Category: Work Place Accidents

If you have suffered from an accident at work, it’s essential that it is reported to a manger or higher authority as quickly as possible. Throughout the pandemic, it has been crucial for people to work from home in order to keep safe from Covid-19. However, now that you may be working in the office, it’s important that you understand the responsibilities of your manager and how it is their “duty of care” that requires them to keep you safe. Should you, or someone else in your office, get hurt, it’s essential that you ask for help as quickly as possible. It may be due to the negligence of management that you were hurt in the first place. Therefore, you may be eligible for compensation if you decide to make a work accident claim.

Find out more about accident at work claims by contacting Gowing Law Solicitors on 0800 041 8350 or by clicking on the button below to start on your own work accident claim:

How could you experience an accident at work?

No matter what type of business you work for, there is a chance that you could be hurt due to the negligence of your manager. Whether you work for a construction company or are an employee in an office, your employer has a responsibility to ensure that you understand how to work safely in the office. Their responsibilities include:

• The basic training of the job
• How to handle on-site machinery
• Allowing you regular breaks and rest periods
• Making sure you know the fire safety procedure of the building
• Providing you PPE and safety equipment
• Ensuring that the building has effective security in place
• Helping and supervising difficult customers or clients
• Providing a clean and tidy work environment

Now, even in the best work environments, accidents can happen and you could end up getting hurt. In these cases, you may decide to accept accident at work happened and move on. However, if your manager acts negligently and puts you, as their employee, at risk, you could be owed compensation due to your damages. Take a look at the infographic below to see some of the most common ways you could get hurt in the workplace:

What sort of injuries could I experience due to an accident at work?

When you suffer from a work accident, it is likely that you could claim compensation if you were not responsible for your accident. Like any other type of personal injury claim, there are two types of damages that you could experience. In the legal world, these are known as “general” damages and “special” damages. General damages account for all of your physical damages. In order to claim for special damages, you will need to have suffered from a physical injury. Special damages account for emotional harm, financial harm, loss of opportunity and damage to property. The more damages that you have suffered from, the more likely it is that you are going to receive a higher amount of compensation. That’s why it is crucial that you tell your solicitor about all of your damages.

Some of the most common physical injuries you could receive due to an accident at work include:

Of course, these are only a few of the types of injuries you could experience. If you have been hurt due to a work accident, speak to your solicitor as quickly as possible. They can help you have the damages assessed by a medical specialist and will let you know a rough estimate about how much you could be owed in compensation. Therefore, the worse your damages, the higher your compensation pay-out is more likely to be.

How do I report my accident at work before I get started on my claim?

By reporting your accident, or alerting a higher authority about it, you could be entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) and additional benefits. This depends on the extent of your injuries and damages. If you have been hurt in the workplace, you need to let your manager know as quickly as possible. If you are not working in your current workplace, i.e. you have been sent abroad or to a different office to work, make sure to alert the higher members of staff in that workplace as well. Each office will have their own accident workbook and policy to follow when it comes to work accidents.

With that said, after speaking to management about your injuries, it’s crucial that you have the accident noted in the work accident handbook. This can serve as evidence that you were hurt on the premises. From there, you should also look for evidence that can be used to back up the extent of your damages. Evidence can include:

• Photographs
• Videos
• Witness Statements
• Diary Entries
• Receipts
• Medical Reports
• Police Reports

Make sure to check your contract to see if you are eligible for statutory sick pay. If you are not eligible then you may need to consider looking into universal credit. You can then get in contact with your solicitor at Gowing Law to start your accident at work case. They will speak to the responsible party on your behalf and help sort out your settlement agreement.

How much compensation could I be owed for an accident at work?

The amount of compensation you could receive depends entirely on the extent of your damages. If you have suffered a life-changing injury that resulted in a disability, you could be owed much more than someone who has suffered from only a few scrapes and bruises. The amount of special damages will also effect how much you could be offered. For instance, if you were forced to pay for your medical treatments, and were forced to stay home from work, you could be owed compensation for your financial damages as well as your physical damages. To figure out an estimate for how much you could be owed, speak to your solicitor. They will help you with your settlement agreement. That way you can decide whether or not you think it is worth pursuing the claim further.

Start on your Accident at Work Claim today with Gowing Law Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are ready to help you with your work accident claims. You should report your accident at work as quickly as possible. That way you can get help for any damages that you have suffered from. Gowing Law can get you started on your Work Accident Claim by providing free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your case, our law firm’s solicitors can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to pay any hidden fees. Therefore, you will only need to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you. Therefore, 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 Gowing Law’s claims checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to answer any additional questions you may have about your case.

