Workplace Injury Claims UK: Compensation, Employer Liability and What to Do After an Accident
Quick Answer: If you are injured at work because your employer or another legally responsible party failed to take reasonable care or breached a relevant legal duty, you may be able to claim compensation. Workplace injury claims can arise from accidents involving machinery, slips and trips, falls, unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, defective equipment and other workplace hazards. The precise legal position depends on the circumstances, evidence and applicable law.
Being injured at work can create problems far beyond the immediate physical injury.
You may be unable to work.
You may lose income.
You may require medical treatment or rehabilitation.
You may need assistance at home.
In serious cases, a workplace injury can permanently affect your ability to earn a living.
This is why workplace accident claims are not simply about proving that an accident happened.
The important legal questions include:
- What caused the accident?
- Did the employer or another party owe you a relevant legal duty?
- Was that duty breached?
- Did the breach cause your injury?
- Did you contribute to the accident or injury?
- What financial losses have resulted?
- What evidence supports the claim?
- What limitation period applies?
UK employers have extensive health and safety responsibilities. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 establishes a central statutory framework for protecting employees and others affected by work activities. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/contents?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
This guide explains how workplace injury claims work, when an employer may be liable, what to do after an accident, what evidence can support a claim and what compensation may be available.
Legal disclaimer: This article provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Employment and personal injury law can vary depending on the circumstances, jurisdiction and applicable legislation.
Key Takeaways
- An employee may be able to claim compensation where another party was legally responsible for a workplace injury.
- Not every workplace accident automatically establishes employer liability.
- Employers have extensive duties concerning workplace health and safety.
- Workplace accidents should generally be reported through the employer's accident-reporting procedures.
- Medical records can provide important evidence of the injury and its consequences.
- Witnesses, photographs, CCTV and workplace records can help establish what happened.
- Employers may have duties concerning training, supervision, equipment, risk assessment and workplace conditions.
- Employees can potentially claim even where the accident was partly their own fault, although contributory negligence may reduce compensation.
- Compensation can include damages for the injury and financial losses resulting from it.
- Serious injuries may involve future loss of earnings, care and rehabilitation costs.
- Strict limitation periods can apply to personal injury claims.
- Some qualifying claims may be funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement.
Can I Claim Compensation for an Injury at Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially. If your employer or another legally responsible party breached a relevant duty and that breach caused your injury, you may have a compensation claim.
Examples can include:
- Slips, trips and falls.
- Falls from height.
- Machinery accidents.
- Defective equipment.
- Unsafe workplace premises.
- Inadequate training.
- Inadequate supervision.
- Exposure to hazardous substances.
- Manual handling accidents.
- Vehicle-related workplace accidents.
The exact legal basis depends on what caused the injury.
Does an Employer Automatically Pay Compensation When an Employee Is Injured?
Quick Answer: No. An accident occurring at work does not automatically establish legal liability.
A claim generally requires a legal basis for holding the employer or another defendant responsible.
Questions can include:
- Was there a relevant duty?
- Was the duty breached?
- Was the breach a cause of the injury?
- What losses resulted?
The investigation should therefore focus on the cause of the accident rather than simply the fact that it occurred during working hours.
What Duties Does an Employer Have to Employees?
Employers have extensive health and safety responsibilities.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places duties on employers concerning the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their undertakings. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/contents?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Depending on the circumstances, workplace safety can involve:
- Safe systems of work.
- Suitable equipment.
- Training.
- Supervision.
- Risk assessment.
- Safe workplace conditions.
- Appropriate protective measures.
- Control of workplace hazards.
The precise obligations depend on the work being performed and the risks involved.
What Are Common Causes of Workplace Injury Claims?
Workplace accidents can arise in many ways.
Common examples include:
- Slips and trips.
- Falls from ladders.
- Falls from scaffolding or other elevated areas.
- Machinery accidents.
- Crush injuries.
- Manual handling injuries.
- Vehicle collisions.
- Falling objects.
- Electrical accidents.
- Exposure to chemicals.
- Inadequate workplace maintenance.
- Unsafe construction conditions.
