If you have been involved in an accident at work and been injured through no fault of your own, we can help you. It is worth bearing in mind, before we go any further, that with all personal injury claims a third party need to be at fault for the accident, in this case your employer needs to have been negligent in some way. We have years of experience in dealing with accident at work claims, having been established since 1997, and have seen first-hand the effect an injury in the workplace can have on people’s lives.
We understand that being injured at work not only causes physical pain and suffering but there can also be a much wider knock on effect to personal circumstances. Recovering from your injury can necessitate time off work and loss of pay which can lead to financial difficulties. You may have medical expenses to pay for such as travel to and from hospital appointments. Household bills, rent/mortgage can start to become a strain which can result in friction between family members at home.
So, what should you do following an accident at work to ensure the best chances of a successful claim? We have put together the following pointers to assist you:-
1. Medical attention. Above all else your physical wellbeing should be your first and primary concern.
2. Accident report book. Employers should have an accident report form or book which needs to be completed following an accident. This account of the accident should include the following:-
• Full name, address and occupation of injured person.
• Date and time of accident.
• Place where accident happened.
• Case and nature of the injury.
You will be asked to sign the accident report so ensure, if you have not written it yourself, that the account of what has happened is accurate. Do not sign the report if you disagree with it.
3. Photographs. It is useful, if possible, to obtain photographs of the accident site/defective equipment which has caused the accident. Before doing so however be sure that you are not prohibited in your contract from taking photographs of the work place.
4. Written account. It is useful, as soon as practical following the accident, to write a detailed written account of what happened while the incident is still fresh in your mind. This prevents confusion in the future and any potential of being unable to recollect precise details.
5. Witnesses. Speak to anyone who witnessed the accident to find out if they would be prepared to give a statement should you need one in the future. Witnesses are useful if for example your employer disputes your version of events.
6. Records. Keep a note of GP and/or hospital visits to include dates, times, cost of travel. Financial losses can result from cost of medical expenses, travel expenses, loss of earnings etc. Keep receipts/payslips to evidence these losses. There is a much higher chance of getting these losses recovered from your employer if you are able to provide proof of the same.
7. Seek professional help from Russell Worth 0800 028 2060. Although being able to tick off the above list is useful, please do not worry if you are unable to carry out all the suggestions listed. We are happy to advise you regardless of the amount of information you have and would be able to discuss a future claim based on any information you can provide us with. Please, give us a call today for a free, no obligation, claim assessment.
Free Claim Assessment
If you have been injured and would like a free Claim Assessment so that you can discover your rights, please call us now on 0800 028 2060 or complete our Online Claim Assessment.
