Know where you standThese are a selection of the questions people have asked – if your query isn’t covered, please complete the ‘Call me back’ form or call us directly on our freephone number 0800 612 6757.How do I know if I’ve got a claim?Every situation is different, but the basics of qualification are here. If you would like more information just complete the ‘Call me back’ form and we’ll talk you through it.I have had an accident, but it was some time ago – does it count?If it was in the last three years, yes! Get in touch.How much compensation can I claim?This varies and you’ll find a chart of typical amounts on the ‘How it works’ page. However, every case is unique and these are only guidelines, your lawyer will be able to give you a much better idea once they have the details of your claim sorted out.What can I claim for?An accident at work is an unplanned or unexpected event whilst an employee is carrying out their normal working duties resulting in the injury or death of an employee. The most common work accidents are falls from height, trips, slips, lifting and carrying, road accidents, burns, back, neck and repetitive strain injuries, to name but a few. To find out if your injury can result in a claim please give us a call on our freephone number 0800 612 6757.What will I need to provide to make a claim?You’ll need evidence that your injury occurred as a result of something that happened in your workplace, or because of the working practices; and that it was not your fault – in other words, you were following the instructions and training provided to you by your employer. You can provide this by witness statements, your employer’s records – such as the Accident Book or accident investigation report (and these must be made available if you request them), evidence of similar incidents or records of ambulance attendance after the event.How long will it take to complete the case?Our aim is to do this as quickly as possible. Providing you supply all the information we need promptly our legal team don’t hang about! However, we are also reliant on the other party responding quickly too. Typically cases don’t take more than 12 months, often much less.What fees will I have to pay?None at all – we operate on a no win, no fee basis – so there’s no deposit, no fees at the completion of the case, no commission or percentage of your claim due – you pay nothing and you get 100% of the compensation. All costs are payable by the party who is at fault.If my injury was the result of a colleague’s action, do I still have a claim?Probably, because your employer has a responsibility to make sure that all members of staff are safe, trained properly and aware of (and follow) the health and safety regulations – and that they work in a safe environment. The employer should have conducted both generic and specific risk assessments and ensured that the outcomes were taken into account when organising the working environment.Do I have to leave my job, if I make a claim?No, you won’t have to resign and neither will you be fired. Usually, your employer’s insurance company will deal with your claim. It is highly unlikely that you will lose your job or be victimised because you are making a claim. If your employer suggests that you should leave, or that you will no longer have a job, or treats you differently to your colleagues in any way – you will have a further case to take to court.Do I still have a claim if I’m not a full-time employee?Yes, the Health and Safety at Work Act applies to all people who work on behalf of the organisation. This includes temporary workers, part-time staff and contractors.Who will know I’m making a claim?Your claim will be confidential so usually only the Human Resources manager – or another senior manager – who deals with this type of issue will be aware of it. Unless you choose to share this information with your colleagues, of course. Most people prefer to keep this private so they don’t feel uncomfortable at work whilst the claim is going through the legal process. |
Get your free report 13 ways to work
safely now |
