist immediately.

    Reply

    Hi I had an accident at work, I was on the top part of a kick stool, my supervisor went past with 2 milk crates and hit the stool which I then lost my balance which caused me to fall. I went to hospital was told soft tissue damaged and sprained told to rest for 7-10 days. Can I claim against them?

    Ian Morris

    This is most certainly a viable claim for accident at work compensation. Whilst your supervisor never meant to knock you from the kick stool, the fact that they have indicates that they were either not concentrating or that something else was in their way. Neither of these issues would have been your fault and as such, I believe that we should commence a claim for accident at work compensation for you.

    Reply

    I’ve had a fall at work over a wire which went across the floor. I work in a kitchen in a pub as cook but I didn’t have my work safety shoes on . The wire has now been moved. So I hurt my left knee and my right shin which I have a large lump and my right wrist. I know my boss doesn’t want to pay compensation because I wasn’t wearing my safety shoes

    Ian Morris

    The fact that you were not wearing safety shoes here is somewhat of a red herring in this case. The key cause of your accident was a tripping hazard – a wire running across the floor. In a busy working kitchen such a hazard is extremely dangerous and should never have been present.

    You may find that your failure to wear safety shoes could cause you to have to accept a small amount of responsibility. As an example, it may be that the defendant insurers argue that you should have had safety shoes on and that if you had you may not have tripped on this wire (although that will very hard argument for them to get to stick), and that you therefore must take some ‘blame’ – perhaps 20% of the responsibility. If this were the case you would still have a claim and obtain a settlement but would lose 20% of the total value.

    However, I would say that there is a good chance that you would not have to accept any responsibility and I do think this claim should proceed.

    Reply

    Hi I’ve had an accident at work falling off back of wagon and shattering both heals. I was stood on top of the loaded wagon when a gust of wind came, blew some roof sheets up which knocked me off. I was in hospital for four days and in a wheelchair for at least 12 weeks because I did both feet. I’m now walking, but can’t go back to work because I still get pain in both feet. It’s been about 18 weeks now and I’ve been told I wouldn’t be able to claim because it was act of god. Is this true?

    Ian Morris

    You may well still be able to claim compensation for this accident at work. Of course, we would need to find out more about the accident from you before we can offer any advice as to whether or not you have a valid claim.

    You may be able to claim compensation for your injuries on the basis if the roof sheets that were blown by the wind and knocked you from the wagon were not adequately secured or if the maintenance of the establishment in question was not adequate. Also, it could be possible that the employer should have called off your work if the winds were so strong that structural damage was being caused to adjacent buildings.

    We are currently succeeding with a claim where one of our recent storms saw extremely strong winds blow down a recently built breeze block wall onto one of the workers on the building site. This too could be seen as an act of god, but the claim is succeeding.

    Given the severe extent of your injuries (I would imagine that you will have some sort of permanent damage as a result of such injuries?) and the loss of income that I would assume you are now coping with, I think it is highly worthwhile us putting the details of your claim enquiry to one of our specialist accident at work compensation Solicitors.

    Reply

    Hello,
    Recently my mother was injured at work. She fell down a couple stairs and broke her ankle, her employer did not offer assistance or call an ambulance; she almost fainted as well. Her employer runs her own company and I am almost 100% sure she did not go through any saftey procedures or even has workers comp for her company. Is my mother possible to sue and report a claim? Is there anything we could possibly do? She’s a single mother and this is her only form of income.

    Ian Morris

    In the UK it is obligatory for employers to have employer liability insurance cover and any claim is usually made against that. If your mother’s employer does not have insurance, it is possible that a claim could be made against their personal wealth. Of course, this makes claiming compensation a little more difficult and far more awkward.

    However, in theory if there is a problem with the stairs in question or if the working arrangements/practices make it likely that an injury could be suffered, your mother may well have a viable claim for accident at work compensation.

