FAQs

Dismissing or mistreating an employee for making an honest compensation claim would itself be unlawful, exposing the employer to an unfair dismissal or detriment claim. In practice, your claim is dealt with by your employer's insurer rather than your employer personally; all employers are legally required to carry employers' liability insurance for exactly this situation. Fear of repercussions shouldn't stop you getting the compensation you need.

If your injury was caused by your employer failing in their duty to keep you reasonably safe, you can claim. That duty covers providing a safe place and system of work, properly maintained and guarded machinery and equipment, adequate training and supervision, and protection from risks like falls from height and unsafe lifting. Workplaces remain dangerous despite over a century of health and safety law, and we deal with all types of workplace accident claims.

Usually, yes. Where you share some responsibility, for example by not following training, the law applies "contributory negligence": your compensation is reduced by a percentage reflecting your share of the blame rather than being wiped out. Many injured people wrongly assume partial fault means no claim, so it's always worth getting your circumstances assessed before writing the claim off.

Get medical attention first, even for injuries that seem minor, as some get worse and your medical records become important evidence. Make sure the accident is recorded in your employer's accident book, note the names of any witnesses, and take photographs of whatever caused the accident if you safely can. Then take legal advice early, while the evidence is fresh.

Yes. The duty to provide a safe working environment isn't limited to direct employees: agency workers, contractors and the self-employed injured on someone else's site may be able to claim against the business in control of the workplace, the agency, or both. Who's responsible depends on the arrangements, and that's something we can untangle for you.