Pursuing a case for compensation after an accident in the workplace

Accidents in the workplace do happen. Unfortunately if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time you can be involved in an accident in the workplace.

Every employer in the UK has legal obligations to protect their employees from any accidents that could occur. This is done by properly implementing health and safety laws and legislation so that accidents can be avoided wherever possible. However, this is often not carried out properly and as a result, people have become seriously injured.

If you have been injured as a result of an accident in the workplace and you believe that your employer is at fault for your injuries, then you need to seek advice from a solicitor. You may have a strong case for compensation for your injuries. It would involve pursuing a case for compensation against your employer. In order to make sure that your case is successful, you need to hire the help of a specialist solicitor.

You will be compensated for your injuries in addition to any loss of earnings, which may have been a direct result of your injuries, and any additional living costs you have incurred because of your injuries. Your solicitor will advise you about what they will compensate for, before the case goes to court.

Claiming after an accident in the workplace

Accidents in the workplace are unfortunately common place when health and safety laws and regulations have not been followed correctly or an individual has acted irresponsible and put their work colleagues at risk of having an accident.

Many personal injury claims come from accident in the workplace and many cases are successful when they pursue a case for compensation. Claiming compensation for the injuries you sustained at work is nothing to be ashamed about. If you have suffered pain and injury after falling, slipping or something similar in the workplace then you have every right to claim for compensation.

To assist you in putting together your claim for compensation, you should seek the expertise of a specialist solicitor who deals with cases such as yours on a day to day basis. You know that you case will be in safe hands when you hire yourself a solicitor.

Most solicitors who deal with cases such as this will work on a no win no fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay for their services unless they win your case for you. In most instances, your compensation will be calculated to include your solicitor’s fees.

Getting a solicitor’s opinion on your workplace accident

If you have suffered an accident in the workplace, it is worthwhile seeking the advice and opinion of a solicitor about your case. If the accident that occurred was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. This is why you need to seek the advice of a solicitor. They will be able to advise and guide you through the processes involved in claiming for compensation. They will tell you truthfully and honestly whether or not your case is strong enough to make a claim for compensation.

By hiring the services of a solicitor, you won’t have the worry and stress that comes with dealing with your compensation claim. They will deal with everything on your behalf. You will be able to concentrate on recovering from the injuries you sustained and getting yourself on your feet again.

The solicitor that you hire will collect together all of the evidence and support documents that will be needed to aid your case for compensation. You will be required to show your medical notes relating to the injuries from the accident. It is important that you keep clear and concise notes about your injuries to help support your case.

Have you sustained an injury in the workplace?

Injuries in workplace unfortunately are commonplace. Often this is because the employer has not properly implemented the necessary health and safety legislation and given the right training to their employees.

Health and safety is no laughing joke and every employer has a responsibility to their employees to ensure that they are safe whilst they are at work. Employers have a legal obligation to provide employees with the right clothing, training and facilities in which to perform their job safely.

If you have had an accident in the workplace as a result of your employer not giving you right training or because your work environment is not safe, then you will the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

In order to get the most compensation for your injuries, it would be advisable to hire the services of a solicitor to deal with your case. They know the law surrounding accidents in the workplace and they will know how to handle your individual claim. You want to hire a solicitor who has had previous experience in dealing with cases such as yours and has been successful in pursuing cases such as yours.

Had an accident at work? Claim compensation

If you have been involved in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, have you considered putting in a claim for compensation? Claiming compensation for your injuries is nothing to be ashamed about. As a result of your injuries, which you sustained during your accident you may have had to change your lifestyle, seek additional medical advice or you may have even lost your job.

All of these elements will be compensated for when it comes to putting in your claim. Although you might be able to pursue a compensation claim by yourself, it would be advisable to hire the services of a solicitor.

Not only will the solicitor handle everything on your behalf, they will also negotiate a good settlement for your injuries. They will be working on a no win no fee basis so you won’t have to pay them a penny unless your case for compensation has been settled. Normally the solicitor will not take on the case unless they believe there is a good chance that you will win your claim for compensation.

Steps to effectively reduce work accidents and compensation claims

It is true that jobs are becoming more challenging, both mentally and physically. This can often be seen on job-sites that deal with construction, power tools, chemicals and other dangerous materials and equipment. Fortunately, employees that get injured or suffer in some way from these materials have the ability to file for compensation for work accidents. However, it is more important that steps are taken to reduce the possibility of work accidents rather than making claims for them.

