Workplace Injury Claims

Every employer in the United Kingdom has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. When employers fail in this duty and workers are injured as a result, those workers have the right to claim compensation. At MCR Solicitors in Manchester, our specialist workplace injury team helps employees across all industries claim the compensation they deserve for accidents at work.

We handle all workplace injury claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you - if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay us a penny. We take on the risk so you can focus on your recovery.

Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can happen in any industry and in any role. Our experienced solicitors handle all types of workplace injury claims:

Slips, Trips and Falls

The most common type of workplace accident. Employers must ensure floors are kept clean, dry, and free from obstacles. Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Trailing cables and wires
• Uneven flooring or damaged surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Cluttered walkways and obstacles
• Inadequate cleaning regimes

Falls from Height

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries. They can occur from:

• Ladders and stepladders
• Scaffolding and elevated platforms
• Roofs and roof access points
• Mezzanine floors and walkways
• Vehicles and loading bays

Employers must ensure proper safety measures including guardrails, harnesses, and adequate training.

Manual Handling Injuries

Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling heavy or awkward items causes thousands of injuries every year. Common injuries include:

• Back injuries and slipped discs
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Hernias
• Shoulder injuries
• Neck injuries

Employers must conduct risk assessments, provide training, and ensure mechanical aids are available where appropriate.

Machinery Accidents

Accidents involving machinery can cause devastating injuries including amputations, crush injuries, and burns. Common causes include:

• Inadequate machine guarding
• Lack of safety interlocks
• Poor maintenance
• Insufficient training
• Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures

Construction Site Accidents

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries. We handle claims involving:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs
• Being struck by falling objects
• Trench collapses
• Electrocution
• Vehicle and plant accidents
• Exposure to hazardous substances

Industrial Diseases

Some workplace injuries develop over time through repeated exposure to harmful conditions. We handle claims for:

• Asbestosis and mesothelioma - Caused by asbestos exposure
• Vibration white finger (HAVS) - Caused by vibrating tools
• Industrial deafness - Caused by excessive noise exposure
• Occupational asthma - Caused by dust, fumes, or chemicals
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI) - Caused by repetitive movements
• Carpal tunnel syndrome - Caused by repetitive hand movements
• Contact dermatitis - Caused by exposure to irritants

Employer's Responsibilities

Under UK health and safety law, employers have extensive duties to protect their workers. Key legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and numerous regulations covering specific risks.

Your Employer Must:

• Conduct risk assessments and act on the findings
• Provide safe systems of work
• Ensure equipment is safe and properly maintained
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Provide adequate training and supervision
• Maintain a safe working environment
• Have employers' liability insurance

When These Duties Are Breached

If your employer fails to meet these duties and you are injured as a result, they are liable for your injuries. This includes situations where:

• Risk assessments were not carried out or were inadequate
• Safety procedures were not followed or enforced
• Equipment was faulty, poorly maintained, or unsuitable
• Proper training was not provided
• Safety concerns you raised were ignored
• PPE was not provided or was inadequate

What You Can Claim For

Workplace injury compensation covers all your losses resulting from the accident:

Injury Compensation (General Damages)

• Pain and suffering from your injuries
• Loss of amenity (impact on your quality of life)
• Psychological impact including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Scarring and disfigurement

Financial Losses (Special Damages)

• Loss of earnings - Compensation for time off work during recovery
• Future loss of earnings - If your injuries affect your long-term earning capacity
• Loss of pension - If you cannot return to your previous role
• Medical expenses - Treatment, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation costs
• Travel costs - Getting to medical appointments
• Care and assistance - Professional care or help from family members
• Home adaptations - Modifications needed due to your injuries
• Equipment - Mobility aids and other necessary items

Will I Lose My Job If I Claim?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the answer is clear: it is illegal for employers to dismiss or treat you unfairly for making a compensation claim.

Your Legal Protection

The law specifically protects employees who pursue workplace injury claims:

• Dismissing you for making a claim would be automatically unfair dismissal
• Treating you less favourably (such as denying promotion) would be victimisation
• You would have additional legal claims if this happened

Your Employer's Insurance Pays

It is important to understand that compensation comes from your employer's liability insurance, not from your employer directly. All employers are legally required to have this insurance. Your claim costs your employer nothing beyond their insurance premium.

