Accident at work claims

Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe. If they failed in that duty and you suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to make an accident at work claim for compensation. Our specialist work injury lawyers here to help.

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Reviewed by

Angela Dobbs

Partner, Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

6th October 2026

Can I make an accident at work claim?

You can make an accident at work claim if your employer failed to provide a reasonably safe working environment and you were injured as a result.

Every employer in the UK has legal responsibilities for the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. A workplace injury claim might arise where an employer failed to:

Provide adequate training
Supply suitable tools, machinery, or PPE
Maintain equipment properly
Carry out appropriate risk assessments
Keep the workplace reasonably safe
Put safe systems of work in place

You don’t necessarily need to know exactly who was responsible before seeking advice. Our accident at work solicitors can investigate the circumstances and explain whether you may have grounds for a claim.

Accident at work compensation can take into account the injury itself as well as losses such as reduced earnings, medical expenses, and rehabilitation. For more serious injuries, compensation may also reflect future care, treatment, and the wider impact on your independence and quality of life.

It’s also important to know that your employer can’t dismiss you simply for making an injury at work claim.

Example of an accident at work

Imagine a warehouse employee is asked to retrieve stock from high shelving, without appropriate access equipment or guidance on working safely at height. Reaching for an item, they might lose their balance and fall, causing injury.

If the employer had failed to carry out a risk assessment, provide safe access equipment, or train the employee in safe working procedures, this could be a valid accident at work claim.

Common accident at work claims we support

Workplace accidents can happen across almost any profession or industry. Our accident at work solicitors support people with a wide variety of claims.

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What accident at work compensation can help with

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Regaining your independence, physically and financially.

Suffering an accident at work can have a significant impact on your daily life. You may need time away from work, which can affect your income. You might also have to travel regularly for treatment, rely on other people for help, or adjust your normal routine.

That uncertainty can create financial pressure when you need to focus on recovery. Accident at work compensation claims are designed to address all of that, not just the injury itself.

A successful accident at work claim may help fund:

Medical treatment and specialist consultations
Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy
Psychological support if the accident has had an emotional impact
Loss of earnings during your recovery
Future loss of income if your injury affects your ability to work
Care provided by family members or professional carers
Home or vehicle adaptations if your injury requires it
Travel costs to and from medical appointments

Understanding the value of accident at work compensation

There is no standard payout for a work accident claim. The value depends on factors including:

The nature and severity of your injuries
How long your recovery takes
Whether you can return to the same work
Your past and future financial losses
Rehabilitation or treatment needs
Any long-term care or support required

We secured a settlement of £150,000 for a client who was injured after a wall fell on him at work. The compensation package covered the costs of rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and he was eventually able to retrain as an electrician.

Compensation is generally considered in terms of general damages and special damages. General damages cover pain, suffering, and the effect on your quality of life. Special damages cover financial losses and expenses caused by the injury.

Compensating for a breach of duty

Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees, contractors, and visitors. They must take reasonable steps to reduce risks and prevent avoidable workplace accidents.

As a general guide, your employer should:

Provide safe tools, machinery, and equipment
Keep the workplace in a safe condition
Provide suitable training for the work being carried out
Provide appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment
Carry out risk assessments where required
Make sure floors and access routes are kept free from hazards
Avoid unsafe working at height where possible
Make sure employees are not exposed to hazardous substances

If these responsibilities are not met, and you are injured as a result, you may be able to make a workplace accident claim.

Specialist accident at work solicitors

Our specialist team handles workplace injury claims every day.

Why choose Fletchers for your accident at work claim?

Accident at work claims can sometimes be complex. We might need to consider the impact of serious injuries, disputed liability, and long-term consequences for your career and quality of life. Our dedicated employment, liability, and public law team handles workplace injury claims every single day, with the specialist knowledge that makes a real difference to your outcome.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist accident at work solicitors handling workplace injury claims across all industries
Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for personal injury
Successful claims ranging from a few thousand pounds to significant settlements for life-changing injuries
No win no fee accident at work claims, so there’s no financial risk to you in pursuing your claim
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the clients we’ve supported
Experienced across all types of employment arrangements including agency work, zero-hours contracts, and self-employment

You're not alone

We understand what you're going through.