Can I Claim for a Slip or Trip at Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially. A slip or trip may give rise to a claim where the accident resulted from a breach of a relevant duty.
Potential causes include:
- Spilled liquids.
- Uneven flooring.
- Damaged surfaces.
- Obstructions.
- Poor housekeeping.
- Inadequate lighting.
- Unsafe access routes.
Evidence of the condition of the workplace at the time of the accident can be particularly important.
Can I Claim If I Fell From a Ladder at Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially. A fall from a ladder can result in a workplace injury claim where unsafe equipment, inadequate training, inappropriate use or other failures contributed to the accident.
Evidence can include:
- Condition of the ladder.
- Work instructions.
- Risk assessments.
- Training records.
- Witness statements.
- Photographs.
- Maintenance records.
Can I Claim for a Machinery Accident?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Machinery accidents can involve complex questions concerning guarding, maintenance, training, supervision, operating procedures and equipment safety.
Preserve evidence concerning the machine where possible.
Do not alter or dispose of relevant equipment if it may be important evidence.
Can I Claim If My Employer Did Not Train Me Properly?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Inadequate training can be relevant where the absence of appropriate instruction contributed to the accident.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Training records.
- Induction documents.
- Written instructions.
- Safety policies.
- Witness evidence.
- Risk assessments.
Can I Claim If I Was Not Given Proper Safety Equipment?
Quick Answer: Potentially. The significance of protective equipment depends on the risks involved and the circumstances of the accident.
Potential evidence includes:
- Workplace policies.
- Safety instructions.
- Equipment issue records.
- Risk assessments.
- Photographs.
- Witness statements.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Workplace Accident?
Quick Answer: Obtain appropriate medical treatment, report the accident, preserve evidence and identify witnesses.
- Make sure you receive appropriate first aid or medical attention.
- Report the accident to the appropriate person.
- Ensure the accident is recorded through the workplace reporting procedure.
- Identify witnesses.
- Photograph the accident location where possible.
- Preserve damaged equipment, clothing or protective equipment.
- Keep medical records.
- Record any time away from work.
- Keep evidence of expenses.
Do not assume that an accident is too minor to report.
Contemporaneous workplace records can become important evidence later.
Should I Report an Accident at Work?
Quick Answer: You should follow your employer's accident-reporting procedure and ensure that the accident is properly recorded.
Some workplace incidents may also need to be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, commonly known as RIDDOR.
HSE explains that certain work-related deaths, serious injuries, diagnosed occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences must be reported under RIDDOR. ([hse.gov.uk](https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/what-must-i-report.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Does My Employer Have to Report My Accident to the HSE?
Quick Answer: Not every workplace accident is reportable under RIDDOR.
Whether a report is required depends on the nature and circumstances of the incident.
HSE identifies categories of reportable incidents, including certain specified injuries, work-related deaths, dangerous occurrences and certain occupational diseases. ([hse.gov.uk](https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/what-must-i-report.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The fact that an accident was not reported under RIDDOR does not automatically determine whether an employee has a civil compensation claim.
What Evidence Do I Need for a Workplace Injury Claim?
Potential evidence includes:
- Accident-book entry.
- Incident report.
- Photographs.
- CCTV.
- Witness statements.
- Risk assessments.
- Training records.
- Maintenance records.
- Workplace policies.
- Medical records.
- Employment records.
- Financial records.
Can My Employer Destroy Evidence?
Quick Answer: Relevant evidence should be preserved where it may be material to a potential claim.
If you believe important evidence exists, identify it promptly.
This may include:
- CCTV recordings.
- Machine inspection records.
- Maintenance logs.
- Training documents.
- Risk assessments.
- Accident reports.
Some workplace CCTV systems automatically overwrite recordings after a limited period, making early action particularly important.
What If My Employer Says the Accident Was My Fault?
Quick Answer: An employer's assertion that an employee was responsible does not automatically determine the legal outcome.
The evidence should be examined.
Relevant questions include:
- Was the employee properly trained?
- Were safe procedures in place?
- Was appropriate equipment provided?
- Was the employee adequately supervised?
