Your workplace should be a safe environment, but accidents can and do happen, even when health and safety regulations are followed. A workplace injury—whether minor or serious—can impact your health, income, career prospects, and overall quality of life.
Fortunately, under UK law, employees have the right to seek compensation if they suffer an injury at work due to their employer’s negligence or a failure to provide a safe working environment. Understanding your legal rights and the process will help ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
What can you claim for?
If you have suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation under the following heads of loss:
- General Damages (Pain, Suffering and Loss of Amenity – PSLA)
This compensates you for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your daily life, including any loss of ability to engage in hobbies, sports, or other personal activities.
- Loss of Earnings
If your injury has prevented you from working, you can claim for loss of income, including any overtime, bonuses, or other employment-related benefits you have missed.
- Special Damages (Financial Losses)
These cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of your injury, such as:
- Medical expenses – including the cost of private treatment, physiotherapy, prescription medication, and consultations with specialists.
- Damaged personal property – reimbursement for clothing, mobile phones, or other belongings damaged in the accident.
- Care and assistance costs – if you have needed help from a family member, friend, or professional carer, you may be able to claim for this support.
- Travel expenses – covering the costs of attending medical appointments, physiotherapy sessions, or any other necessary travel related to the injury.
- Future Loss of Earnings
If your injury has long-term effects on your ability to work, you may be entitled to claim for future loss of income, including any impact on career progression.
- Future Care Costs
If your injury requires ongoing care or support, you may be able to claim compensation for future care expenses, whether provided by a family member, professional carer, or medical practitioner.
What determines the value of your compensation?
Several factors affect the amount of compensation you may receive, including:
- Severity of the injury – Serious injuries (e.g., fractures, head injuries, spinal damage) attract higher compensation.
- Length of recovery – The longer your rehabilitation period, the higher the potential claim value.
- Impact on daily life – If your injury prevents you from carrying out normal activities (e.g., work, hobbies, or personal care), this will be taken into account.
- Employer liability – If it is proven that your employer’s negligence directly caused the accident (e.g., failure to follow health and safety regulations), your compensation may be higher than in split liability cases.
It is important to note that insurance companies often try to minimise payouts. Ensuring your claim is properly documented and supported by evidence will strengthen your case and maximise your compensation.
What evidence will support your claim?
The stronger your evidence, the greater your chances of securing fair compensation. The following will support your claim:
- Photographs and CCTV footage – of the accident, unsafe working conditions, or faulty equipment.
- Medical records – including GP or hospital records, prescriptions and referrals for treatment.
- Witness statements – from colleagues or others who witnesses the accident.
- Official accident report – under UK law, employers must record workplace accidents in an accident report book.
- Financial records – payslips showing lost earnings, receipts for medical treatment, travel expenses, or other financial losses.
A well-documented case will speed up the claims process and reduce the likelihood of disputes with the employer’s insurer.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many claimants make errors that can delay or reduce the value of their compensation. The most common mistakes include:
- Waiting for the employer to offer compensation – Most employers will not voluntarily pay compensation without a formal claim.
- Failing to seek medical attention – If your injury is not documented by a medical professional, it will be difficult to prove the extent of your suffering later.
- Failure to gather sufficient evidence – Lack of photos, witness statements, or an official accident report can weaken your claim.
- Accepting the first settlement offer – Insurers often propose low initial settlements; seeking legal advice can help ensure you receive the full amount you are entitled to.
Avoiding these mistakes strengthens your claim and increases your chances of securing a fair settlement.
How "it happens" can help
We understand that a workplace injury is not just about physical pain—it can also cause financial stress and uncertainty about your future. That’s why we guide you through every step of the claims, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our firm operates on a "No Win, No Fee" basis, meaning you will not pay a penny unless your claim is successful. This allows you to pursue compensation with no financial risk.
How we support you:
✔ Free case assessment – we review your claim and provide an honest evaluation of your prospects of success.
✔ Evidence collection – we help gather the necessary documentation to support your case.
✔ Negotiation with insurers – we handle all negotiations to secure the best possible settlement.
✔ Expert legal representation – our UK-based solicitors specialise in workplace injury claims. We provide support in English, Romanian, and Russian.
With it happens, you will receive expert legal guidance based on UK law, ensuring your case is handled professionally and efficiently.
How long does it take to receive compensation?
The time required to process a claim depends on the complexity of the case:
- Straightforward cases (minor injuries, clear employer liability) – typically 6 to 9 months.
- Complex cases (long-term medical treatment, liability disputes) – typically 9 to 18 months.
- Court proceedings – some claims may take longer if the case proceeds to court, but the majority of cases are settled out of court.
The better prepared your case, the faster the process and the higher the likelihood of receiving full compensation.
Important: Limitation period for pursuing a claim
In the United Kingdom, you have three years from the date of injury to make a workplace injury claim. If this deadline is missed, you may lose your right to compensation, regardless of the evidence you have.
If you have been injured at work, in a public place, or in a road traffic accident, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The earlier you start the process, the stronger your case will be.
Contact "it happens" today! We will handle your claim professionally and ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