Being injured at work puts you in an uncomfortable position that most people haven’t had to navigate before. You might be worried about how your employer will react or uncertain about your rights, especially if you’re still employed at your place of work.

If you’ve had to take time away from work, you might be struggling financially and feeling guilty about putting your family under pressure. Or you might just be exhausted and in pain, and the last thing you want to think about is a legal process.

We understand all of that. The people who come to us after a workplace accident aren’t always sure if they have a case. Our clients are often hesitant to make a claim, and sometimes anxious about the consequences.

Usually, the people who reach out to an accident at work solicitor just want to be told where they stand. That’s exactly what we do. We’ll tell you honestly what your options are, take on the legal complexity entirely, and make sure that if you do have a claim, it’s pursued properly and thoroughly.

Workplace injuries shouldn’t be something you simply absorb and move on from. If your employer failed in their duty to you, you have every right to seek the compensation that reflects that.

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Rehabilitation support

We go beyond legal advice to support you, not just your case, making sure the right care and practical help are in place throughout the compensation claim process.

A message from our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team

We work alongside Fletchers Solicitors’ legal experts – listening carefully to your needs, helping you understand what support is available and creating a personalised recovery plan.

Led by rehabilitation manager Julie Chorlton, we bring together expertise across healthcare, therapy and welfare support, and can help arrange access to treatment and financial support. We also work with accredited mental health professionals, giving you and your family access to counselling quickly.

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FAQs about accident at work claims

Who can make an accident at work claim?

Most employees can make an accident at work claim if they were injured because their employer failed to provide a safe working environment. In most cases, you must start your claim within three years of the accident.

Different rules may apply for children or people who lack mental capacity, so it’s always best to seek advice as early as possible.

Can I be sacked for having an accident at work?

Employers can’t legally dismiss you simply because you’ve been injured or because you’ve decided to make a personal injury claim.

However, if the accident happened due to misconduct, a breach of workplace rules, or unsafe behaviour on your part, your employer might investigate and consider disciplinary action.

If your employer dismisses you after an accident at work, it may be considered unfair dismissal. You may also have grounds for a claim if your dismissal is linked to your decision to seek workplace injury compensation.

If you are facing problems at work due to your workplace injury claim, you should seek advice from an employment lawyer, or as a first port of call, the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Can I claim for an accident at work if I’m still employed?

Yes. Many people make accident claims at work while continuing in their role.

Claims are usually handled through your employer’s insurance, and you should not be treated unfairly for asserting your legal rights.

Can I make a workplace injury claim if I’m partly at fault?

You may still be able to make a workplace injury claim, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. In these circumstances, it’s known as contributory negligence.

Your claim may be treated as split liability, where responsibility is shared between you and your employer. The workplace injury compensation you receive will reflect your level of fault.

For instance, if you were found to be 50% responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to 50% of the total claim value.

Do I need to report the workplace accident to make a claim?

Reporting the accident is helpful, but not always essential. If the accident was not recorded at the time, evidence such as witness statements or CCTV can still support a work accident claim.

What if there was no accident book entry?

You may still be able to claim. In our experience, some accidents are not recorded properly, especially in smaller workplaces. Our accident at work solicitors can help you gather alternative evidence to support your claim.

How long does an accident at work claim take?

The time it takes depends on the complexity of the case, whether your employer admits fault, and the severity of your injuries. Some claims settle within months, while others can take longer, especially if liability is disputed or your recovery is ongoing.

How much time do I have to make an accident at work claim UK?

Although there are some exceptions, in most cases you have three years from the date of your injury at work to make an accident at work claim.

Where the claim is for someone under 18, or for someone who does not have the mental capacity to make a claim themselves, the three-year time limit may not apply.

Regardless of your circumstances, it’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible.

How much does it cost to make an accident at work claim?

When dealing with an accident at work claim, the cost of your claim should be the least of your worries.

Fletchers Solicitors will handle your case on a no win no fee arrangement. This means you pay nothing upfront, and if your case does not succeed, you will not face any legal fees.

Only once your work accident claim is successful do you pay for the legal services provided, with the fee agreed in advance.

Can I claim if I’m agency staff, a contractor, or on a zero-hours contract?

Yes, you may still be able to make a workplace injury claim. Employers and site operators still have legal responsibilities for health and safety, even where working arrangements are not permanent.

