Work Accident Compensation Claims

Don't Fear The Boss When You Proceed With A Claim For Work Accident Compensation

Why is it that fewer than 1 in 10 people who are injured in a work environment actually proceed to claim compensation? Is it because they are afraid of some kind of repercussion, perhaps fearful that they may be passed over for some promotion in the future or worse found to be "superfluous" to requirements? With an employment environment as difficult as it is these days, it's natural that we should be afraid for the future and worry whether we could become a statistic. We may have a lot invested in our career up to this point and be quite happy about our relationship with "the boss," however how will the relationship be after we launch a claim for compensation?

In reality, there's no need to worry so much. Remember that employers are required by law to have insurance in place to cover their employees in case of an incident.

Accidents are all too common and even though when you are affected directly, they are very real, you should understand that the employer, by the law of averages, expects to have a certain number of accidents in any given year.

Employees are also required to maintain a level of commitment to safety themselves

The Health and Safety Executive is very active in work environments and makes sure that accidents are avoided wherever possible. There are specific regulations written which cover an employer's duty to provide a safe and protected environment for you. For example, whenever you are required to handle or carry heavy loads, specific safeguards must be in place. Protective equipment must be made available if you have to deal with, for example, machinery. If something happens and you are injured, the employer could be found to be in breach of their statutory duty and this could lead to a claim on your part.

It is said that there are more than 1.5 million accidents per year in the work environment within the UK. 10% or more of those result in the individual concerned having to spend more than three days away from work due to injuries. Whilst we may tend to think of industrial occupations as being the most vulnerable in these situations, statistics show that the majority of these accidents take place in retail environments. Remember that you can trip and fall in an office or you can sustain a repetitive injury from using a computer keyboard. You can be involved in a fairly static occupation and still be at risk.

No Win No Fee accident compensation claim agreements

These days you may well be able to take advantage of a no win no fee agreement, which means that your solicitor will not charge you any legal fees associated with representing you in your case. The fees are paid by the defendant upon agreement for compensation, or when the court orders a judgement. Just make sure to keep details of the incident, together with pertinent dates, names and contact details of any witnesses, your expenses associated with treatment and any other costs. All this information will be important as your professional representative helps prepare your case for compensation.