- Were workplace hazards identified?
- Did the employer take reasonable precautions?
The employee's own conduct may also be relevant to contributory negligence.
Can I Claim If I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident?
Quick Answer: Potentially. An employee can potentially bring a claim even where their own conduct contributed to the accident.
However, if contributory negligence is established, compensation may be reduced.
The important question is whether and to what extent the employee's conduct contributed to the injury.
What Is Contributory Negligence in a Workplace Claim?
Quick Answer: Contributory negligence arises where the claimant's own lack of reasonable care contributed to the damage suffered.
Examples may include:
- Ignoring a clear safety instruction.
- Using equipment in an unsafe manner.
- Failing to use provided protective equipment.
- Taking an unnecessary risk.
However, employers cannot necessarily avoid responsibility simply by pointing to an employee's mistake.
The circumstances surrounding the employee's conduct must be examined.
Can I Claim If I Was Not Wearing Safety Equipment?
Quick Answer: Potentially. The absence of protective equipment may be relevant, but it does not automatically determine liability.
Questions can include:
- Was the equipment actually provided?
- Was its use mandatory?
- Was the employee trained?
- Was the equipment suitable?
- Did the absence of equipment cause or worsen the injury?
The legal effect depends on the evidence.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured by a Co-Worker?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Depending on the circumstances, an employer may be legally responsible for the conduct of an employee acting in the course of employment.
The precise legal principles depend on what happened and the relationship between the individuals involved.
Evidence should establish:
- What the co-worker did.
- Why the conduct was unsafe.
- Whether workplace procedures were followed.
- Whether supervision was adequate.
Can I Claim If a Contractor Caused My Workplace Injury?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Construction sites and other workplaces can involve multiple employers, contractors and organisations.
Liability depends on the duties owed and the conduct that caused the accident.
Possible defendants can include:
- Your employer.
- A contractor.
- A subcontractor.
- A site operator.
- An equipment supplier.
- Another legally responsible party.
Can I Claim If Defective Equipment Caused My Injury?
Quick Answer: Potentially. A defective product or piece of work equipment can create issues involving both workplace safety and product liability.
Preserve the equipment and relevant documentation where possible.
Potential evidence includes:
- Equipment identification numbers.
- Maintenance records.
- Purchase information.
- Photographs.
- Inspection records.
- Witness evidence.
Can I Claim for a Manual Handling Injury?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Manual handling injuries can arise where work requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or moving loads and appropriate precautions were not taken.
Potential issues include:
- Excessive load.
- Insufficient assistance.
- Inadequate training.
- Poor workplace design.
- Repetitive work.
- Inappropriate equipment.
Can I Claim for a Back Injury at Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially. A workplace back injury can result from a specific accident or, in some circumstances, develop over time.
Medical evidence is particularly important because back pain can have multiple possible causes.
The claim may require evidence linking the condition to workplace activities.
Can I Claim for a Repetitive Strain Injury?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Repetitive work can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders and other occupational injuries.
Evidence can include:
- Job description.
- Work patterns.
- Hours worked.
- Repetitive tasks.
- Workplace risk assessments.
- Medical evidence.
Can I Claim for Hearing Loss Caused by Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Occupational hearing loss can arise from prolonged exposure to excessive workplace noise.
Such claims can involve complex medical and employment evidence.
Evidence may include:
- Noise levels.
- Duration of exposure.
- Work history.
- Hearing protection.
- Occupational health records.
- Medical testing.
Can I Claim for an Occupational Disease?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Occupational disease claims can arise where working conditions cause or materially contribute to illness or disease.
Examples can include certain:
- Respiratory diseases.
- Skin conditions.
- Hearing conditions.
- Musculoskeletal disorders.
- Asbestos-related diseases.
These claims can be significantly more complex than a single-event accident.
What If I Developed an Illness Years After Leaving the Job?
Quick Answer: A delayed diagnosis does not automatically prevent a claim.
Some occupational diseases develop over many years.
However, limitation issues can become particularly important in such cases because the relevant date may depend on when the claimant first had the necessary knowledge about the injury and its cause.
