Accidents at Work
If you are injured while at your place of work or working elsewhere you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries and losses, including any loss of earnings.
Employers owe a high duty of care in safe guarding your well being at work. Employers are legally obliged to provide safe equipment, machinery and plant along with adequately trained co-workers. If you suffer an accident at work as a result of broken or defective equipment or an electric shock then you may be able to claim.
Your employer must try to ensure that you carry out your work in the safest way possible bearing in mind the type of job that you do, the materials and equipment that you work with and the tasks involved. Employers need to ensure that the place, or places, where you work and their premises in general are safe for their staff. Employers are also responsible for the heating and ventilation of their premises, the lighting and even the car park.
It is compulsory for your employer to have insurance for claims of this type. In order to make a successful claim, you will have to prove the accident was the fault of your employer. This may include the fault of another employee, that is, a fellow worker, for whom your employer is responsible. It is your duty to report your accident to your employer. You should also make sure the accident details are entered correctly in the Accident Book. Accidents can happen in many different ways. If you think it was not your own fault, or wholly or partly some else's fault, please contact us for further advice. One of our solicitors can advise you of your rights; your employer cannot terminate your employment contract because of a claim you have made.
Note: Under the Limitation Act 1980, a person has 3 years from the date of the accident within which to pursue a claim for compensation. If a claim is not pursued within this time limit the claim will become statute barred.
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