Learn more about accident at work claims

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about work accident claims, you should visit Gowing Law’s blog for more information. We update it regularly about UK law claim, information about Gowing Law’s legal firm, seasonal events and competitions/giveaways. You can suggest blog topics to us by writing into info@gowinglaw.co.uk . If you want to sign up to Gowing Law’s newsletter, please use the button below:

You can also follow our social media pages to see our latest video content and FAQ images on our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Therefore you should click the buttons below to visit each aforementioned social media page.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

As it is nearly the end of September, it’s likely that you have noticed a weather change. It’s going to keep getting colder, therefore, if you work outside or in a chilly environment, there is a chance that you could suffer from temperature-related injuries. This is when you need to start looking into non freezing cold claims to see if you could be owed compensation. Now, we understand that this year, you may be more worried about the UK’s winter plan than any winter related injuries. However, if you do end up getting hurt due to the negligence of your employer during the colder months, you could be owed compensation for your injuries. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with any type of work accident claim to ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve.

Find out more about work accident claims and non freezing cold claims by contacting our law firm for more information. You can do this by calling 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

What is a Work Accident Claim?

No matter what type of career you undertake, there is a chance that you could get hurt. Whether you are working in a construction company or in an office, the type of injuries could range from minor scrapes and bruises, to something that could change your life completely. These injuries are separated into general injuries, which are your physical injuries, and special damages, which can include emotional and financial damages, loss of opportunity and damage to belongings. To make a claim for special damages, you must also suffer from general damages. Some of the most common physical injuries you could suffer from include:

If you have suffered from a work accident, it is important that you alert your fellow staff members or higher management that you have been hurt. You should also ask for your injuries to be noted down in the work accident book. This can be used as evidence in your future case. By alerting higher management, they can help you seek out medical assistance. There may even be someone who has been trained in first-aid. It is highly recommended that you do go to hospital to get your injuries assessed by a medical professional. That way you can receive a medical record. You may also want to consider finding the following evidence before you speak to a solicitor about your claim:

What sort of jobs could cause non freezing cold injuries?

As the weather is getting colder, you may feel worried about working outside without the appropriate gear. Your employer should provide you with PPE, including thermal vests, gloves or clothing, to ensure that you are kept safe whilst you are on the clock. You may also want to bring your own items to keep warm, including warm drinks, food, thermal hand warmers and blankets. If your employer refuses to provide you with protective clothing or makes you work long hours outside in the cold without a break, you could end up getting hurt due to the rain, snow and ice. This is when you need to start considering non freezing cold claims. Your injuries may include:

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Trench foot
• Limb numbness
• Loss of limb or digits
• Permanent tissue damage
• Nerve damage

Of course, there is a chance that you could suffer from illness due to being exposed to the cold. For instance, you could suffer from pneumonia that may leave you with future lung issues or chronic pain. Overall, these injuries can be separated into non-freezing injuries and freezing injuries. Both fall under cold injuries and can be used to claim compensation from a negligent employer.

Non freezing cold claims: What could protect me from these injuries?

If you are concerned about suffering from a non-freezing cold injury, you need to talk to your employer as quickly as possible. It is the responsibility of your employer to ensure that you and your fellow employees are protected from the cold and any potential hazards. This includes being provided with rain coats, warm clothing, employee training, allowing for frequent breaks and providing warm transport or an area that can help employees warm up.

We understand that during the winter months, you may be worried that you could be more exposed to the elements. That’s why if you are worried that your work environment may not protect you in times of great cold, you need to speak to your employer as quickly as possible. They owe you a “duty of care”. Therefore, they need to make sure that you are safe when you are doing your work. This includes providing you with a safe work environment, training, understanding of the safety procedures and protection from any violent/unruly customers. Let them know about any problems that you may encounter and they will be expected to fix them.

Should your employer ignore your request for help, or worse you suffer an injury due to their management, this is when you need to start looking into non freezing cold claims. After all, you have just suffered due to their negligence.

How much could I be owed by making non freezing cold claims?

The amount of compensation that you could be owed depends entirely on the extent of your damages. The more damages you have experienced, the more likely it is that you will receive a higher amount of compensation. It’s important to understand that your damages are part of the claim. However it will also depend on the extent of your employer’s negligence. That is why it is crucial that you collect as much as evidence as you can to back up your claim. That way you can show that you are eligible for compensation due to both general and special damages.

