Can I claim for a slip, trip or fall at work?
If you’ve been injured at work due to a slip, trip or fall that wasn’t your fault in the last three years, you could have grounds to make a claim.
Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of workplace accidents in the UK, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They can result in injuries including:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back and spinal injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Cuts, bruising and soft tissue damage
Even injuries that initially seem minor can have lasting effects. Your injury may have stopped you from working or affected your day-to-day life - we can assist you in claiming compensation to cover these losses.
Who will my claim be brought against?
Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe at work under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This means that they’re required by law to:
- Carry out regular risk assessments and act on any hazards identified
- Keep floors, walkways and common areas clean and free from obstacles
- Ensure the workplace is well-lit
- Provide suitable footwear or other protective equipment where needed
- Put up warning signs promptly when floors are wet
- Repair or address any known defects in the flooring
If your employer failed to meet these responsibilities and you were injured as a result, they may be held responsible for your injuries.
Will claiming against my employer affect my job?
It’s understandable that you might have concerns about how making a claim could affect your job. You shouldn’t let this deter you from making a claim, however, as there are employment laws in place to protect you.
Your employer isn’t legally allowed to dismiss you or treat you unfairly for making a claim. If they did, they would potentially be opening themselves up to further legal action.
It’s also worth noting that your employer will have liability insurance in place. This means that any compensation you receive will be paid through your employer’s insurer, rather than from their own funds.
How long do I have to make a claim after a slip, trip or fall at work?
In most cases, you’ll have three years to make a claim for an injury or illness caused by an accident at work. This time limit will typically start from the date of your accident or from when you first received a diagnosis.
While three years might sound like a long time, it’s always best to seek legal support sooner rather than later. This could make it easier for your solicitor to access key evidence and will also give you a better idea of where you stand.
How much compensation will I receive?
Every case is different, so we can’t give you an exact figure without knowing more about your situation. But if your claim is successful, your compensation is likely to be made up of two elements:
General damages – covering your pain, suffering and loss of amenity (the impact your injury has had on your daily life and enjoyment of activities).
Special damages – taking into account any financial losses you’ve suffered as a direct result of your injury. This might include:
- Lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work
- Your future earning potential if you’re unable to return to your role
- Private medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Care and supports costs if you’ve needed help at home
The more thoroughly you document your losses, the better placed your solicitor will be to value your claim.
How will First4InjuryClaims help me?
We know that dealing with a workplace injury is stressful enough without having to navigate a complicated legal process on top of it. Our job is to take as much of the weight off your shoulders as possible.
When you get in touch, our team will listen to what happened and let you know if you could have a strong case for compensation – all as part of a free no-obligation consultation.
If you decide to go forward with a claim, we’ll handle your case on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there will be nothing to pay upfront and no legal costs to cover if your case is unsuccessful.
We’ll keep you updated throughout and with our Touchpoint technology you can check on the progress of your claim online at any time.
Get in touch with us today to find out if we could help you.