    Reply

    Hi I climbed a pallet at work about 5ft high I fell off and fractured my hip. I understand this was my fault however we are under immense amounts of pressure at the supermarket I work for to hit targets . Do you think I have the right to claim ?

    Ian Morris

    You may have some grounds to pursue a claim for compensation against your employer here, but it is likely that you would have to accept some form of contributory negligence.

    If your employer has provided you with the correct equipment to get items that are at height (such as a step ladder or kick stool) and trained you to use the same, you may struggle to hold them liable for your injuries. However, if the employer is placing staff under intense pressure to work at speed and hit targets at any cost and it is therefore not possible to work safely, you may succeed with a claim for compensation.

    Given the severity of your injury, it is certainly worthwhile for us to look in to this further for you. I would like to speak with you as there could well be a viable claim for accident at work compensation here.

    Reply

    Hi. My partner works as a security guard for a shopping centre that has smaller outbuildings, which are restaurants, pubs, etc, which he must include in his security duties as part of his job. Part of his role is to patrol the outside of the building and its outbuildings at night (when it’s dark) using a route that is predetermined for him by management. One night he was doing his usual night patrol around part of the building which contains a restaurant, he slipped in a spillage outside this restaurant where their bins are (all part of the route he is instructed to use by management). He did damage to his knee, was signed off work by the doctors (with a medical note) and the hospital confirmed that the slip had caused cartilage damage. The day he returned to work after his medical note expired and his knee was better enough to work on, he was fired as the boss said “his level of absence was unacceptable”. He had worked there about 3 months (still in probation period of 3 months) and prior to his knee injury he had only had very minimal time off work, maybe about 3 days off sick before his knee injury (due to another accident at work, and his bosses were the ones who sent him home that time), so it was only the knee injury that caused the longer period of absence and it was covered by a doctor’s note that declared him unfit to work. To make matters worse, they agreed to renew his security badge at their expense, as he was their employee, but as he was fired he is now without a valid badge and therefore no means of getting another job in security as we cannot afford the cost to renew the badge. There was no warning given, so we were caught completely off guard and, since I left my job recently to have our daughter, we will be in financial difficulty as a result of this seemingly unfair loss of his job. Do we have any claim? Thank you for your information.

    Ian Morris

    There could well be a claim to be made here against the employer and restaurant that left the spillage/waste outside their premises. This claim would be for the knee injury and loss of income caused by the same. Unfortunately, given that your husband was only employed for a few months, he has very little rights against his employer for the termination of his contract.

    We would be delighted to try and assist with the personal injury claim.

    Reply

    Hi, this was a bit of time ago but I just want to know if I can get any money out of it now. Basically when I was working at a restaurant I was a kitchen assistant and we was running the Christmas booking and a bit of carpet was loose and they was saying it was for a while but never bothered fixing it, I tripped over it and fell over it wasn’t mad injuries but I was in a&e all night due to a broken finger and was in bad pain, well they believed that anyway. Would I be able to claim for this?

    Ian Morris

    Yes, you could most certainly pursue a claim for this accident, even if it did happen a while ago.

    Claimants have a maximum period of 3-years from the date of their accident in which they can pursue a claim for compensation, so as long as you are within that 3-year period, you’ll be fine.

    We look forward to speaking with you.

    Caitlin briscoe

    Ok thank you, it was only a sprained finger, but anyone could of fell over it they did write it in the accident book at the time.

    Ian Morris

    Caitlin

    A sprain injury can be equally as serious as a fracture and is something you can definitely pursue a claim for compensation for.

    Reply

    I tripped over a pallet at work but did not fall over it a college saw me fall forward then help me back to my feet said thanks ect ect carried on for a few min and my leg just gave up on me put it in accident book thought its just a muscle saw doc she said just rest, paracetamol, the next day after sleeping pain all over got to see my doc had examination he told me it was whiplash and to rest a couple days. i was carrying boxes when I went forward, will I get paid for this accident? thurs and fri told to complete accident report when I return Monday, thankyou in advance.

