Expertise with Claims and Compensation at Work

Claims and Compensation at Work

There are many reasons a person may claim compensation from their employer. Whether you’ve had an accident at work or suffered work-related stress, The Compensation Experts are here to help. We work with the UK’s leading compensation lawyers to obtain the maximum possible compensation. We have represented claimants around the country for claims and compensation at work. Our impressive personal injury claim results speak for themselves.

Injuries at work

Being injured at work can be stressful as well as physically painful. Concerns over money or paying for treatment can worsen the effect of an injury. Most people rely on their income and when that is threatened, worries about falling behind with monthly payments, not knowing whether they will be able to return to work due to injury, or concerns about what will happen when they return to work, arise.

The Compensation Experts appreciate the high levels of anxiety that can follow in the wake of an accident and we don’t want you to worry. Talk to us today if you have been injured at work in the last three years. We can see if you are able to make a claim.

To make an accident at work compensation claim, you need to prove it was your employer’s fault. We will seek to show that your injury could have been avoided if your employer had not failed in their legal duty of care to provide their employees with a safe environment. Not every accident will be avoidable, but employers need to take every reasonable step to minimise the risk.

If an employer fails to provide you with adequate training around managing the risks of the job, does not give you the correct safety equipment, or ignores concerns about potentially unsafe conditions, you may be able to claim compensation for your injury.

Take the First Step

Your successful claim starts with a conversation with one of our expert advisors. We will ask you questions about your particular situation. We will then determine whether you may be able to claim. This consultation is free and confidential, and there is absolutely no obligation for you to proceed with a claim with us.

Though we always do our best to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible; making a claim can take months and is not always simple. We work on a No Win No Fee* agreement. This means that if you don’t win, then we don’t get paid.

Types of Workplace Accidents

Some accidents at work can have serious consequences, including permanent injury or even death. Injuries that appear insignificant can also cause long-term problems. These include Tinnitus and Vibration White Finger. Both of these conditions can start as nothing more than a niggling irritation, but over time can escalate into severe afflictions. These can affect a sufferer’s ability to do their job or even live a day-to-day life free from pain.

No industry is without hazards; though some, like agricultural, construction and manufacturing industries, carry a higher risk than others. Accidents at work can occur when staff are not given sufficient training regarding operating dangerous machinery. Or if staff are working in a hazardous environment. They also happen when employers do not take preventative actions. These can include reducing working hours when operating loud vibrating machinery or providing effective ventilation for areas where hazardous chemicals are used.

Even if your employer is only partly at fault, you may still be able to claim compensation.

Some of the more typical examples of workplace accident claims we handle include:

• Falling from height, such as off scaffolding or from a ladder
• Slips, trips, and falls on uneven or slippery floors, or over obstacles like boxes
• Damage caused by incorrect manual handling. For example a back or shoulder injury from lifting something that is too heavy
• Occupational deafness or tinnitus caused by exposure to excessively loud noise
• Occupational illness such as vibration white finger or occupational asthma. These cause of these conditions can be working in risky environments for long periods or without adequate protection

What to Do if You Are Injured at Work

There are several steps you should take if you have an accident at work:

• Report it immediately to your employer following the correct process. All employers should have a way of recording details of accidents and injuries. Also, depending on the severity of the injury, they may also have to make a RIDDOR report to the Health & Safety Executive (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).
• Keep a copy of the accident report for your records. If you do not report your accident in writing, then make a note of who you verbally spoke to and when. Make sure you follow up to request a copy of your employer’s written report.
• Seek medical advice about your injury at the earliest opportunity. If you do not need hospital attention, then make an appointment with your GP and follow the treatment they recommend. It may also help to take photos of your injuries, to show the extent of swelling, scarring or bruising.
• Take pictures or make notes about the environment when you had your accident. Also, take the names of any potential witnesses who saw or heard your accident. Eyewitness accounts can be very beneficial when proving grounds for a claim.
• Keep notes about how you feel in the days following your accident. Is your injury causing you pain or preventing you from doing any of your normal activities? This includes driving, playing sport, or even sleeping?
• Keep receipts for any money you have spent because of your accident. Reasonable expenses can be included in your compensation payment. For example, you may need to pay for prescriptions or see a physiotherapist privately. Or you possibly have to travel to multiple hospital or specialist appointments, or take public transport because you can’t drive.

Under UK law you have to prove it was your employer’s fault. This is why we can spend several months gathering the evidence necessary to show liability. Our solicitors will speak with relevant experts, request independent medical and engineer reports, and talk to witnesses to build a strong case. This may give your claim the best likelihood of a successful outcome.

Our goal is to show that the cause of your accident was your employer failing rather than through any fault of your own. This is so that they accept liability and offer a fair compensation payment without the need to go to court. If they deny blame or refuse to pay a reasonable amount then we will recommend litigation, where a judge makes the decision. The vast majority of our claims settle out of court. This is because we are so thorough in our research and preparation.

Calculating Compensation Payments

The amount of compensation you will receive is based on several factors.

The first is the extent of your injury. A claim will take into account the level of physical pain you have, your recovery time and prognosis, and how your injury has affected your ability to live your life.

Special damages include items such as lost wages if you have had to work less hours or have only received statutory sick pay while recovering. They also include any transport or medical costs you have incurred, and repair or replacement of damaged property. Special damages are calculated to return your finances back to what they would have been had you not suffered illness or injury at work.

In the UK there are guidelines of proposed compensation payments based on recent payments for similar claims. Your personal injury lawyer will use them as a base for helping you understand how much you may be able to claim. No compensation claim is the same because the circumstances are unique. What may be a slight inconvenience for one person may be a significant hindrance to another. It is the effect on a victim’s life that is assessed as much as any physical damage.

Employer Indemnity Insurance

It is common for people to have concerns about the effect a claim will have on their job. There is no need to worry. All employers must have, by law, employers’ liability insurance. This is to ensure they can cover the cost of any compensation claim made by a staff member injured at work. Although we will submit your application to your employer, they will pass it to their insurance company. It is them who will respond to the claim and make a payment. Your employer will not suffer financial loss if you claim compensation.

Another concern claimants may have is how they will be treated at work if they make a claim. They may believe they could be blamed for the cost of the compensation, or feel forced to return to work before they are ready. In cases of severe injury where it takes a long time to get an accurate prognosis, such as a spinal injury, we can request an interim compensation payment to ease financial worries.

In most instances, you and your employer will not be directly involved in any of the claim negotiations. This is because we interact with their insurance company and legal team on your behalf. We are always aware that we are dealing with people’s working lives and relationships and, while we take every step to represent your best interests and protect your rights, we do so with consideration to you.

Start Your Claim Today

Begin your compensation claim today. From giving you the option of when you want us to call you to our free expert legal advice and our No Win No Fee* agreement, The Compensation Experts make it easy to claim compensation for a work-related illness or injury successfully.

We provide you with the answers and information you need to make an informed decision about if and how to proceed with a claim. You will be assigned a specialist compensation lawyer to handle your claim right the way through. They will keep you informed at every critical stage, so you know exactly what is happening and what to expect.

We work with leading personal injury solicitors around the UK. We will match you to one with the most appropriate knowledge and experience to help you claim.

Talk to The Compensation Experts if you have suffered a workplace accident or illness. Although you have three years to submit a claim to court, it is advisable to contact us as early as possible.

We have helped thousands of claimants around the UK so fill in our contact form today and let The Compensation Experts help you.

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