Considerations for Claiming if You’re in a Serious Accident at Work

While this is often a tough topic for people discuss, reality is that if you have suffered any kind of injury while at work then you may be entitled to claim compensation. We’ve often seen that people aren’t aware they may be eligible for filing a claim, and furthermore they may not be aware of what’s needed to do so.

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To summarize: you need to have evidence of the accident, proof that your employer was negligent, and you should be able to show details of the extent of your injury. Accidents can vary from one incident to another and the severity and length of the illness (or injury) also determines how much you are likely to win in compensation.

To break things down further, here are a few considerations in the event you need to file a claim after a serious accident at work:

Gathering Evidence

Even if there are no eye witnesses to the accident then you can still claim compensation, however you will need to provide alternative evidence of the accident. Ensure that you complete the accident book at your work and complete all of the necessary information that they may require. You can also take photographs and gather any other evidence, along with providing names and contact details of colleagues to your solicitor.

Consider Getting the Help of a Solicitor

If somebody else has suffered a serious injury at work under similar circumstances then that will be able to help your claim. A professional solicitor, or accident claim service, will work with you to determine whether this is the case or not. They will check the accident book and contact anybody that may be able to help provide additional support to your case.

Healthcare Advice

It is vital that you visit a doctor or other professional healthcare adviser immediately after the accident – regardless of whether you suffer anything from a broken leg to head and brain injuries. Keep receipts and try to acquire receipts from any private clinic treatment and any other costs associated with the injury or illness that you have suffered. Your solicitor will also consult with your medical records and may speak to your doctors and other professionals to help build the compensation case.

What Types of Accidents Count?

You can claim for a serious injury caused by a fall or caused in almost any other way while you’re on work premises. You can claim if equipment fails and causes an accident. Ultimately, anything that leads to an illness or injury, AND assuming negligence can be proven on the part of your employer, then you could have the right to claim compensation.

Editor’s note: I worked in the construction field for quite a few years and many of my co-workers were nervous about filing claims and ultimately felt that their job would be in jeopardy if they did so. While that may be the case, always consider consulting with somebody and if the accident/negligence are significant then don’t be scared to proceed – especially if you’re going to miss significant time at work or incur large medical bills.

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