Specialist advice should therefore be obtained promptly.
Can I Claim for Stress or Psychological Injury Caused by Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially, but work-related psychological injury claims can involve complex legal and medical questions.
Depending on the circumstances, issues can include:
- The nature of the work.
- Workplace pressures.
- Employer knowledge.
- Foreseeability.
- Medical diagnosis.
- Causation.
A stressful workplace does not automatically create a successful personal injury claim.
Can I Claim If I Became Ill Because of Workplace Chemicals?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Exposure to hazardous substances can create liability where appropriate safety controls were not implemented or relevant duties were breached.
Evidence can include:
- Substance information.
- Safety data.
- Exposure records.
- Protective equipment.
- Workplace procedures.
- Medical evidence.
What Compensation Can I Claim for a Workplace Injury?
Quick Answer: Compensation may include damages for the injury itself and financial losses caused by the accident or occupational condition.
Potential losses include:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
- Lost earnings.
- Future loss of earnings.
- Medical expenses.
- Rehabilitation.
- Care and assistance.
- Travel expenses.
- Equipment.
- Other legally recoverable financial losses.
Can I Claim for Lost Wages After a Workplace Accident?
Quick Answer: Potentially. If your injury causes you to lose earnings, the loss may form part of your compensation claim where legally recoverable.
Useful evidence includes:
- Payslips.
- P60s.
- Employment contracts.
- Employer correspondence.
- Tax records.
- Self-employed accounts where relevant.
Can I Claim for Future Loss of Earnings?
Quick Answer: Potentially, where the injury affects your future ability to work or earn.
This can become particularly important where an injury causes:
- Permanent disability.
- Reduced working hours.
- Inability to perform the same job.
- Career limitations.
- Early retirement.
Future-loss claims may require detailed medical and financial evidence.
Can I Claim for Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation?
Potentially.
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable expenses may include:
- Physiotherapy.
- Rehabilitation.
- Private medical treatment.
- Medication.
- Specialist assessments.
- Travel to treatment.
- Assistive equipment.
Keep receipts and supporting documentation.
Can I Claim for Care and Assistance?
Quick Answer: Potentially. If your injury means that you require assistance with everyday activities, the value of that assistance may form part of a claim where legally recoverable.
Care can involve:
- Personal care.
- Cooking.
- Shopping.
- Household tasks.
- Childcare.
- Transport.
Keep a record of assistance provided and the activities for which help was required.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive for an Injury at Work?
Quick Answer: There is no standard compensation amount for workplace injuries.
The value depends on:
- Severity of injury.
- Duration of symptoms.
- Recovery prospects.
- Psychological consequences.
- Lost earnings.
- Future losses.
- Medical expenses.
- Care requirements.
A minor injury and a permanent disabling injury can have dramatically different compensation values.
Can I Claim If I Am Still Working for the Employer?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Making a personal injury claim does not automatically require an employee to leave their job.
An employee may remain employed while pursuing a claim.
However, workplace relationships can become sensitive, particularly where the claim involves an ongoing dispute with the employer.
Can My Employer Sack Me for Making a Personal Injury Claim?
Quick Answer: An employer cannot simply treat an employee unfairly because they have asserted a legal right, but employment consequences depend on the circumstances and the applicable employment law.
If you are concerned about retaliation, disciplinary action or dismissal connected with making a claim, obtain employment-law advice separately from the personal injury advice where appropriate.
Does My Employer Have to Have Insurance?
Quick Answer: Most employers carrying on business in Great Britain are generally required to have employers' liability insurance meeting the statutory requirements.
The Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 provides the statutory framework for compulsory employers' liability insurance in Great Britain. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1969/57/contents?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
There are specific exemptions, so the exact position should be checked for the employer and circumstances involved.
Does Employers' Liability Insurance Mean the Employer Admits Fault?
Quick Answer: No. Insurance provides financial protection against qualifying liabilities; it does not automatically establish that the employer was legally responsible for an accident.
Liability still needs to be established according to the applicable legal principles.
Can I Claim If My Employer Has No Insurance?
Quick Answer: Potentially, although the absence of insurance can create additional practical and legal issues.