Many Employees Claim Successfully

Thousands of employees claim compensation for workplace injuries every year whilst continuing to work for the same employer. Most employers understand that accidents happen and that insurance exists precisely for this purpose.

If you are concerned about your employment situation, we can discuss your options and provide advice on protecting your position.

Time Limits for Workplace Injury Claims

You generally have 3 years from the date of your accident to start court proceedings. After this deadline, you lose your right to claim.

Industrial Diseases - Special Rules

For industrial diseases that develop gradually, the 3-year period runs from the date of knowledge - when you first knew (or should reasonably have known) that:

• Your condition was significant
• It was caused by your work
• It was caused by your employer's negligence

This means you may be able to claim for diseases even if you left the job many years ago - for example, asbestosis claims often arise decades after exposure.

Do Not Delay

Even if you have time remaining, we strongly recommend starting your claim as soon as possible:

• Evidence is easier to gather whilst fresh
• Witnesses' memories are clearer
• CCTV footage may be deleted
• Accident reports and documentation are easier to obtain

Our Workplace Injury Claims Process

We have designed our process to be straightforward and stress-free:

Step 1: Free Consultation

Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim. We will listen to what happened, ask questions about your injuries and circumstances, and give you honest advice about your prospects of success.

Step 2: Gathering Evidence

We will gather evidence to support your claim, including:

• Accident book entries and incident reports
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Health and safety policies
• Training records
• Witness statements from colleagues
• CCTV footage
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Your medical records

Step 3: Medical Assessment

We will arrange for you to be examined by an independent medical expert who will prepare a detailed report on your injuries, treatment, and prognosis.

Step 4: Submitting Your Claim

We will formally submit your claim to your employer's insurance company, setting out the circumstances of the accident and the compensation you are seeking.

Step 5: Negotiation

We negotiate firmly to achieve the maximum compensation. Insurance companies employ experienced claims handlers to minimise payouts - you need an experienced solicitor fighting equally hard for you.

Step 6: Settlement or Court

Most workplace injury claims settle through negotiation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will issue court proceedings and represent you throughout the litigation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation can I claim for an accident at work?

Compensation varies depending on the severity of your injuries and your financial losses. Minor injuries may attract a few thousand pounds, whilst serious injuries such as spinal injuries, amputations, or industrial diseases can result in hundreds of thousands of pounds. We will give you an honest assessment during your free consultation.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. If you were partly to blame for the accident, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility (contributory negligence), but you can still claim. Even if you made a mistake, your employer may still be liable for failing to provide adequate training, supervision, or safety measures.

What if my employer says it was my fault?

Employers often try to blame workers for accidents to avoid liability. However, employers cannot contract out of their duty of care, and they remain responsible for providing a safe workplace. We will investigate the circumstances thoroughly and challenge unfounded allegations.

Can I claim against a previous employer?

Yes. You can claim against any employer who was negligent, even if you no longer work for them. This is particularly relevant for industrial disease claims where symptoms may not appear until years after exposure.

What if my employer has closed down or gone bankrupt?

You can still claim. Employers' liability insurance policies remain valid even if the employer no longer exists. We can trace the insurance policy and pursue the claim against the insurer directly.

Do I need to report the accident to my employer first?

It helps your claim if the accident was reported and recorded in the accident book at the time. However, if you did not report it, you may still be able to claim - we can advise based on your specific circumstances.

Can agency workers claim compensation?

Yes. Agency workers, contractors, and temporary staff have the same rights to a safe workplace. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim against the agency, the host employer, or both.

How long will my claim take?

Straightforward workplace injury claims often settle within 12-18 months. More complex claims, particularly industrial disease cases, may take longer. We keep you informed throughout and work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.

Contact Our Workplace Injury Solicitors

If you have been injured at work, do not suffer in silence. Contact MCR Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced workplace injury team will assess your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve - on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Call us now: 0161 466 1280

Visit us: First Floor, 1024 Stockport Road, Manchester M19 3WX

We offer appointments in person at our Manchester office, by telephone, and by video call. Remember, claiming compensation is your legal right, and your employer cannot treat you unfairly for exercising that right. Contact us today.