Workplace accidents can still occur despite a business’ best efforts, and they can sometimes happen due to negligence, recklessness, lack of training or improper training, the use of dangerous machinery, and even just a simple wet floor without any warning signs.
The problem with workplace accidents is that they can be minor to severe, and if you have incurred an injury due to a workplace accident, whatever the cause may be, and you are thinking of filing a claim, know that the claim will be paid with your employer’s liability insurance – which means that your employer will not be paying it out of their own pocket. But what else should you know about workplace accident claims and compensation if you are planning a workplace accident claim? Here’s some top advice.
How much compensation can you receive?
The amount you may be able to receive for a workplace accident claim will depend on more than a few factors, one of which is the severity of your injury. Another factor that will determine your compensation will be the effect of your injury, not just on yourself and your income and quality of life, but also on your loved ones or family who are also affected.
If you would really like to know how much compensation you can receive, it’s best to consult with a solicitor who is well-versed with workplace accident claims. A solicitor can give you a free initial consultation so you can determine the validity of your claim and learn what steps you need to take.
If you have suffered a head injury that is moderately severe, for instance, and it has resulted in damage to the brain or loss of feeling in your limbs or mental disability, you may be able to receive compensation between £186,000 to £240,000. If you have received an injury that has affected your leg – from a leg fracture to soft tissue damage or a break which has resulted in incomplete recovery, you may be able to receive compensation of up to £23,000.
The time limit for filing a claim
In the United Kingdom, there is a certain time limit for when you can file your claim for a workplace accident. The standard time is three years from the date of the accident or three years from when you realised and recognised that your injury was associated with an accident in your workplace.
The second instance is useful in situations involving asbestos exposure, for example, where you don’t find out until years after that you have had exposure to asbestos in the workplace until you contract a condition such as mesothelioma.
Other important information on filing a workplace accident claim
Like all other compensation claims for accidents and injuries, the most crucial factor you need to remember is that you need to prove that your workplace accident and your injury was a result of or consequence of your company’s negligence. Even if you are filing for a straightforward factory accident, for instance, it can still be difficult to establish real proof of guilt, so help and advice from an experienced solicitor is highly recommended.
Interesting related articles:
- “What is an Occupational Injury?“
- “What is an Occupational Accident?“
- “The definition of Occupational Hazards.”