An accident at work is any unexpected or undesirable event that occurs during the execution of work and usually results in one or more workers sustaining a personal injury and, in extreme cases, death.
When you have sustained an injury through an accident at work, we normally find you have two immediate concerns:
1.When will I be able to get back to work?
2.How will I pay my bills in the meantime?
We can deal with both of these concerns for you. Pabla + Pabla Solicitors can obtain a payment on account of your compensation claim from your employer's insurance company to cover the period while you are unable to work. We can also request a payment for any treatment required to speed up your recovery process and return you to work as soon as possible.
In addition to the award for your injuries, you will also receive compensation for all other losses and expenses reasonably incurred as a result of the accident. Your expert Pabla + Pabla solicitor will advise you what expenses you can claim but these are likely to include some or all of the following:
•Lost earnings if you have been away from work as a result of the accident
•Treatment for your injuries
•Miscellaneous expenses (bus fares, painkillers etc).
Accidents could occur in any workplace from a factory or office to a school or hospital to a hotel or pub. Common personal injuries suffered as a result of accidents in the workplace include head injuries, brain injuries, whiplash injuries, spinal injuries, back injuries, knee injuries and ankle injuries.
Workers may also contract industrial illnesses or injuries as a direct result of their job. Our personal injury solicitors have successfully dealt with many of these cases such as asbestos related diseases, vibration white finger, carpel tunnel syndrome, tinnitus and repetitive strain injury.
The top three most dangerous occupations are agriculture, construction and transport with the most common fatal injuries being caused by falling from height, being struck by a moving vehicle and being hit by moving or falling objects.
Failure to conform to health and safety regulations is estimated to cost Britain’s employers upwards of £7 billion every year. An astonishing 70% of accidents at work could be prevented if employers simply abided by these regulations. Read more about incidence rates of accidents at work.
All employers have a duty of care for their employees and they must follow specific health, safety and welfare guidelines in the workplace to stay within the law. Such health guidelines include: maintaining ventilation, temperature and cleanliness; safety guidelines include maintaining safe floors and traffic routes and welfare guidelines include supplying wholesome drinking water and suitable facilities for eating and resting.
It is vital for all workers to be aware of the issues that affect their health and safety at work:
•All workers have a right to work in places where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. This is the primary responsibility of the employer.
•Workers have a right to join and be represented by a trade union.
•Workers and employers have a legal responsibility to work together to maintain health and safety at work.
•Workers who contribute to health and safety at work are safer and healthier than those who do not.
If you have been harmed in an accident at work, your employer may be accountable and you could have grounds to make a compensation claim.
How long do I have to make an accident at work claim?
Normally you have three years from the date of an accident to make your claim for compensation. However, in some circumstances this can be extended for an even longer period, for instance if you were not 18 years old at the time of the accident. If you are in any doubt, please call us, email us, or complete our online claim form, and we will be in touch with you shortly to give advice. There is no charge for assessing your claim, so you have nothing to lose and much to gain if you can make a successful claim.
How much personal injury compensation will I receive for my injuries?
Every claim is different. However, there are guidelines issued by the courts for solicitors. All Pabla + Pabla solicitors are experts in handling accident claims and know how to use these guidelines to ensure you receive the right amount of compensation for your injuries. You will be advised, once initial evidence has been collected, as to the likely level of the award of compensation for your accident at work claim.
To make a personal injury claim following an accident at work without delay call 0161 234 2650
Or e-mail us accidentsatwork@pablasolicitors.co.uk
