Time limit
normally three years from the accident, or from when you realised work caused your condition.
Who pays
usually your employer's compulsory employers' liability insurance.
Cost to you
nothing upfront. We act on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Minor injuries
where compensation for the injury itself is likely to be under £1,500, a claim is normally a "small claim", and legal costs usually cannot be recovered from the other side. We will tell you honestly on our first call if that applies.
When is an employer legally responsible?
Employers must take reasonable steps to keep you safe, under the common law and health and safety legislation including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. We have to show the failure caused your injury. Typical examples:
- Slips, trips and falls on wet, cluttered or badly lit floors
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs or loading bays
- Lifting injuries without training, equipment or enough staff
- Faulty, unguarded or poorly maintained machinery
- Conditions that build up over time, such as hearing loss or lung disease from dust
What can you claim for?
Compensation has two parts. The first recognises the injury itself: the pain, the loss of enjoyment of life and any lasting effects. The second puts right the money you have lost or spent because of the accident, including:
- Lost earnings now, and in future if you cannot return to your old role
- Medical costs, prescriptions and travel to appointments
- Care and help at home, including from family
- Physiotherapy, counselling and other rehabilitation
Our compensation guide explains how these figures are worked out.
What should you do after an accident at work?
Get medical help.
Your health comes first, and your records are vital evidence.
Report it and make sure it is written down.
Ask for an entry in the accident book and keep a copy. Employers must report certain injuries to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR, including injuries that keep a worker off work for more than seven days, but their reporting duty does not decide your claim.
Gather evidence.
Photograph the scene, the equipment and your injuries. Note down any witnesses.
Keep your paperwork.
Payslips, receipts, sick notes and letters all matter.
Talk to us early.
Evidence such as CCTV is often overwritten within weeks.
Will claiming cost me my job?
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
What if my employer has closed down or cannot be found?
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
How we will look after you?
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
How No Win, No Fee works?
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
Your claim in four simple steps
Talk to us
Call or complete the form for a free, no-obligation chat about what happened.
We assess your claim
We tell you honestly whether you have a strong case, and what to expect.
We build your case
We gather evidence, arrange medical reports and deal with the other side.
You receive your
compensation
We negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed.
Accident at work claims: your questions answered
How long do I have to make a claim?
What if I never reported the accident?
Usually three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. Different rules can apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity.
What if I was partly to blame?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injury, your recovery and any financial losses.
Can I claim for an illness caused by my job, not a single accident?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injury, your recovery and any financial losses.
How long will my claim take?
Most claims settle without a court hearing. If yours does not, we will prepare you fully.
Will I have to go to court?
You can claim for lost earnings, and we will help you gather the evidence.
Talk to a solicitor today
Tell us what happened. It costs nothing, there is no obligation, and we will call you back within 2 working hours.