Accidents at work can happen to anyone. It does not matter the type of work you do. Whether it is a regular office job or something more physical, if you suffer from the negligence of your manager or employer, you could be owed compensation for your damages. Right now, the lockdown in the UK is easing. That means non-essential shops, pubs and bars are now open for business. Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we want to make sure that our clients know that we will always be there for them if they have suffered due to the pandemic. For instance, we are happy to help struggling companies with their business insurance claims. However, if you are an employee of a non-essential business, such as a retail worker, we can help you make a claim if you have recently been hurt in a work accident.
If you are ready to learn more, all you have to do is call our law firm at 0800 041 8350 or you can use the button below to visit our accidents at work page:
What is a work accident?
Accidents at work entail an employee becoming hurt due to the negligence of their employee, their fellow staff or even aggressive customers. Employers owe their workers a “duty of care”. That means they are responsible for their safety when they have clocked in for the day. They need to make sure that the environment is workable and that their employees are fully trained to handle their duties. Negligence of these duties could mean that an employee gets hurt in a work accident. Examples of negligence can include:
As you can see, there are many different types of negligence that could mean that you end up getting hurt. If you work in a store, it’s very likely that the crowded areas and the constant momentum needed to keep the store in check may end up with you getting hurt. Should you get hurt due to someone else’s negligence, or the lack of safety in your store, it’s very likely that you could make a compensation claim. It’s important that if you do this, your solicitor will be there to support you through every step of the way.
How do accidents at work happen in a shop?
Every shop has to follow a set of rules and regulations to ensure the safety of their employees. This is known as the health and safety executive. If the rules are followed then it is likely that employees will be kept safe. However, if they are not followed, it’s very likely that accidents at work could happen. Some of the most common shop accidents that can occur include:
- Slipping up on wet floors
- Falling over products on the ground
- Malfunctioning machinery
- Tripping Hazards in the aisles
- Aggressive customers
Due to the lockdown, it is very likely that as the shops start to re-open, a lot of social distancing measures will be put in place in order to keep you safe. However, if a store does not put precautions in to avoid contamination, and you get hurt, they could be liable for damages. The same could be said if you are asked to work in a store with no social-distancing measures in place. Keep this in mind when you are a making an accidents at work claim.
What should I do if I become a victim of accidents at work?
If you do end up getting hurt due to a work accident, it’s essential that you seek medical help as soon as possible. The amount of compensation that you will receive from your employer will depend on the damages you experience. Take a look at the infographic below. That way you can get a better idea of the type of damages you can claim for:
As you can see, there are a number of damages you can claim for. If you do end up getting hurt due to your manager’s negligence, the first thing you should do is alert a co-worker or a senior member of staff. They should note your injuries down in the accident book in your work place. From there, you should seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. That way if you are suffering from a serious injury, a professional can tend to you. You should also ask if anyone knows first-aid. They can look after you until help arrives. If you are well enough to look for evidence for your future claim, here are some pieces you should be considering:
- Photographs
- Videos/CCTV
- Witness Statements
- Medical Reports
- Police Reports
- Receipts
- Diary Entries
- Correspondence between you and other parties involved (i.e. emails)
From there, you can work with a solicitor to ensure that your accidents at work claim is sorted as soon as possible. Your lawyer will make sure to help you collect your evidence and prepare your settlement agreement. If the other party rejects the agreement, there is a chance that you may need to go to court to have your claim handled. However, this is very unlikely.
Gowing Law Solicitors is here to support you with your Accidents at Work Claim
If you have suffered due to any type of accident at work, Gowing Law Solicitors will be here to support you through the claims process. We know that this can be a stressful time for our clients. That’s why we are determined to get them the compensation that they deserve. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our lawyers if you win your case. So, you will always come out on top!
Contact our law firm today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to help you.
Learn more about accidents at work
If you’re ready to learn more about work accident claims, don’t forget to check out our blog. We post brand new content every week about legal claims, seasonal events and updates about our law firm. If you want to see us address a certain topic on our blog, feel free to send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also check out our social media to see our video content and occasional giveaway and competition.
We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.
