Accident at Work Claims

Many people worry that making a claim will cause problems with their employer or put their job at risk. In reality, employees have a legal right to pursue compensation if they have been injured because of someone else's negligence. Most accident at work claims are dealt with through an employer's liability insurance policy rather than being paid directly by the employer themselves. A reputable employer should understand that compensation claims are a recognised part of the legal system and exist to protect workers who have been injured.

It is not uncommon for there to be disagreements about how an accident happened. Even if your employer believes you were partly responsible, this does not automatically prevent you from making a claim. In some cases, responsibility may be shared between different parties, and compensation can still be awarded. A solicitor can review the circumstances of the accident, examine the available evidence and advise on whether a claim may still be possible.

Yes, you may still be able to make a claim if you were injured while carrying out your job away from your usual workplace. Employers have a duty to consider health and safety risks wherever work is being carried out, whether that is on a client's premises, a construction site, a public road or another temporary location. The key question is whether reasonable steps were taken to keep you safe. Every situation is different, so it is important to seek advice based on the specific circumstances of your accident.

While witnesses can be helpful, it is still possible to pursue an accident at work claim without them. Other forms of evidence may be available, including accident reports, CCTV footage, photographs, medical records and workplace documentation. In some cases, the circumstances surrounding the accident may be enough to establish what happened. A lack of witnesses should not discourage you from seeking legal advice if you believe your injury could have been avoided.

Not all workplace injuries happen as a result of a single accident. Some develop gradually because of repetitive tasks, poor working conditions or prolonged exposure to risks in the workplace. Examples can include repetitive strain injuries, hearing loss or injuries caused by repeated manual handling. These claims can be more complex because it is necessary to identify when the injury developed and what caused it, but compensation may still be available.

The strongest claims are usually supported by a combination of evidence rather than a single document or photograph. Useful evidence can include medical records, accident book entries, photographs of the accident location, witness details and correspondence relating to the incident. Documents showing lost earnings or expenses can also help demonstrate the financial impact of the injury. The more information available, the easier it can be to build a clear picture of what happened.

Temporary, seasonal and agency workers have the same right to a safe working environment as permanent employees. Employers and organisations using agency staff still have legal responsibilities when it comes to health and safety. If you were injured because proper precautions were not taken, you may still be entitled to pursue compensation. Determining who is legally responsible can sometimes be more complicated, but specialist advice can help clarify your options.

Many workplace injuries require treatment long after the initial accident has occurred. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may take into account the cost of future treatment, rehabilitation, physiotherapy or other support that may be needed. It can also consider the long term impact on your ability to work and carry out everyday activities. Understanding the full extent of your injuries is an important part of ensuring any settlement reflects your future needs.

The length of a claim can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the accident and whether responsibility is accepted. Straightforward cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while more complex claims involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer. It is important that a claim is not settled too early before the full impact of the injury is understood. Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the process and explain any factors that may affect timescales.

Leaving your job does not prevent you from making an accident at work claim. Many people choose to seek legal advice after moving to a different employer or leaving a role following an injury. What matters is whether the accident occurred because reasonable steps were not taken to protect your safety at the time. As long as the relevant time limits have not expired, you may still be able to pursue compensation regardless of your current employment situation.

Yes, we do. While Nash & Co Solicitors is based in Plymouth, we regularly act for clients outside of Devon and Cornwall.

We know that choosing the right solicitor is not always about finding the closest firm. Many people want a team with the right experience who will take the time to understand what has happened and provide support in a way that works for them. Wherever you are based, our team can guide you through the process clearly and keep things straightforward from the outset.

Our Personal Injury team regularly works with clients outside of the South West and will make the process as straightforward and accessible as possible. Whether you are local to us or further afield, we are here to provide clear advice, answer your questions and help you understand what options may be available to you.