Office Accident Claims

Can I make an office accident claim?

Absolutely you can make an office accident claim if you’ve sustained injuries from an accident that occurred in your workplace.

Making a claim is your right, and it’s an important step to ensure your well-being and protect your interests. However, to make an office accident claim, you generally need to meet certain criteria. For example, the accident must have occurred as the result of someone else’s negligence or fault, such as your employer, a colleague, or a third party.

You might worry about claiming office accident compensation from your employer, but don’t. All employers are legally required to take out Employer’s Liability insurance which protects them financially against compensation claims such as these. So when you claim compensation, you’re not actually taking money out of your employer’s pocket, it’s their insurance company who foots the bill.

If you’ve been injured in an office accident, to be eligible to claim compensation, you have to be able to prove that:

• Your employer had a duty of care toward you,

• They breached this duty of care,

• You were injured as a result of your employer’s negligence.

Even if you think you don’t have enough evidence, or you aren’t sure if you’re eligible to claim compensation, call 0800 234 6438 today and speak with a trained legal advisor who will give you free legal advice about your situation. They’ll partner you with a personal injury solicitor who specialises in these types of personal injury claims and who will work on your behalf to secure you the compensation you deserve.

Common types of office accidents

While offices are generally considered safe environments, accidents can still happen. Some of the most common office accidents include:

• Slips, trips, and falls: While these types of incidents are incredibly preventable, according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, slip, trip and fall accidents are among the most common type of office accident, causing injuries that range from minor bruises to more severe fractures. Legally, employers are required to adhere to HSE regulations and routinely conduct risk assessments to ensure employee safety. However, when employers fail in their duty, a slip, trip or fall can happen due to slippery floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, open drawers, and loose cables, to name a few.

• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): RSIs are injuries that occur due to repetitive and prolonged motions, often associated with office tasks like typing, using a mouse, or working on a computer for extended periods. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a well-known example of an RSI. To prevent RSIs, employers should provide ergonomic equipment, encourage regular breaks, and educate employees about proper posture and stretching exercises.

• Faulty office equipment: Faulty office equipment can lead to unexpected accidents. Malfunctioning chairs with broken wheels or unstable desks can collapse, causing injuries to employees. Malfunctioning electrical equipment, exposed wires, or overloaded power outlets can lead to electrical accidents, including shocks, burns, or even fires. Regular maintenance, inspections, and prompt repair or replacement of faulty equipment are crucial to prevent such accidents.

• Lack of safety measures: Inadequate safety measures can leave employees vulnerable to accidents. This can include poorly marked emergency exits, insufficient lighting, or a lack of proper first aid supplies. Without these essential safety measures, employees may be at a loss in case of an emergency or unable to address injuries effectively. Employers should conduct regular safety audits, provide clear signage, and ensure that emergency protocols are well-communicated.

• Negligence: Negligence in the workplace can encompass a range of behaviours that compromise safety. This might involve failing to follow established safety procedures, ignoring warning signs, or not reporting hazards. Negligence undermines the efforts of responsible employees and can lead to accidents that could have been prevented.

These types of accidents tend to cause certain types of injuries…

Types of injuries typically sustained in an office accident

• Cuts and abrasions: Handling sharp objects or encountering poorly maintained office equipment can lead to cuts, scrapes, and abrasions on the skin.

• Fractures and broken bones: Trips, falls, and accidents involving heavy objects can lead to fractures or broken bones, most frequently affecting the wrists, arms, or ankles.

• Back injuries: Poor ergonomics, improper posture, and lifting heavy objects without proper technique can cause back injuries such as strained muscles or herniated discs.

• Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): Repetitive tasks like typing or using a mouse for extended periods can result in RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome, causing pain and discomfort in the hands and wrists.

• Eye strain and visual discomfort: Extended computer use without proper breaks or ergonomic setups can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and other visual discomforts.

• Burns and scalds: Hot liquids like coffee or tea can cause burns and scalds if spilled accidentally. Overheated office equipment can also lead to burns.

• Electric shock: Malfunctioning electrical equipment or exposed wires can lead to electric shocks, causing injuries and potential long-term effects.

• Head injuries: Trips, falls, or accidents involving falling objects can lead to head injuries, ranging from minor bumps to more severe concussions.

• Sprained ankles and twists: Uneven surfaces or obstacles in walkways can cause individuals to twist their ankles or sustain sprains.

• Stress-related issues: Work-related stress, long hours, and inadequate breaks can contribute to stress-related health concerns such as tension headaches or anxiety.

• Allergic reactions: Poor indoor air quality, allergens, and inadequate ventilation can trigger allergic reactions, causing respiratory discomfort or skin irritations.

• Psychological stress: Workplace accidents can also lead to psychological stress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the incident was traumatic.

• Musculoskeletal disorders: Long-term poor ergonomics and improper posture can lead to chronic musculoskeletal disorders, impacting the back, neck, shoulders, and wrists.

This list of types of injuries sustained in an office accident is not exhaustive, so if you’ve been injured at work and aren’t sure if you can claim office injury compensation, call 0800 234 6438 today and speak with a trained legal advisor who will give you free, impartial legal advice about the claims process, and how you can proceed with your personal injury claim.

Can I be fired for making a compensation claim?

No, you cannot be fired solely for seeking compensation for a workplace injury or accident. In the UK, we have stringent laws in place to prevent unfair treatment or retaliation against employees who exercise their legal rights.

The Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010 provide safeguards to ensure employees are not penalised for making legitimate claims. If you’re worried about potential repercussions, rest assured your employer is legally prohibited from taking adverse actions against you.

It’s important to understand that making a claim doesn’t give your employer grounds to terminate your employment. If your employer were to dismiss you in response to your claim, it could constitute unfair dismissal and expose them to legal consequences.

What evidence do I need to make a successful claim?

It is important to gather as much evidence as possible as soon as possible after the accident. This will help to strengthen your claim and make it more likely that you will be successful. Common pieces of evidence include:

• A copy of the accident report, if one was filed.

• Medical records, including your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

• Any photographs or videos of the accident scene or your injuries.

• Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident happen.

• Any other documentation that supports your claim, such as receipts for medical expenses or lost wages.

I was a visitor, can I submit an office injury claim?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that employers must ensure a safe workplace for anyone who enters the premises, be they employees or visitors. So, if you’ve sustained injuries while visiting an office, you could be eligible to claim compensation.

To make a personal injury claim, you need to be able to prove:

• The business you were visiting had a duty of care towards you,

• They were negligent in this duty of care,

• Their negligence resulted in you being injured on their premises.

Are there time limits for claiming compensation following an accident at work?

Yes, there are time limits for claiming compensation following an accident at work. In England and Wales, the Limitation Act 1980 states the general time limit is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were not aware of your injury until later, the time limit may start from the date you became aware of your injury. If you were injured before you were 18, or you’re claiming on behalf of someone who is under 18, you can claim at any point before they turn 18, but they only have three years to make a claim once they’ve turned 18.

There are no time limits for someone who is mentally incapacitated.