What Is a Work Injury Claim?
If you’ve been hurt on the job, knowing how to claim for an injury at work is crucial. This guide supports our main accident at work claims page and walks you through your options, legal rights, and next steps.
A work injury claim allows employees to seek compensation for injuries sustained while working. Whether it’s due to unsafe environments, poor training, or employer negligence, understanding how to claim for an injury at work could make a significant difference to your recovery and finances.
Who is eligible to make a claim?
If your employer breached their duty of care and this led to your injury, you’re likely entitled to pursue compensation. Even if you’re partly at fault, you may still have a valid claim—so it’s worth finding out how to claim for an injury at work with the help of a solicitor.
Common Workplace Injuries You Can Claim For
Understanding what types of accidents are covered is a key part of learning how to claim for an injury at work. Injuries range from minor to severe, and claims can vary based on the situation and employer responsibility.
Examples of injury types
- Slips, trips and falls
- Machinery-related accidents
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Chemical exposure and burns
- Injuries from falling objects
- Manual handling and lifting injuries
- Crush injuries
Not all injuries are visible or immediate. If your condition has developed over time, you may still be entitled to claim.
How to Claim for an Injury at Work
Knowing how to claim for an injury at work helps you protect your health, your finances, and your rights. Here’s a breakdown of what to do after a workplace accident:
Step-by-step process
- Report the accident: Tell your employer and ensure the incident is written in the accident book.
- Seek medical care: See a GP or go to A&E and document all treatment.
- Gather evidence: Take photos, collect witness details, and keep receipts for related expenses.
- Contact a solicitor: Speak to a workplace accident solicitor for advice on how to claim.
- Begin your claim: Your solicitor will file and manage your case, aiming for the best outcome possible.
Real Example: Construction Site Injury
John, a construction worker, was injured after falling through an unguarded opening on-site. His employer had failed to follow basic safety protocols, and he was not given the correct PPE.
How legal support made a difference
John received over £500,000 in compensation after his legal team proved negligence. His case shows the importance of knowing how to claim for an injury at work and having expert legal help on your side.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation depends on your injury’s severity, long-term effects, and financial losses. A solicitor will calculate your claim based on all these factors.
What affects your payout?
Loss of earnings, medical costs, psychological trauma, and the need for ongoing care all influence how much you could receive. Understanding how to claim for an injury at work puts you in the best position to recover both physically and financially.
Official UK Statistics on Workplace Injuries
According to the HSE (2023/24):
- 1.7 million workers experienced a work-related illness
- 604,000 non-fatal injuries were reported by workers
- 135 workers were killed due to work-related incidents
- 36.8 million working days were lost
These numbers highlight why knowing how to claim for an injury at work is so vital—it’s more common than many think.
When Should You Contact a Solicitor?
You should seek legal advice as soon as possible after your injury. Claims in the UK must usually be made within three years of the accident.
Get advice early
Starting early helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case. Visit our Accident at Work page to get started or speak directly to one of our solicitors.
Need Help Making a Claim?
Stonehewer Moss Solicitors are trusted experts in workplace injury law. Our Senior Partner is a Fellow of APIL, ensuring the highest standards in legal representation.
Speak to us today
Knowing how to claim for an injury at work is the first step—taking action is the next. Contact us for a free consultation and start your claim today.