For an estimate about how much you could be owed, speak to your solicitor from Gowing Law. They can help you understand how much of a settlement agreement you could receive. Your lawyer can speak to the third party on your behalf. That way they can make sure that you get what you are owed. All you need to do is sit back, relax and wait for your compensation to be delivered to you.

How long do I have to make non freezing cold claims?

Just like any other type of personal injury claim or work accident claim, you will have around 3 years to make your case. That’s why it’s crucial that you get in touch with a solicitor as quickly as possible. That way you can give them enough time to have your case settled without it being rushed by a time limit. You may be able to ask for more time, but this will depend on whether or not you fall into special circumstances.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with Non freezing cold claims

It’s time for you to start looking into non freezing cold claims with the help of an experienced solicitor and their law firm. Gowing Law Solicitors can provide you with free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are ready to work with our team, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors 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 answer any additional questions you may have about your claim.

Learn more about Non freezing cold claims

The best place to learn more about non freezing cold claims is to visit Gowing Law’s blog page. We update it every week with brand new content. This can help you learn more about different types of legal claims. You can also read more about our seasonal events, competitions/giveaways and updates about our law firm. If you would like to suggest a certain topic for our blog, feel free to write to us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also sign up to our newsletter by using the button below:

Make sure to also follow our social media feed for current updates about different types of claims, interesting video content. You can also find out information about what Gowing Law Solicitors have been up to recently.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog

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.

Accidents at work can have a severe impact upon the victim and any witnesses that saw what happened during the incident. You didn’t deserve to get hurt, but the accident still happened. That means you have to bear the brunt of what happened to you. It may take you months to recover from your injuries. However, during this time you may suffer from more than just your physical damages. In order to help with the recovery process, you may be considering claiming for compensation. After all, you may need to pay for medical assistance and recovery treatments that could get you back on track. Unfortunately, you may be feeling unsure about whether or not your injuries are severe enough for you to make a valid compensation claim. That’s why it’s essential that you get the right legal assistance to get you started with your compensation claim.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help with any types of accidents at work. Our law firm can give you the advice you need to get started. To talk to one of our specialists, call 0800 041 8350 or use the link below to visit our work accidents page.

How do I know if I have a valid accidents at work claim?

Accidents at work claims can be extremely complicated, depending on the severity of the incident and the extent of your evidence. The best way to determine whether or not you could be owed a compensation pay-out is in relation to negligence. Your employer owes you a ”duty of care”. Quite literally, this means that your employer has a responsibility to keep you safe when you go into the work place. That means that they should give you:

• Proper health & safety training
• Advice on how to handle customers in the work place
• A tour around the workplace to show the escape exits
• Appropriate breaks and lunch breaks
• A safe and tidy environment to work in

If your employer did not provide you with reasonable training and help to get you used to your position in the company, and this ended up leading to an accident, they could be responsible for your injuries. That means you will have a valid accidents at work claim and will be able to claim compensation.

What could have caused my accident at work?

In order to claim compensation, you need to prove that you are a victim of negligence in the workplace. That means something happened that you were not responsible for. Instead, it was due to the fault of your manager or a higher authority in your workplace.

There are many ways that you could have got hurt in the workplace. It is your manager’s responsibility to ensure that you are safe throughout your workday so you feel comfortable in your job. Your employer has the responsibility to:

• Understand the health and safety risks of the workplace
• Making sure workers are supported if they are hurt
• Ensuring that there is a report system in place to announce any accidents

With that said, it is unfortunate, but work accidents do still happen despite there being safety regulations put in place to protect employees. Here are some of the most common ways that you could get hurt at work:

As you can see, there are many different ways that you could get hurt in the workplace. If you are working somewhere that is extremely messy (i.e. is a very enclosed space, has exposed wiring on the floor or is untidy in general), it is very likely that you (or perhaps a customer) will get hurt. Keep an eye on any uneven surfaces in your workplace as these can be tripping hazards. It’s estimated that around 38.8 million work days are lost due to these types of accidents. That’s why it’s important to report any hazards to your work employer/manager if you spot any. If the problem is not fixed you can then use this as evidence that you are the victim of negligence.

What counts as negligence?

