How to get compensation for work related injuries in the UK

Were you injured at work? This article looks at what you should do both at the time of and after the workplace accident and gives details about the best way to make an injury at work claim.

What do to at the time

Incidents at work Your employer report all serious work injuries or work related accidents by law. Such incidents include: death, major injuries (e.g. a broken arm or ribs), dangerous incidents (e.g. the collapse of scaffolding), people overcome by gas, or any other injury which stops an employee from doing their normal work for more than three days, disease.
Reporting the incident Although this must be done by your employer, it is best to check that the incident has been reported. All minor incidents must be reported in an 'incident' or 'accident' book unless the company is very small.
Checking the incident list It is important to check that incidents, however small, go in the accident book because the details kept within it, would be required by accident at work solicitors in order to strongly establish your work compensation claim.

What to do afterwards

Personal injury at work is an important area of law. After your workplace injuries, you may either claim sick pay or make a claim for accident at work compensation. Sick pay Usually, if you require time off because of work related injuries, you will only be entitled to sick pay. Sick pay is regulated both by statute (law) and by your employer. You will automatically be entitled to statutory sick pay (which varies depending on conditions so check out the details here: Direct.gov.uk and any other sick pay given by your employer will have to be sorted out on a personal basis. Remember that your union, if you belong to one, can help you to find out the best way to access these funds. Compensation claims If you believe that your employer is at fault (make sure you are serious about your claim as you may be liable for legal costs if they are found not to be at fault!) then you can make a claim for compensation within three years of the accident happening. You will usually need a work injury lawyer to represent you. but accidents at work claims can also be dealt with by your trade union lawyers. Your employer must give you the details of their employee compensation insurance if you ask for them. If you cannot resolve the issue with your employer, then seek advice from legal professionals as you may be entitled to compensation.