Ways to reduce work accidents

Regular inspections - Work accidents generally occur due to safety negligence at the workplace. It is important to review the working premises for hazards that could cause accidents. Uncovered leads or wires and packaging left around the place can result in accidents. Providing appropriate clothing, heating, seating and such things in the workplace can also reduce work accidents.

Training - Providing employees with training on safety and health measures in the workplace is also a good way to reduce work accidents. Safety drills every month and putting up safety signs can also help a great deal.

Procedures - It is important to have appropriate procedures in place should an accident take place. This could be anything like dealing with a spillage or ensuring that packaging of goods is not left lying around.

Ensuring that there is an adequate level of safety at the workplace is one of the most important things for reducing work accidents and compensation claims as well.

Accident Compensation Stories

Real Lives, Real Injuries, Real Problems

We have helped numerous victims of non fault accidents in their quest for Personal Injury Compensation. On a daily basis, we field calls and internet enquiries from potential clients who are struggling to cope in the aftermath of their accident and with the loss of income and independence their injuries have caused to them.

It is pleasing to know that during our daily slog at work, we have gone some way towards helping these people get back on their feet, both financially and physically. It goes without saying that nobody wants to get injured and nobody wants to be financially ruined because they cant work, especially after a terrible accident.

Thankfully, we live in a civilised society with a legal system that provides financially risk free legal assistance like our No Win No Fee accident compensation service; to help the unfortunate innocent accident victims pick up the pieces of their lives and get back to where they should be.

Work Accident, loss of income loss of happiness

Our client was at work at the joinery firm he had been with for around 6 weeks. As a skilled and qualified joiner, he was used to handling all sorts of machines, timbers and tools. His new employers had promised him everything. More money, better hours and the journey to his new work place was around ½ an hour less than his old one.
Unbeknown to our client, behind the image that they had put to him, they were corner cutters and scrimped on vital Health & Safety equipment, new tools, tool repairs and training. It turns out they the new employer preferred to take cash out of the business at the risk of employee injury.

When a new job came in, our client was only too pleased to be involved in the task. It seemed that overtime would be available and if the job were finished within the agreed time frame, a hefty bonus would be his for the taking. Who would turn that down?

The job was to make huge speaker boxes for stadium performance amps, the kind of thing that would be used by a huge rock band at Wembley Stadium. Our client knew how to use the routing machine, having used one for many years in his previous job. He knew the safety requirements of being trained, correct clothing, eye protection etc, so he started with the task in hand.

Cutting Corners

What he did not know was that his employer had loosened the safety guard to enable the large wooden amp frames to fit on the router. He had no idea that he was about to sustain a life changing injury through an act of negligence by his employer. Loosening the guard enabled the wood to fit the machine, but it also exposed him to a great risk of injury. The employer should have purchased or hired in a larger machine so that the job could be done safely.

Unfortunately, the loosened guard offered no protection to our client. As he was routing the 2nd item, the router jammed, pulled the wood hard and caused our clients hand to jam against the sharp blade.
His injuries were terrible. He basically routed the back of his dominant right hand clean off. Despite immediate medical attention and expert surgery within hours, the full use of his hand could not be saved. Now, as well as having a terrible disfigurement in a very visible place, he also has a 60% loss of use of the hand.

Loss of income

The severity of this injury caused our client to have no option other than to leave his job. He could no longer operate the machinery required and was unable to perform the tasks that he had done for many years. As a middle aged man with a training and background in the Joinery trade, he had no easy option and was unable to command an income anywhere near that which he was used to.

Suddenly, paying the bills, servicing his mortgage and funding his family was almost impossible. He was entitled to some benefits, but not enough to pay the way.

Accident at work compensation claim

Fortunately, our client was made aware of his right to make a claim and along with his wife looked in to his options. Thankfully, he chose the right partner for his work accident compensation claim and came to Direct 2 Solicitors. We knew immediately after speaking with him that he had a very strong claim. Indeed, we went as close as we ever do to guaranteeing his claim would win. We never do guarantees of that sort though, but always guarantee that we offer a genuine No Win No Fee service.