If you are going to have a successful work accident claim, you need to understand what could actually count as negligence from your employer. Your employer has a duty to keep you safe in the workplace. If you get hurt then they have a responsibility to get you medical treatment and to help you recover. Sadly, if your employer does not put your health and safety first then you could be put in danger. Here are some examples of how you could be a victim of negligence:

• Refusing to supply PPE to workers
• Not completing a health & safety risk assessment for the workplace
• Refusing to keep machinery and equipment updated
• Not providing efficient training for staff
• Refusing to give staff proper breaks and lunches
• Not listening to staff concerns, complaints or worries
• Providing a messy work environment

It’s important for employers to listen to their staff. After all, your workers are the blood of your business. Therefore, if they notice something is wrong then it is your duty to have it sorted. If you do not have it fixed up and someone gets hurt, it is very likely that you could have a compensation claim to deal with.

Office Accidents: Repetitive Strain Injuries

There are many different types of accidents at work that could occur and cause you to get hurt. Naturally, the type of injury that you suffer from will depend on the type of industry that you are in. For instance, if you work in a construction site, it’s more likely that you are going to suffer from injuries that could occur from faulty equipment. However, if you work in an office, it’s very likely that you will experience injuries due to a cramped environment, messy merchandise or jobs that they do not have the skills to complete.

One thing that could happen is in relation to repetitive tasks. If you do the same action day in and day out, such as typing or using a computer, it’s likely that you could claim for a repetitive strain injury. A repetitive strain can happen due to swollen and inflamed muscles. It can also happen if a nerve is pinched from repetitive movements. If it is left untreated, there is a chance that it could change into arthritis or could cause serious nerve damage.

You may feel unsure about whether or not this could be counted as a work accident injury, which is why you may feel unsure about whether or not you could claim compensation. But we are here to tell you that it is counted! You just need a doctor’s report to prove that you have suffered due to your work actions. That way adjustments can be made to your schedule and you can take time out to recover.

What type of injuries classify for an accident at work claim?

Quite honestly, we would say that any type of injury that was caused by the negligence of your employer will allow you to be eligible for a compensation claim. However, keep in mind that the extent of your injuries will determine how much compensation you receive. Therefore, you need to decide on whether or not you think it’s worth it. For instance, if you have just received a few bruises from a fall, there may not be much point in making a claim. However, if you have experienced quite serious injuries then you could make a claim for work accident compensation.

Some examples of work accident injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Sprains and injured muscles
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to internal organs
• Loss of limbs
• Brain damage
• Loss of hearing/vision

It’s important that you speak to your solicitor in order to figure out the extent of your damages. That way you can figure out how much you could be potentially owed from the other party. Speaking with a lawyer will also help you understand whether or not it is worth pursuing the claim. They can help you collect evidence and get you ready for a settlement agreement with the other party and their insurer.

What should I do if I have had an accident at work?

Now that you understand what type of accidents at work will qualify you for a compensation pay-out, it’s important to understand what you can do to make sure that you get the largest pay-out possible. There are certain things that you can do that can help your solicitor with your case. If you get hurt, you should alert your manager as quickly as possible. That way they can have it notified in the work accident book and also get you the medical help that you need. You should contact the emergency services as quickly as possible if you have been hurt. Even if you have you only suffered from minor injuries, it’s better to be safe and sorry. A doctor can assess your wounds and injuries and give you a proper medical report.

If you can collect evidence from the scene of the accident, that will also help your case. Your evidence can come before, during and after the accident occurred. For instance, if you alerted your manager before the accident happened, and nothing was changed to prevent the accident from happening, you can use that to show you suffered from negligence. Have a look at the evidence examples below to get a good idea of what you could use:

• Photographs of the accident and your injuries
• Video footage, CCTV footage and Dash-cam footage
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Police records
• Communication with insurers and employees (emails)
• Diary entries
• Receipts (i.e. travel costs)

From there, you should consider organizing this evidence to bring it to your solicitor to start on your case. They can give you the best advice possible and help you start the preparations for a settlement agreement meeting.

How could the pandemic affect my work accidents claim?

Although there is talk about the lockdown being eased down, it’s important that you understand that you can still make a work accident claim. The main differences you may experience is in relation to the amount of time it takes to get your compensation. The courts are currently experiencing delays due to the backlog of court cases and the current lockdown. That means it may take a little longer to receive your compensation. If you do end up going to court, you may have to undertake a case remotely. That means you will have to join a session through your computer through a video link. Make sure you have strong Wi-Fi and are sitting in a quiet room so you can hear the judge. Your solicitor can make you are supported throughout the session.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accidents at work claim

If you want to learn more about how Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim, why not get in contact with our law firm to get started? Our solicitors can give you advice on your accidents at work claim for free. You can also speak to our lawyers for no-obligation consultations to get started. If you are happy to move forward with your case with our specialist team, we can offer our solicitors 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 solicitors if they win your case. That’s why you should get in contact as soon as possible to begin your claim.