    Ian Morris

    The fact that you didn’t actually fall to the floor would not effect the outcome of any claim you opted to pursue. Whether or not you can succeed with a claim will depend on why you tripped over the pallet. Had it been left in a dangerous position? Was it obscured from view and as such a hazard? If so, you may well succeed with a claim. However, if the pallet was left in a safe location where it is not a walkway and you simply tripped over it because you were not looking where you were going, of course, you would have no claim.

    We would like to look in to this further for you as we have succeeded with many identical claims over the years.

    Reply

    My brother in law works in a car spray booth and uses an upside down lemonade crate his boss provides to stand on to spray the tops of cars. He fell off this and broke his wrist and broke a bone in his foot. No accident form was completed and he has been off work for 19 weeks. He returned 2 weeks ago on a phased return to work and has discovered that his accident hasn’t been reported. His boss is being difficult and only letting my brother in law work 2 days a week although he wants to work more. His boss has employed someone else in his absence and that person is still there. My brother in law is only getting 2 days pay but is still receiving statutory sick pay. He did receive full pay for the first 6 weeks of his absence then went onto SSP. The lemonade crate is still in use. Do you think he has a claim?

    Ian Morris

    The situation you describe regarding your Brother-in-Law’s accident at work and the attitude towards health and safety of his employer is something we hear quite regularly.

    Your Brother-in-Law should take a photograph of the milk crate in question – ideally when someone is stood upon it. I would imagine that his medical records show that the injury was caused at work and this would help. Your Brother-in-Law should still ask the employer to record the accident and what he could do is write to them/email the employer asking the question as to why the accident was not recorded?

    It would sound as if your Brother-in-Law has a viable claim for compensation and this is something we would be keen to discuss further with him.

    Reply

    I slid on some food substance on the floor while working, I almost fell and the person I was walking beside caught me. By trying to catch my balance I hurt my hurt my knee and couldn’t put pressure on it right away. I filled an accident report with the supervisor but my knee is still sore. I haven’t gone to the doctor yet. Do I make a claim?

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not the claim can succeed will depend on the defence raised by the 3rd party facing the claim. In the United Kingdom, the courts have previously ruled in favour of claimants when a 3rd party has been unable to demonstrate that they employ an adequate and sufficiently thorough cleaning regime in their premises. For example, when a person slips on a spillage on the floor of a supermarket, a slipping accident claim can succeed if it can be shown that the supermarket has not checked their floors for leaks, spillages or dropped items on a regular basis. Also, if spillages/dropped food is cleaned up and the floor washed, a hazard warning sign should be erected to provide notice to those using the area that the floor could be dangerous. As a rule of thumb, the courts have found that unless a business inspects and clears its floors once every 30 minutes that it will be liable if a person is to slip and fall due to an item on their floors. When it comes to claiming slipping accident compensation, the defendant must prove that they employ such a cleaning/monitoring regime.

    I hope that this information helps and I wish you every success with your claim for slipping accident compensation.

    Reply

    I tripped at work – it felt like my foot got stuck to the floor and I struggled to remain upright and regain my balance leading to me reaching out to a table and consequently hitting the side of my face very hard on the corner of it – I consequently have bruising to my face. The incident occurred in an area where drinks are carried and are frequently spilled and not always cleaned up effectively. At time of incident I could not see any spills though – would I have a claim?

    Ian Morris

    Angie

    Hi, if we can demonstrate that an area that is subject to hazards being spilled on the floor and is not adequately cleaned or marked with signage, we would be able to bring a claim for compensation against your employer.

    Reply

    I slipped getting on to my forklift truck due to step being slippy, resulting in a trip to casualty for pulled tendon muscle in my wrist. I believe I wont be paid from my employer.