The employer's underlying legal liability and the existence of insurance are separate questions.
Professional advice should be obtained where an employer appears not to have appropriate insurance.
Can I Claim If I Am Self-Employed?
Quick Answer: Potentially, but the legal position depends on your actual working relationship and the cause of the accident.
Employment status can sometimes be more complicated than the label used in a contract.
Possible issues include:
- Who controlled the work?
- Who provided equipment?
- Who controlled the workplace?
- Who owed the relevant duty?
- What was the contractual relationship?
Can Agency Workers Claim Compensation for Workplace Injuries?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Agency workers may have rights and protections depending on the circumstances of their employment and the accident.
The claim may involve more than one organisation, particularly where the agency and host business have different responsibilities.
Can Contractors Claim for Workplace Accidents?
Potentially.
Where contractors work on construction sites, industrial premises or other workplaces involving multiple organisations, responsibility can be divided among several parties.
The legal analysis depends on who controlled the relevant risk and what duties were owed.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Workplace Injury Claim?
Quick Answer: Limitation periods apply to workplace personal injury claims. For many negligence-based personal injury claims in England and Wales, the usual period is three years, but exceptions can apply.
The relevant period can depend on:
- Date of accident.
- Date of knowledge.
- Occupational disease.
- Age of claimant.
- Capacity.
- Nature of the claim.
Citizens Advice notes that strict time limits apply to personal injury claims and recommends taking legal advice as soon as possible. ([citizensadvice.org.uk](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/claiming-compensation-for-a-personal-injury/personal-injuries/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
What If I Did Not Report the Accident Immediately?
Quick Answer: A delay in reporting an accident does not automatically eliminate a claim, but it can create evidential difficulties.
If you did not report the accident immediately:
- Report it as soon as possible.
- Explain why there was a delay.
- Seek medical treatment.
- Identify witnesses.
- Preserve other evidence.
The longer the delay, the greater the risk that evidence may be lost or memories may fade.
What If My Employer Says There Was No Accident?
Quick Answer: A missing accident-book entry does not necessarily mean that an accident did not occur.
Other evidence may include:
- Medical records.
- Witnesses.
- Messages to colleagues.
- Emails.
- Photographs.
- CCTV.
- Work schedules.
- Contemporaneous notes.
Preserve any evidence that documents what happened and when.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured Working from Home?
Quick Answer: Potentially, but the circumstances are likely to be different from a conventional workplace accident.
The legal position depends on:
- Where the accident occurred.
- What work activity was being performed.
- Who controlled the relevant risk.
- What equipment was being used.
- The employer's responsibilities.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured While Travelling for Work?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Work-related travel can create different legal issues depending on the circumstances.
Relevant questions include:
- Was the journey work-related?
- Who controlled the transport?
- Was a company vehicle involved?
- Was another road user responsible?
- Was the employee acting in the course of employment?
Can I Claim for an Injury Caused by Workplace Violence?
Quick Answer: Potentially. Workplace violence claims can involve questions concerning employer risk assessment, security measures, supervision and the foreseeability of the incident.
Depending on the circumstances, there may also be other compensation routes.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured by a Customer or Member of the Public?
Potentially.
The circumstances may involve questions about:
- Foreseeability.
- Workplace risk assessment.
- Security measures.
- Previous incidents.
- Employer knowledge.
Can I Claim If My Injury Happened During an Employer-Organised Event?
Quick Answer: Potentially. The fact that an activity was social or outside normal working hours does not automatically determine liability.
The circumstances must be examined to establish:
- Who organised the event.
- Whether participation was required.
- What activity occurred.
- What caused the injury.
Can I Make a Workplace Injury Claim on a No Win No Fee Basis?
Quick Answer: Some qualifying workplace personal injury claims can potentially be funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement.
A solicitor may consider:
- Evidence of employer negligence.
- Prospects of success.
- Severity of injury.
- Potential compensation.
- Costs and funding risks.
The terms of any Conditional Fee Agreement should be understood before signing.
Workplace Injury Claim Checklist
- ā Obtain medical attention.
