Category: Work Place Accidents

UK Disability History Month: Personal Injuries & Disabilities

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Seasonal, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

UK Disability History Month is an important time where we improve our understanding of those who suffer from disabilities. This includes learning about their struggles of life and their rights for access. It is essential that we find ways to help disabled people in the UK become independent and live their lives to the fullest. If a service or product is accessible to the UK public, it should also be accessible to those who are living with disabilities.

Now, for Gowing Law, as we are a legal firm, we focus on personal injuries from the perspective of a solicitor. That’s why we want to use this blog to talk about the history of disability & UK law, as well as the impact that disability can have on a personal injury claim.

Before we jump into the meat of this blog, we would just want to remind you that if you have suffered from a personal injury that was not your fault, whether it be due to a traffic accident in the winter weather or a beauty treatment gone wrong, Gowing Law will be here to help you. Find out more about your own personal injury claim by using Gowing Law’s claims checker by clicking the button below:

UK Disability History Month: The History of UK Law & Disabilities

As you can see from our video, the UK has gone on a long journey to ensure that people with disabilities are treated equally. For this month, it is important that we take the time to consider how far we have come. In the 1700’s disabled people were not treated fairly. That’s why it’s important nowadays to learn from our mistakes and make sure we understand how our actions can impact the needs of others.

According to the government, it is important to:

“enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others…”

Remember, it is up to all of us to shape the world so that we can make it better for each other. Universal access is essential to make sure that we all have the same rights. Keep this in mind as you think about how far we have come. If you are in a position of authority, make sure also to express this to your employees and others. Just keep in mind, physical and mental disability can require certain additional types of support. That’s why transformation is needed to ensure that everyone is safe and given the chance they need to prosper.

UK Disability History Month: Personal Injuries & Disabilities

Personal injury claims can get complicated. Not only do you have to consider how much you could claim for your injuries, but if the other party refuses to pay a settlement agreement then you may find that you have to go to UK court to get it sorted out.

Now, letting your solicitor know that you suffer from a disability could have an impact on the total damages you are owed. Not informing your lawyer about your disabilities could mean that you are under-compensated for the injuries you suffered from.

The first thing you need to consider is the actual definition of a disability. You can be classified as disabled if:

How can I prove that I have a disability?

It’s very likely that if you suffer from a disability, and are involved in an accident that was not your fault, that you could claim a higher amount of compensation. Think about it this way, you may have medical needs that are worsened due to the impact of the accident. Someone with a physical disability, such as spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy may end up suffering more if they are hit by a falling object or are the victim of criminal injuries. At the same time, someone with a mental disability may be more vulnerable and therefore be owed greater compensation if specific measures were not taken to ensure that they were safeguarded from risk.

You will need to prove that you have a disability during your case. This means supplying evidence. The best thing you can do is have medical evidence to back it up. For instance, get a doctor’s note or ask them to write up a letter to say that you have been in contact with them about your disabilities. Your evidence will need to prove each of the definitions of a disability. The court will then decide on whether or not you’re disabled. If it is affirmed that you suffer from a disability, it is likely that the amount of compensation that you are owed will increase.

UK Disability History Month: Work Accidents & Discrimination

Another thing that you should consider, if you do have an injury, is what you should do if you are involved in a workplace accident. Now, in most cases, you may have simply got hurt out of bad luck. You may have been doing your every duties and unfortunately, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in other cases, you may have been put in a vulnerable position through mismanagement.

Disability discrimination can come in many different forms, both indirectly and directly. For instance, if it was direct discrimination then you may experience name-calling or teasing related to your condition. If it was indirect discrimination, you may find that if you were someone with a learning difficulty, a safety manual was produced that was too complicated for you to understand. Even if it was not meant to be taken as discrimination, the result can still make your life harder and can sometimes even lead to accidents.

Unfortunately, people do get hurt in the office, even when it is not their fault. You may have been put in a vulnerable situation due to mis-management. It does not matter if you have physical or mental disabilities, your manager should be making appropriate changes to your working environment to suit your particular needs. If this does not happen, you could get hurt.

Make sure to seek medical assistance as quickly as possible if you are in a work-place accident. You should alert your manager and colleagues. That way it can be recorded in your work place-accident book. You are entitled to a copy of the accident report.