Contact Gowing Law’s work accident team today to start your claim. You can call 08000418350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or you can use our claims checker. One of our team members will then be in contact to answer your questions.

Read more about accidents at work claims

If you want to learn more about work accidents claims, why not visit our blog for the latest updates? We write about different claims every week. This includes tax claims, insurance claims, PI claims and immigration Visas. If you have a suggestion about the type of content you would like to see us write about, send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You should also check out our social media pages to see our latest videos and giveaways. You could win a prize. Check out our Twitter and Facebook through the links below.

We look forward to helping you soon with your claim!

How have you been coping working from home? It may feel like it has been a very long time since you have stepped foot inside of an office. However, if you have previously suffered from an injury when you are at work, you will still be eligible to make a work accident claim. As you are recovering through the lockdown, you may start to feel isolated, vulnerable or worried that you cannot get the help you need. So, the question is, could you make a claim if you are experiencing stress and psychological issues when you are working from home?

According to the HSE, around 12.8 million working days are lost due to stress related issues and emotional distress. Your employer has a “duty of care” towards you and your fellow employees. Even if you are currently working from home, they should be checking in with you to ensure that you are doing okay. However, if you are feeling like you cannot cope due to your work load or job duties, this could be cause for making a psychological injury claim.

If you have suffered from a work accident then Gowing Law’s solicitors can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Click the link below to learn more about how our lawyers can assist you with any legal questions about work accident claims:

Making a work accident claim: Emotional Damages

When it comes to making a work accident claim, you may feel a little concerned about whether or not you could claim for emotional damages. Now in terms of a work accident claim, to claim for emotional damages you will need to have suffered from physical damages. However, there is a chance that you could suffer from psychological damages that could mean you are eligible for compensation. It entirely depends on your own personal situation and how your work accident has affected your life. Keep in mind as well that if you believe that your employer has caused you to suffer from psychological issues then you may have the right to schedule an employment tribunal to get any issues addressed and sorted as quickly as possible.

Make sure to keep this in mind if you are considering making a work accident claim. You will need to think carefully about the type of compensation you are claiming for. After all, the type of claim that you decide on will ultimately affect how much of a pay-out that you receive.

What could cause psychological issues or stress in the workplace?

When you take on a new job or position in a firm, you go in with certain expectations about how you are going to be treated and how much stress is involved in your position. Unfortunately, your work-place can cause certain psychological issues if too much pressure is placed on you. This work stressed is defined by the HSE as an

“Adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”

Workers react differently to stress, however it could lead to them making mistakes, burning out or simply looking for other employment. It could also have a psychological impact on their mental wellbeing.

Here are some examples of work-related stress:

These are only a few examples of how you could suffer from mental fatigue or any sort of work related stress. It’s important that you speak to your manager to let them know that you are suffering from these problems. Your manager owes you a “duty of care” when you go to the office. If they cannot provide a safe environment that supports the employee’s mental and physical health then they could be held responsible for any damages that you experience. The damages you experience when it comes to psychological trauma may include:

• Physical damages (i.e. repetitive strain injuries)
• Equipment Damages
• Loss of Earnings/ Financial Damages
• Aggravated Damages (If you have been mistreated by your employer)

Should my employer should be checking up me during lockdown?

Although this may not relate precisely to a work accident claim, but it is important to discuss due to the mental health of employees. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, that’s why it’s important that you understand how you can keep yourself safe whilst you remotely work. Your employer should be trying to check in on your mental health to ensure that your duties are not overwhelming you. It can be difficult to adjust to this new way of life, but your employer should be doing what they can to make sure you have the supplies needed to complete your job. Only 5% of people actually worked remotely before the pandemic, so it is not surprising that you may feel overwhelmed or nervous about what could be in store for you in the future.

It can be difficult to adjust to office life when you are working from home. Back in the office, you may have been used to taking breaks, moving away from the computer to rest your eyes and not overworking yourself to the point of exhaustion. But at home, it can be difficult to understand boundaries and where to stop. That’s why it’s important that your manager helps you to adjust and gives you the technology to do your job. They should also provide you with mental health assistance or even therapies if you find that you are struggling.

Make sure to always keep an open communication with your work-place. That way they can know what is happening in your life and whether or not they need to make adjustments to support you.