- ā Report the accident.
- ā Ensure it is recorded appropriately.
- ā Identify witnesses.
- ā Photograph the accident location.
- ā Preserve damaged equipment.
- ā Preserve protective clothing and equipment.
- ā Identify CCTV.
- ā Keep medical records.
- ā Keep payslips and employment records.
- ā Record lost earnings.
- ā Keep receipts for expenses.
- ā Record care and assistance received.
- ā Check the limitation period.
- ā Obtain specialist advice where liability or injury is disputed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim compensation for an injury at work?
Potentially, if your employer or another legally responsible party breached a relevant duty and that breach caused your injury.
Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Potentially. Contributory negligence may reduce compensation where your own conduct contributed to the injury.
Can I claim if my employer did not train me properly?
Potentially. Inadequate training can be relevant where the lack of training contributed to the accident.
Can I claim for a workplace back injury?
Potentially. The claim depends on the cause of the injury and medical evidence connecting it to workplace activities.
Can I claim for a slip or trip at work?
Potentially. Evidence should establish what caused the slip or trip and whether a relevant duty was breached.
Can I claim if my employer says the accident was my fault?
Potentially. The employer's assertion does not automatically determine liability. The evidence and circumstances must be assessed.
Does my employer have to have insurance?
Most employers in Great Britain are generally required to maintain employers' liability insurance, subject to statutory exceptions.
How long do I have to make a workplace injury claim?
Many negligence-based personal injury claims in England and Wales are subject to a three-year limitation period, but exceptions apply. Obtain advice promptly.
Can I claim if I am still employed by the company?
Potentially. Remaining employed does not automatically prevent an employee from bringing a legitimate personal injury claim.
Can I claim if I was injured by a colleague?
Potentially. Depending on the circumstances, the employer may have legal responsibility for an employee's conduct or may itself have breached a relevant duty.
Can I make a workplace injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
Some qualifying claims may be funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement, subject to the solicitor accepting the case and the terms of the agreement.
What This Means for You
A workplace accident should not be dismissed simply because it happened during the ordinary course of employment.
Equally, not every workplace accident automatically means that the employer is legally responsible.
The crucial issue is what caused the injury.
Was the machinery unsafe?
Was the employee properly trained?
Was the workplace reasonably safe?
Were appropriate risk assessments carried out?
Was protective equipment provided?
Were employees properly supervised?
Was there a safe system of work?
The answers to these questions can determine whether a compensation claim has a viable legal basis.
Evidence should be preserved as early as possible.
Workplace records can disappear.
CCTV can be overwritten.
Equipment can be repaired or replaced.
Witness memories can fade.
That is why prompt reporting and evidence preservation can be important.
If you are injured at work, your immediate priority should always be appropriate medical treatment.
Once your immediate safety has been addressed, make sure the accident is properly reported and recorded, preserve relevant evidence and obtain appropriate advice where necessary.
Conclusion
Workplace injury claims can arise from a wide range of accidents and occupational conditions.
They can involve:
- Slips and trips.
- Falls.
- Machinery.
- Manual handling.
- Defective equipment.
- Unsafe premises.
- Inadequate training.
- Exposure to hazardous substances.
- Workplace vehicles.
- Occupational diseases.
The central question is whether another party was legally responsible for the injury.
Employers have extensive health and safety obligations, but liability must still be established from the facts and applicable law.
If an employee contributed to the accident, contributory negligence may reduce compensation, but it does not necessarily eliminate the claim.
Where liability is established, compensation can potentially cover the injury itself together with lost earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation, care, travel and other legally recoverable losses.
Serious injuries can also create substantial future losses.
If you have suffered an injury at work, preserve the evidence, report the accident, obtain appropriate medical care and consider the applicable limitation period as soon as possible.
The earlier the circumstances are properly documented, the easier it can be to establish what happened and assess whether a compensation claim is available.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, insurance, employment or medical advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Workplace injury law can vary depending on the jurisdiction, employment relationship, accident circumstances, applicable legislation and limitation rules. Always obtain appropriate professional advice for a specific claim.