Accidents at Work Your Right to Claim Compensation

Accidents at work happen far more often than many people realise. Every year, thousands of employees across the UK are injured while carrying out their jobs, whether in offices, factories, warehouses, construction sites, care settings, retail premises or outdoor roles. Despite this, many injured workers are reluctant to explore their legal rights. A common concern is the fear that bringing a claim against an employer could jeopardise their job, damage workplace relationships, or label them as a “troublemaker”. At Hopkins Solicitors, our Personal Injury team regularly speaks to clients who delayed seeking advice for these very reasons.

The reality is that employees have a clear legal right to pursue compensation for accidents at work, and doing so should not affect their employment. The law exists to protect workers, not to punish them for being injured. This article explains why employees are entitled to bring accident at work claims and why injured employees should feel confident in seeking advice and support.

Your Employer’s Duty of Care

Under UK law, employers owe their employees a duty of care, meaning they must take reasonable steps to ensure that the workplace is safe and that employees are not exposed to unnecessary risks. 

This duty of care requires employers to provide:

• A safe place of work
• Safe systems of work
• Proper training and supervision
• Suitable and well-maintained equipment
• Competent colleagues

When an employer fails in these duties and an employee is injured as a result, the law provides a mechanism for that employee to seek compensation. Accident at work claims are not about blaming individuals or attacking a business; they are about holding employers accountable for meeting their legal responsibilities.

Common Types of Accidents at Work

Accidents at work can occur in almost any role or industry. Some of the most common scenarios we see include slips, trips and falls caused by wet floors, trailing cables or uneven surfaces. Manual handling injuries, such as back or shoulder injuries from lifting or moving heavy items, are also extremely common. In more hazardous environments, accidents may involve falls from height, injuries caused by machinery, or exposure to harmful substances.

Office workers are not immune from injury either. Poor workstation setups can lead to repetitive strain injuries, while inadequate lighting, cluttered walkways or defective equipment can still result in accidents. Regardless of the setting, if the accident was caused or contributed to by an employer’s failure to take reasonable care, an employee may be entitled to bring a claim.

You Have a Legal Right to Make a Claim

One of the most important messages for employees to understand is this: you have a legal right to pursue compensation if you have been injured at work due to negligence. This right exists to protect you and to ensure that you are not left out of pocket because of an accident that was not your fault.

Exercising this right is not disloyal, unreasonable or unfair. It is a legitimate legal remedy that Parliament has chosen to make available to workers for very good reasons.

Will Making a Claim Affect My Job?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked. The short answer is no: making a genuine accident at work claim should not affect your employment. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss or penalise an employee simply because they have brought, or are considering bringing, a personal injury claim.

Most reputable employers understand that accidents can happen and that insurance exists to deal with claims. In many cases, the employer’s direct involvement is minimal. Once a claim is notified, it is usually passed to their insurer to handle. Day-to-day working relationships often continue as normal.

It is also worth remembering that employers are under a duty to maintain safe working conditions for everyone. Bringing a claim can highlight safety issues that might otherwise be overlooked, potentially preventing similar accidents from happening to colleagues in the future.

Employer’s Liability Insurance What Employees Need to Know

By law, most employers in the UK are required to have employer’s liability insurance. This insurance is specifically designed to cover claims made by employees who are injured at work. The policy exists to protect both employers and employees.

In practice, this means that when an accident at work claim is made, it is usually the employer’s insurer who deals with the claim, not the employer personally. The insurer will appoint claims handlers and solicitors to investigate the circumstances of the accident and, where appropriate, negotiate settlement of the claim.

This is an important reassurance for employees. Compensation is not paid out of a manager’s pocket or taken directly from a small business’s day-to-day finances. The insurance is there precisely so that legitimate claims can be dealt with fairly and efficiently.

Overcoming the Fear of “Making a Fuss”

Many injured workers downplay their injuries or feel uncomfortable about pursuing a claim. They may worry about being seen as difficult or ungrateful for having a job. This mindset can prevent people from accessing support they are legally entitled to.

It is important to remember that the law does not expect employees to simply accept injury as “part of the job”. Health and safety obligations exist precisely because preventable accidents can have serious and sometimes life-changing consequences. Seeking compensation is not about making a fuss; it is about recognising that your health and wellbeing matter.

Time Limits for Accident at Work Claims

In most accident at work cases, there is a three-year time limit for bringing a claim. This usually runs from the date of the accident or, in some cases, from the date you became aware that your injury was linked to your work. While three years may sound like a long time, it is always advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible.

Why Legal Advice Makes a Difference

Accident at work claims can be complex. Employers and insurers may dispute liability, argue that reasonable steps were taken, or suggest that the employee was partly at fault. Having experienced legal representation ensures that your case is properly investigated and presented.

At Hopkins Solicitors, our Personal Injury team has extensive experience in handling accident at work claims across a wide range of industries. We understand the tactics insurers use and how to challenge them effectively. Our role is to protect your interests and to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Funding Your Claim

Many people worry about the cost of bringing a claim. Working with Hopkins Solicitors, accident at work claims can be pursued under a Conditional Fee Agreement, often referred to as a “no win, no fee” arrangement. This means that you do not pay legal fees upfront and there is no fee to pay if the claim is unsuccessful.

Why Contact Hopkins Solicitors

If you have been injured at work, you do not have to face the situation alone. At Hopkins Solicitors, we pride ourselves on providing clear, practical and supportive advice. We understand the concerns employees have about bringing claims and we take the time to explain the process in plain language.

Our Personal Injury team is committed to ensuring that injured workers understand their rights and feel empowered to exercise them. We will assess your case honestly, advise you on the strength of your claim and support you every step of the way.

If you have suffered an accident at work, you have the right to seek compensation. Doing so should not affect your employment, and in most cases your employer’s insurer will handle the claim. The law is on your side, and support is available.

Contact Hopkins Solicitors today to speak to our Personal Injury team. An initial conversation could make all the difference in helping you move forward with confidence, security and peace of mind.