Mental Health & Work Accident Claims

One thing that we would like to discuss about stress and psychological issues is that a lot of them can occur due to the physical injuries that you may have experienced in the workplace. A work accident can have severe consequences on your mental health, especially if you experience an accident that changes your life. Take a look at our example below to get an idea of what could happen to you:

As you can see, very simple injuries can have large consequences when it comes to mental health. Any sort of small injury can have a big impact on the lives of people. They can make you struggle to feel secure about yourself and whether or not you are going to be okay. It can also have a knock on effect to your finances, as you may be required to spend time at home in order to recover. This can create a negative circle effect as it can cause more stress that affects your mental health. You are trapped in this repetitive circle until you get compensation for your injuries or you manage to heal up. But even then you may still feel worried about returning to your work place.

Can I make a work accident claim if I get injured at home?

As we are all working remote right now, you may feel a little nervous about making a claim if you have got hurt. You don’t want to put yourself at risk and so feel like you just want to stay at home and try to recover in your own time. If you got hurt whilst you were in the office during your work hours, you could be eligible for pay-out. However, if you were working from home it is very unlikely that you will be able to make a valid claim if you are hurt. It is your responsibility to look after yourself and make sure your environment is safe to work in. Your employer will check up on you to ensure that you are doing okay, but it’s important that you help them help you.

Here are a few things to do to help you keep safe and healthy whilst you work from home:

• Take regular 5 minute breaks to rest your eyes and to avoid screen burn
• Take a full lunch and use your hour break to rest
• Go outside to get fresh air and sunlight during the day
• Stand up regularly and speak to your friends and family
• Get dressed professionally to put you in the mood for work
• Exercise regularly and rest up with meditation

In the workplace, if you were not keeping yourself mentally and physically safe, it would be likely that you would have a meeting about it with HR. As you are at home, you may find it harder to talk to people about how you are feeling or your daily work routine. Just remember to keep safe whilst you do it.

Can I claim any other types of damages?

Now that we have discussed whether or not you could claim for an emotional damage in relation to your mental health and psychological trauma, it’s important that you understand that you could also claim for other types of damages that have affected you and your daily life. Wherever you were hurt, the person who was responsible for you getting injured owed you a “duty of care”. If this duty was not upheld, you will find that you are a victim of negligence. That means you can claim for any damages that you sustained because of your accident. These damages may include:

• Physical damages
• Financial damages
• Technology damages
• Loss of opportunity (i.e. Work promotions)

It’s important that you understand that your evidence can be collected before, during and after the accident. But keep in mind that with the current lockdown, you may find it difficult to collect certain pieces of evidence. Your evidence can include:

• Photographs
• Video/CCTV/ Dash-Cam Footage
• Witness Statements
• Receipts
• Medical Reports
• Police Reports
• Correspondence
• Diary Entries

Your solicitor can help you collect evidence to assist you with your claim. Just remember that your health should come first, especially if you are not well enough to make a claim. Having a lawyer on your side will make sure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently.

How much could I claim from a work accident claim?

Now, when you make a claim, the amount that you receive will depend on the individual circumstances of your case. For instance, if you ended up with serious damages that had a long recovery period, you would end up with a higher amount of compensation than someone who is suffering from a repetitive strain disorder or a sprained muscle. The best way for you to find out how much you could be owed is through your solicitor. They can help you create a timeline for your case. Your lawyers can then let you know an estimate of how much of a pay-out that you could be owed. This will depend on the extent of your evidence and how much you could get from your settlement agreement.

Be patient and allow your solicitor time to get through your claim. It may also take time to get this claim sorted. So, feel free to speak to your lawyer about any delays that may happen. This is due to the current lockdown and the delay with the UK court system.

Make a work accident claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are always ready to help you with your claim. We have specialists who can give you free advice and consultations. If you are interested in working with our experienced lawyers, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, we will be upfront about our costs. We will then let you know when you will need to pay your solicitor for their services.

Contact our law firm today to get started with your claim. You can call us at 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker to get started.

Read more about work accident claims!

Don’t forget that we always update our blog with new content. Our blogs discuss UK law claim, seasonal events and updates with our law firm. You can read more about personal injury claims, as well as insurance, tax and immigration claims! If you cannot find the topic that interests you, why not send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk? We would be more than happy to write about your questions.

Feel free to follow our social media as well! We update it with new video content and seasonal giveaways. Below you can find the links to our Twitter and Facebook. Click the images below to see our latest posts.

We look forward to helping you with your claim soon!