Accidents at work are all too common.
In the UK alone, over one million people suffer from work-related illnesses each year, with over 27 million working days lost and more than 170 employees losing their lives in the workplace.
Consequently, whether you’re employed in a cafe or on a building site, your employer has a duty to protect you and keep you up-to-date with the latest health and safety issues.
If you’re unfortunate enough to fall from a ladder or slip and break your leg, they also have a legal responsibility to report the accident and offer you statutory or contractual sick pay.
But if your injury is caused by your employer’s negligence, you may also be entitled to compensation.
Injuries at work come in many guises, with faulty equipment, poor training, toxic substances and falling objects – insert cartoon anvil here – the main offenders.
And although making a claim against your employer seems like a dangerous path to tread, the vast majority of people are right behind it.
Indeed, research has found that a whopping 95 per cent of folk think it’s vital to claim recompense after an occupational affliction or suffering an injury in the workplace.
So how do you go about it?
Know Your Rights
While it’s always preferable to consult a personal injury claim lawyer to obtain the best advice, it’s worthwhile conducting your own research to know where you stand. In the first place, it’s important to realise that, legally, your employer cannot dismiss or discipline you for making a work accident claim.
Reporting the Accident
Regardless of how minor the injury is, it should be noted in your employer’s accident book. Not only will this help if there’s a compensation claim down the line, but it will assist your employer in implementing measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Sick Pay
If your accident requires you to take time off from work, it’s likely you’ll only be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. In some cases, your employer may have a system for forking out more depending on what actually caused the accident.
Claiming Compensation
If you do decide to make a claim, it’s important to set the wheels in motion within three years of the accident occurring. If you’re a member of a union, you may want to speak with them to obtain advice before contacting your own solicitor.
The Aftermath
While some folk may be reluctant to make a claim lest their employer suddenly goes bankrupt, it’s vital to remember that your employer will be covered by liability insurance, which means your claim will be paid by the insurance provider and not your employer.
Takeaway
Ensuring workplace safety is every business’ responsibility. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, no matter how well your employer is ensuring the on-premise safety. However, when accidents are caused by your employer’s negligence, then you are eligible for compensation claim.
Instead of playing the blame-game, it is a more sensible approach to understanding what you are entitled to, so that you can pursue your claim and play by the rule. If you are unsure of what you are going to do to make a claim, consult with workers’ comp experts so that you can make a well-informed decision.