Debunking Myths About Accident at Work Claims
A serious injury at work can have a devastating effect on your health, your income, and your family. While some injuries may heal with time, others can result in permanent disabilities and long-term emotional and financial stress. Despite this, many people are reluctant to pursue a claim due to common misconceptions about claiming against their employer.
At Stonehewer Moss, we understand how difficult it can be to take the first step. So let’s clear up the confusion by debunking some of the most common myths about making an accident at work claim.
Myth 1 – I Can’t Claim If I No Longer Work for the Company
This is false. You do not need to still be employed by the company to make a claim. In fact, many people feel more comfortable claiming after leaving their role — particularly if they experienced poor treatment or lack of support following the incident.
You have up to three years from the date of your accident to start a claim. However, the sooner you act, the easier it is to collect key evidence like witness statements, safety records, or CCTV footage to support your case.
Myth 2 – I’ll Lose My Job If I Claim Against My Employer
It is illegal for an employer to sack, demote or discriminate against you for making a personal injury claim. If you’ve been employed for more than two years and your employer behaves unfairly after you file a claim, you may be entitled to bring a separate constructive dismissal case.
It’s also worth noting that not all cases are contentious. Many of our clients have successfully claimed compensation with the full support of their employer. Some businesses even go out of their way to adjust roles or offer suitable alternatives to help injured staff return to work safely.
Myth 3 – I’m Self-Employed, So I Can’t Make a Claim
Not true. Self-employed workers are still entitled to a safe working environment. If you are injured on site while contracted by a business or individual who failed to provide proper training, safety equipment or risk assessments, you may have grounds to make a claim.
Even as a contractor, the party that hired you owes you a legal duty of care. If their negligence caused your injury, you can claim compensation for your pain, lost income, and medical costs.
The Truth About Employer’s Liability Insurance
All UK employers are legally required to have liability insurance in place to cover claims made by employees. If you file a claim, the compensation is paid by the insurer — not directly by your employer. This can ease some of the worry about “suing” your workplace.
It’s also common for insurers to offer early settlements before a claim is formally made. These offers are often lower than what you’d receive by working with a solicitor. Accepting such an offer without medical evidence or legal advice can seriously reduce your overall compensation.
How Stonehewer Moss Can Help
We understand how traumatic a workplace injury can be. The financial strain from lost earnings, treatment costs, and long recovery periods can add to the stress. Our experienced personal injury solicitors offer clear, compassionate advice and practical legal support to help you move forward.
We work on a No Win No Fee basis for most claims, and we’ll help secure the financial compensation, rehabilitation, and support you need.
Watch our video to learn more about No Win No Fee claims
Speak to a Specialist Today
Call us on 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00. You can also start your claim online for a free, no-obligation consultation.