Accident at Work Claims: Expert Legal Advice from SB Lawyers

A workplace accident can turn your life upside down. From physical pain and emotional distress to financial worries and time off work, the impact can be significant.

If you've been injured at work due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. SB Lawyers are dedicated to helping you with your accident at work claim to secure the compensation you deserve.

Common types of accidents at work

Slips, Trips, and Falls

While we have a dedicated page covering slips, trips, and falls in detail (link), it's important to remember that these are also a frequent cause of injury at work. Wet floors, trailing cables, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting can all contribute to these accidents in the workplace.

Manual Handling Accidents

Many accidents at work involve manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling. Improper lifting techniques, excessively heavy loads, and inadequate training can lead to serious back injuries, muscle strains, and hernias.

Machinery Accidents

Working with machinery can be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren't in place. Workplace accidents involving machinery can result from faulty equipment, inadequate guarding, insufficient training, or operator error, leading to severe injuries like amputations, fractures, and crush injuries.

Falling Objects

Objects falling from height, whether from shelves, scaffolding, or other structures, can cause serious head injuries, fractures, and other trauma. These accidents at work are particularly common in construction and warehousing environments.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments. Common workplace accidents on these sites include falls from height, injuries from heavy machinery, electrocution, and exposure to hazardous materials.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Workers in certain industries may be exposed to hazardous substances such as chemicals, fumes, dust, or asbestos. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and even cancer. These incidents are considered injuries at work even if the symptoms develop over time.

Common injuries from workplace accidents

Back Injuries

Back injuries are among the most common and debilitating injuries at work. From muscle strains and sprains to herniated discs and spinal cord injuries, these conditions can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can have devastating long-term effects on a person's cognitive abilities, physical function, and emotional well-being. These are serious injuries at work that often require specialised medical care.

Limb Injuries

Fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and soft tissue damage to arms, legs, hands, and feet are frequent consequences of workplace accidents. These injuries can lead to significant pain, disability, and time off work.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

RSIs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, develop over time due to repetitive movements, awkward postures, or prolonged use of vibrating tools. These injuries at work can cause chronic pain, numbness, and weakness, impacting a person's ability to perform their job and daily tasks.

Occupational Diseases

These are illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions in the workplace. Examples include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and occupational asthma. These injuries at work may take years or even decades to develop, making it crucial to seek legal advice if you suspect a link between your health and your work environment.

How long does an injury claim take to pay out?

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, as the timeline for an injury at work or accident at work claim can vary significantly depending on the:

Complexity of the case

Straightforward cases involving clear liability and relatively minor injuries may settle more quickly, potentially within a few months. More complex cases involving disputed liability, serious injuries, or multiple parties can take considerably longer, sometimes a year or more.

Severity of your injuries

The time it takes for you to recover fully or reach a point where the long-term impact of your injuries is clear can influence the timeline. It's important to have a clear medical prognosis before finalising a settlement.

Cooperation of the other party

If the other party (e.g., your employer or their insurance company) admits liability quickly and is willing to negotiate a fair settlement, the process can be faster. However, if they dispute liability or offer a low settlement, it can lead to delays.

Court involvement

If the case proceeds to court, it will inevitably take longer due to court schedules and procedures.

Typical stages and timelines for a workplace accident claim

Initial consultation and investigation (1-4 weeks)

This involves gathering information about your accident, assessing your injuries, and determining the strength of your claim.

Notification of claim (1-2 weeks)

Your solicitor will notify the other party of your intention to claim compensation.

Defendant's response (up to 3 months)

The defendant has a set period to respond to the claim, either admitting or denying liability.

Negotiations and settlement (variable, potentially several months)

If liability is admitted, negotiations will begin to reach a settlement. This can be a quick process or take considerable time depending on the complexity of the case.

Court proceedings (if necessary, can add many months or even years)

If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the case may proceed to court. This adds significant time to the process.