    Ian Morris

    I’m sorry to hear about your accident at work. We’ve handled claims of a similar nature on a number of occasions – people who have slipped on the footplate of trucks, wagons, vehicles, forklifts etc at work. Employers have a duty of care to ensure that so far as is possible, all risks of injury are removed from the workplace. When it comes to slipping on a footplate/step of a vehicle, the employer should ensure that the step has a non-slip surface if possible and that employees are wearing suitable footwear (i.e that employees are advised as to what footwear is acceptable and what is not). If your employer hasn’t provided a non-slip step surface and the training/advice provided to you and colleagues is insufficient in terms of safety at work, you are likely to have a strong claim for compensation. Indeed, we have succeeded with the vast majority of such claims that we have pursued for claimants.

    Reply

    I have fell and hurt my knee in work today as I work on a bar the floor was wet and I slipped, if it wasn’t for my manager being there I would of also fell into a tray of wine glasses ( which my hand went into but luckily none smashed). They sent me home early from work which they are not paying me for my full hours. There was no wet floor sign and the fridges leak water! Should they pay me due to accident at work? And do I stand a chance on claiming compensation??

    Ian Morris

    Leanne

    I’m sorry to hear about your knee injury and hope that you’re not in too much pain and discomfort.

    You ask whether or not you should receive pay and if you have a good chance of claiming accident at work compensation. The answer to the first question on pay, depends on the contract you have with your employer. Some employers pay staff whilst they are off on sickness/injury leave, others do not. The answer to the 2nd question on whether you could claim is easier – yes!

    Liability wise, it sounds like your employer would have difficulty defending your claim as you say that the fridges leak water and there are no hazard warning signs in situ. Your employers would know that the fridges leak and that this would make the floor around them slippery. Therefore, not erecting a hazard sign and failing to fix the problem indicates a strong level of employer negligence and makes them therefore liable for your injuries.

    Remember, if you do pursue a claim for compensation successfully, you can also recover any lost income if you find that your employer doesn’t pay you whilst you are unable to work.

    I think you have a very good chance of succeeding with your claim and look forward to hearing from you.

    Reply

    I fell at work due to using a kickstool. I received 8 stitches to my head. I went back to work for 1 night. But been of Work since due to becoming light headed in my duties. I want to return to work but don’t feel well enough. What do you suggest?

    Ian Morris

    Our advice would be that we should pursue a claim for injury compensation. You should make sure that you contact your GP and discuss the ongoing symptoms that you are suffering with – light headedness etc. It could well be that alongside the nasty laceration you sustained, that you are also suffering with concussion. Therefore, it may well be unwise to return to work until you are fully recovered.

    Reply

    My mother works as a cleaner in leisure centre, after going to the office to collect a key she fell over on a wet floor, the floor was wet from it raining outside and people bring the water on their shoes, not from it being cleaned.
    As a result my mum slipped and landed face first into the floor, resulting in 7 stitches to her lip, a bruised hand and maybe a chipped tooth.
    A witness ( Member of staff) has said there was no wet floor sign in sight and once the incident happened a wet floor sign Was brought closer to the entrance.
    My mum does not want to cause a fuss but I have said if you didn’t fall the someone else would have sooner rather than later.
    The floor is a vinyl material, do you think there is reason to make a claim?

    Ian Morris

    Dear Jim

    I believe that your Mother has every right to pursue a claim for compensation given the lack of hazard signage in clear view to give her any warning. Your Mother’s initial reaction not to cause any fuss by making a claim is a common one with claims for accident at work compensation. People often worry (needlessly) about making a claim against an employer. However, being left with 7 stitches in a facial injury is definitely the kind of thing that should be claimed for. After all, this is why employers take out employer liability insurance.

    We would be more than happy to explain the claims process to you or your Mother and to help with a claim for compensation. We’ve got some top notch specialist accident at work solicitors who would be very happy to pursue this claim on a no win no fee basis.

    Reply
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