Office Accident Claims

Why should I make an office accident claim?

When you think of an accident at work, your mind might go to industries like construction, farming or manufacturing. But if you’ve been injured while working in an office, you’re just as entitled to make a claim for compensation.

By starting a claim, you could help to bring attention to what caused your accident and prevent the same thing from happening to any of your colleagues.

We know that the thought of starting a claim can be daunting. But it’s only right that you get access to the compensation and support you deserve.

Your compensation could help you to cover the cost of any further medical treatment you need, as well as making up for lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work. Our friendly claims advisors can tell you more about the support you may be entitled to after listening to the details of your case.

What are some common office accidents?

Although you’re less likely to be injured in an office environment, accidents can happen if proper safety measures aren’t in place. Some of the most common types of office accidents are:

• Electric shocks due to faulty wiring
• Manual handling injuries
• Objects falling from a height
• Slips, trips and falls – usually caused by wet floors or loose cables

You may also be able to make a claim if you’ve developed a musculoskeletal condition like Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) as a result of your workstation not being set up effectively.

We offer free initial case reviews, so you’ll have nothing to lose by getting in touch. One of our knowledgeable claims advisors will speak to you about what happened and let you know if you have a strong claim.

How should my employer be protecting me in the office?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to keep employees safe. This applies just as much to office workers as it does to people working in traditionally dangerous industries.

Measures your employer should be taking to ensure your safety include:

• Carrying out regular risk assessments
• Providing proper workstation equipment
• Providing sufficient training
• Recording any accidents in a log book
• Removing risks to colleagues

If you’ve been injured at work and you feel that your employer didn’t take the necessary steps to prevent your accident, you could be entitled to compensation.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with specialist accident at work solicitors who are experienced in supporting people in situations similar to yours.

When you get in touch, we’ll ask you a few straightforward questions about your accident and the injuries you’ve suffered. And if we think you have a strong case for compensation, we’ll put you in contact with one of our expert solicitors.

Your solicitor will work on your behalf, gathering evidence to support your claim and secure you the best possible outcome. They may also be able to help you access medical treatment to help with your recovery.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis – so you don’t need to worry about paying us anything if your claim is unsuccessful.

I’m an agency worker – can I still make an office accident claim?

Yes, you can – the Health and Safety at Work Act applies to all employees, including agency staff.

Even if you’re working for a company on a temporary basis, they are still required to take reasonable measures to keep you safe. If they have failed to do this, and you’ve suffered an injury as a result, you could make a claim against them.

Office accident claims FAQs

Can I be dismissed for making a claim against my employer?

It’s understandable that you may have worries about bringing a claim against your employer. But you’re protected by laws that make it illegal for you to be dismissed as a result of making a claim. If your employer does fire you for taking legal action, you could have a case for unfair dismissal. 

Your employer is legally required to have liability insurance in place, which covers the cost of any claims made against them. So neither the company nor any individual will be forced to pay out for your compensation.

How much compensation could I receive for an office accident?

If your claim is successful, the amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on your life.

Our compensation calculator can give a rough estimate of how much your claim could be worth. But your solicitor will be able to provide a more accurate valuation after hearing the details of your case. This will usually be split into general and special damages.

General damages take into account the pain and suffering caused by your accident, while special damages consider any financial losses you’ve faced like a loss in earnings or the cost of medical care.

Are there time limits for bringing an office accident claim?

As with any personal injury claim, you’ll usually have three years from the date of your office accident to start legal proceedings.

If you have a chronic injury which developed over time – such as RSI – you’ll have three years from the date of your diagnosis to make a claim.

We’d recommend starting the claims process as soon as you’re able to, though. This way your solicitor will have better access to strong, recent evidence that could prove invaluable for your claim.

I’ve had an office accident – what should I do?

If you haven’t already, try to take down anything you remember from your accident. This could include the date, the circumstances leading up to it and any photographic evidence or witness details.

You should also make sure any medical treatment you had to seek is noted in your medical records. This will help your solicitor to paint a picture of the extent of your injuries when approaching your employer.

Next, get in touch with us for a free consultation. We’ll ask you about your situation and advise you of your options going forward.

You can speak to us by calling the number at the top of the screen, requesting a callback or by filling in our quick and easy online form.