His claim is now well towards settlement and our Panel Solicitor running the claim has informed us that the settlement will be substantial. The 3rd party insurance company has accepted liability and it is hoped that the settlement will be enough to wipe out our clients immediate financial worries. Our client has since been in contact with us and is very happy with the progress to date of his claim.

Remember your rights. You can claim if you are not at fault

If you, a friend, family member or colleague is injured through no fault of their own, they may well be able to claim accident compensation. The compensation settlement will not change the fact that they are injured and have suffered, but it will compensate them for the pain and distress of their injuries and financial losses.

Any claim is made against an Insurer, such as an Employers Liability, Motoring or Public Liability Insurance Policy. The insurers accept the risk and charge a premium to provide cover. If the worst happens, the policy is there to be used.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Do you know if you are entitled to make a No Win No Fee accident compensation claim?

You have been injured, it was not your fault. But can you claim compensation?

With so many armchair Solicitors and many well meaning, but misinformed people ready to tell everyone what they think they know about making a claim, we find that often the injured party either does not know that they could make a successful claim, or has been informed that they could and should, when they cant! So, to help potential claimants decide if the cause of their injuries will enable you to lodge a claim for Accident Compensation, basic accident claim criteria information is needed (see below).

Remember, there are always exceptions to rules and each accident claim needs to be assessed on its own merits. We advise all persons injured in non fault accidents considering a claim to call us and discuss their accident claim circumstance with our experts. You may think you dont have a claim when you do.

Basic Criteria

Limitation: This is the time frame in which a claimant HAS to register a claim in the courts. An adult (over 21yrs) has 3 years from the date of an accident to ensure a claim is registered. Therefore, if accident injuries were caused 3 or more years ago, the claim is out of limitation and any rights to make a claim become statute barred.

Remember, an Accident Claim Solicitor or Claims Management Company usually require AT LEAST 6 months of a 3 year period remaining so that they can prepare a claim properly (although there are exceptions to this).

Exceptions

Adults have 3 years; children have until their 21^st birthday (or 3 years). CICA claimants (Criminal Injuries) have 2 years (although older claims can be considered) as do MIB claimants (victims of uninsured and untraced drivers).

Liability: For an individual to successfully pursue a No Win No Fee accident compensation claim there needs to be a liable 3^rd party to pursue for the compensation. If the accident was your fault, you have no claim. However, if your injuries arise from an accident at work, a road traffic accident or a slip/fall in a public place, you may be able to claim compensation. It boils down to a duty of care at the feet of the persons, authority or employer who owns or operates the location where you were injured.

Like who?

For example, Council Highways Departments have to monitor, inspect and repair footpaths and roads within a reasonable time frame and ensure that defects of a certain size and of a certain age are removed. If they dont, person injured on a hazardous pathway could make an accident compensation claim. Employers have to provide Health & Safety training and equipment and follow strict laws governing employees safety at work. Failure to do so could result in a serious injury and leave them open to a claim for work accident compensation. Drivers of cars, motorcycles and pushbikes have a responsibility to drive safely and pay attention to road conditions and traffic. If they fail to do so and cause a Road Traffic Accident, an injured person could easily pursue a whiplash claim or similar for their injuries and losses.

Proof: Individuals MUST prove that they were injured and that it was someone else's fault. If they fail to do so, their accident compensation claim will fail. Persons wishing to pursue compensation claims MUST have sought medical treatment either at a Hospital or GP and it MUST be noted on the medical records. Also, the injuries have to be of a certain severity.

How?

As well notes on medical records, injured parties MUST always ensure that accidents at work are recorded in employers official accident books. Injured parties MUST report this themselves, ensuring the record is an accurate report of what happened. A person injured in any public establishment, such as a Hotel, Shop or Restaurant, again must ensure a record is entered in an accident book. Road Traffic accident victims should ensure that their insurers have been informed and if necessary, also inform the Police. Whilst Police cannot always attend an accident, they will make a log of any report and issue an incident reference number.

Now I know. Or do I?!

As stated earlier, each case has to be looked at individually, but the above gives some pointers as to if you could make a claim. Our advice remains the same, contact us for an honest opinion. It is free and you may well be entitled to compensation. We know Accident Compensation wont make the pain go away, but it does help you to get back to where you should have been if you were not injured in the first place. Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd, will know if your claim is worthy of consideration by an expert Personal Injury Solicitor, so to let us discuss your accident and we can then decide if it is in your interests to make a claim for Accident Compensation.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box on this page.