Accidents at work - are you entitled to compensation?

Being injured in an accident at work can put you into very difficult situation. Part of you doesn't want to seem disloyal to your employer by seeking compensation, but equally you are justified in not wanting to be left out of pocket due to the expense caused by the accident.

A Labour Force Survey reported that just over half (53 per cent) of reportable injuries at work are being actually being reported, while over a million workers took time off in 2008/09 due to illness caused by their job.

How to tell if you have a right to claim...

1. Have you suffered an injury at work that wasn't your fault?

2. Have you required hospital treatment?

3. Did it result in you having to change your lifestyle, home or significant social plans?

4. Did you suffer any loss of earnings as a result of the accident?

5. Did it result in you missing out on commission, bonuses or overtime?

6. Did the injury result in you needing to take time off as annual or unpaid leave?

7. Where any of your personal effects, such as jewellery or a pair of glasses, damaged during the accident?

8. Has the accident had any significant psychological effects on you?

9. Has the accident had a long-term or permanent impact on your life and/or ability to work in the future?

10. Is your employer refusing to accept responsibility for an accident that wasn't your fault?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', then it could be worth making claim.

Remember - Your employer has responsibilities towards its staff. Accidents at work are extremely serious and if your employer refuses to accept blame for the incident and, instead, puts you at fault, then it's time to put a stop to their negligence towards their employees. Otherwise, it could happen again.

By putting in a compensation claim you could be helping others. For instance, to avoid further claims and pay-outs, your employer will no doubt seek to change procedures so that the accident doesn't happen again.

There are several accident at work solicitors that operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. It's could be worth giving them a call and checking whether your claim is worth pursuing.

To find out more about accident claims and if you have a viable claim, why not let Fentons Solicitors see if they can help get the compensation you deserve?