Does it matter which accident at work solicitor I choose?

Yes. accident at work claims can involve many complex issues. Choosing an experienced firm can make a significant difference to your outcome and the support you receive throughout your claim.

Can I change my solicitor during a workplace accident claim?

Yes. You have the right to change your solicitor at any point. If you’re unsure about the advice you are receiving, or you feel your claim is not progressing, you can seek a second opinion and switch to a firm with the right experience.

Will I get sick pay after an accident at work?

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident and need to take time off, the first step is to review your employment contract. This will outline whether you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or a higher rate of contractual sick pay provided by your employer.

In some cases, your employer may offer enhanced sick pay as part of their policies. If you are unsure about your entitlement, it may be worth speaking with a trade union representative.

While sick pay can help cover your immediate financial needs, you may also be entitled to make an accident at work claim if the injury was caused by your employer’s negligence.

Can I claim if my accident at work happened abroad?

If you’ve suffered an injury while working overseas, you may be eligible to make a work accident abroad claim. Understanding your rights to work accident abroad compensation can be complex, particularly if your employer is UK-based but the incident occurred in another country.

Our specialist international injury lawyers can assess your case, explain the legal framework, and support you in pursuing the compensation you deserve, ensuring your claim is handled with clarity and confidence.

What do I need to prove in a workplace accident claim?

To make a successful work injury claim, you need to demonstrate that your employer failed to uphold their duty of care to provide a safe working environment.

The type of evidence required differs on a case-by-case basis, and might involve showing that:

The workplace did not meet the required health and safety standards
Adequate training was not provided
You were not provided with appropriate personal protective equipment
A risk assessment was not carried out correctly
Machinery or equipment was defective or poorly maintained
An unsafe system or work was being used

Evidence that may support an accident claim at work can include:

Workplace accident book entries
Photos or videos
Witness statements
Risk assessments or lack of risk assessment
History of accidents in the workplace
Statements from a union representative or coworker
Your symptoms, injury progression, and related treatments
Medical records and reports
Evidence of financial losses, such as lost wages or medical expenses
An independent medical assessment

You don’t need to collect all of this before contacting a work injury lawyer. Our accident at work claims specialists can help identify and obtain the evidence needed for your case.

How much compensation could I receive after an injury at work?

There is no fixed amount of injury at work compensation because every claim depends on the individual circumstances. The value of an accident at work claim can take into account:

The type and severity of your injury
The pain and suffering you’ve experienced
How long your recovery is expected to take
Whether you can return to your previous job
Loss of earnings and future income
Medical treatment and rehabilitation
Care or support needs
Travel and other accident-related expenses

What should I do after an accident at work?

If you’ve suffered an injury at work, your health comes first. Seek appropriate medical treatment and, where possible, make sure there is a clear record of what happened.

It can help to:

Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible
Make sure the incident is recorded in the workplace accident book
Take photographs of the hazard, area, and any visible injuries if safe to do so
Keep details of anyone who witnessed the accident
Keep copies of correspondence with your employer
Record your symptoms and treatment
Keep receipts and evidence of financial losses such as travel costs or lost wages
Preserve relevant CCTV or other evidence where possible

If the incident was not recorded in an accident book, that does not automatically prevent you from making a claim. Witness statements, CCTV, photographs, and other evidence may still help establish what happened.

What is the accident at work claims process?

Understanding the accident at work claims process can make taking legal action feel more manageable. Every case develops differently, but most work injury claims follow a similar process.

1. Enquiry

With Fletchers, your first conversation is free and confidential. We’ll listen to what happened, how you were injured, and how the accident has affected you. We can then give you an initial view on whether you may have an accident at work claim and explain wha thappens next.

2. Review

If your case is accepted, we’ll investigate the circumstances and your employer’s responsibilities. This can involve reviewing accident reports, risk assessments, training records, workplace policies, medical records, and information about equipment or working conditions.

3. Evidence

We’ll gather evidence on your behalf to establish how the workplace accident happened and how it has affected you. Where the injury is serious, we’ll consider your future needs alongside the immediate impact.

4. Settlement

Once we understand the full extent of your injuries and losses, we’ll negotiate with the relevant insurer to seek fair accident at work compensation. Many claims resolve with a court hearing, but if responsibility or the value cannot be agreed, we will represent you fully in court.