Can self-employed workers claim for accidents at work?
Have you suffered a self employed accident at work that wasn’t your fault? If so, you may be entitled to compensation—even if you’re not a permanent employee. Many wrongly believe that being self-employed means they can’t claim, but that’s not the case. UK law recognises that contractors, freelancers and subbies can be just as vulnerable to workplace injuries as employees.
What are your rights after a self employed accident at work?
Health and safety responsibilities still apply
UK employers and site operators have a legal duty to protect everyone on their premises—including those working on a self-employed basis. If you’re injured due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or faulty equipment, you may be able to make a self employed accident at work claim.
This applies across many sectors, including construction, agriculture, delivery services, and even office-based roles. If your work injury occurred while carrying out tasks for another company or individual, they could be held liable.
The Health and Safety Executive explains when health and safety law applies to self-employed workers.
Injury at work while self employed – are you eligible to claim?
Even if you’re classed as self-employed for tax reasons, you might still qualify for accident at work compensation. This is especially relevant if you’re under the direction or control of another party during the course of your work.
Visit our accident at work claims page for a wider overview.
Examples of self employed accident at work claims
Situations where claims are often successful
- You’re treated like an employee but labelled self-employed to avoid legal responsibilities
- You’re paid informally and not provided with proper safety training
- You’re injured using faulty machinery or tools on a construction site – see our construction claims
- You suffer repetitive strain or vibration injuries – vibration white finger claims
- You’re injured in a factory or warehouse as a subcontractor – factory accident claims
- You receive an electric shock due to poor maintenance – electric shock injury claims
- You’re hurt on a farm as a labourer or contractor – farm injury claims
- You trip or fall in an unsafe office setting – office accident claims
Real case studies from Stonehewer Moss clients
We’ve secured compensation for many self-employed clients across a range of industries:
- A roofer who fell from an unstable roof without harness protection
- A delivery driver who tripped on a defective driveway while dropping off goods
- A builder struck by crane equipment on a construction site
- A gardener seriously injured by poorly maintained equipment
- A factory contractor hit by a reversing forklift truck
- A window cleaner injured by a hidden hazard on private property
These examples demonstrate how a self employed accident at work can lead to legitimate claims when negligence is involved.
Can I claim if self employed? Talk to us today
We offer free legal advice
If you’re asking “can I claim if self employed?”, the answer may be yes. At Stonehewer Moss, we offer free, no-obligation 30-minute consultations. We’ll review your circumstances and explain your rights clearly.
Get started with your claim
Call our experienced personal injury solicitors now on 01606 872200 or start your claim online.
Want to know more about No Win No Fee?
Watch our short video explaining how No Win No Fee claims work:
Watch here.