Do I need evidence to prove that I was hurt?

If you can prove that appropriate changes were not made to help with your disabilities, this may add to the amount you are owed in compensation in your claim. That’s why it is essential that you have evidence to back up your claim. You need to show why your injury was not your fault. Instead you suffered due to the negligence (and potential discrimination) of your employer.

Your evidence may include:

Accident reports
Photographs
Videos/CCTV
Witness Statements
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Receipts (i.e. for costs)
Loss of opportunity statements (i.e. wages & promotions)
Diary entries

Remember, you are not only claiming for your physical damages, but also your emotional and financial damages as well. This means evidence may need to be collected as soon as possible after the accident has taken place.

What will happen if I am claiming for benefits during my compensation claim?

If you make a compensation claim for a personal injury, your benefits may be changed depending on the outcome of the case. If your household assets are more than £6,000, you may not be eligible to claim state benefits. So if you have a successful injury claim, and you end up receiving a “lump sum”, you may end up getting a reduced amount of benefits. It’s important that you talk about these problems with your solicitor. After all, we do not want to affect your future benefits. The benefits that could be changed may include:

Income support
Jobseeker’s allowance
Universal credit
Council tax support
Housing benefits
Pension credits
Medical benefits

What should I do if I am discriminated in the workplace?

If you have a disability, you should not be discriminated against in the workplace because of it. You are entitled to fair treatment whilst you are at work. If you notice that you are being mistreated because of your disability, you should bring it up with your manager as quickly as possible. If nothing happens to resolve it, it is your right to escalate it to the UK courts. You also have the right to claim legal protection for you and your witnesses during the tribunal.

Before you start your claim, it is always important that you start a line of communication about the discrimination with those responsible for your wellbeing. That way you can prove that you did your best to sort the problem out before it went too far. You can keep any emails as evidence. Make sure to also make notes about any meetings you have with management or colleagues and ensure that you can keep a timeline of events.

If nothing happens to resolve your issues, you can use this evidence to plead your case that you were discriminated against in your work place, due to your disabilities.

UK Disability History Month: Why is it so important?

In order to understand how we can better the present, it is important that we look to the past. That way we will know how we can improve ourselves and make life easier for the people around us. Universal access and equality are essential for making sure people feel like they are getting the justice they deserve. Whilst Gowing Law mainly focuses on getting people the compensation they deserve in the present, we understand that there is still a lot of work to be done in order to make sure everyone is treated fairly.

Make sure to do your part for UK Disability History Month and have a look at the website to see how you can spread the word. It can be something as simple as talking about it, but you may also want to consider putting on your own event as well!

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim!

Here at Gowing Law, we want to make sure that all of our clients get the compensation that they deserve. That’s why we are ready to help you with your compensation claim! No matter what sort of personal injury you have suffered from, if it is not your fault then we will make sure you get the pay-out that you deserve.

We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. They can advise you on how much you could be owed. It’s also so we can figure out the best way to get the highest amount of compensation possible. If you are happy to work with our experienced solicitors, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top, even if your case is not won. You will not need to pay any hidden fees and we will always be upfront with you about the costs of legal representation in your personal injury claims case.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw or by using our claims checker. From there one of our solicitors will guide you through the claims process. Feel free to ask them any questions that may be on your mind. They would be more than happy to help you.

Want to read more?

Here at Gowing Law, we will always do our best to keep you entertained through our different blogs. If you want to learn more about seasonal events, the basics of personal injury claims or perhaps the most recent legal news, our blog page is the place to be! We update our blog with new content every week, so make sure to check back to learn more. You may also want to consider signing to our newsletter:

Make sure to also keep an eye on our social media to learn about our competitions, giveaways and updates.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

International Men’s Day: Work Accidents & Male Workers

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Seasonal, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

International Men’s Day: Male Role Models & Work Place Accidents

International Men’s Day is an important time of the year where we think about men’s health, improving relations between genders and what it actually means to be ”a man”. It’s important that we break toxic stereotypes of masculinity. Instead, we think about positive values that are important to pass on between the generations, such as respect, patience, open-mindedness and kindness

Now, Gowing Law has had a hard think about what we could talk about in relation to International Men’s Day. Already, Movember is in full swing and people are already making a difference when it comes to speaking openly about men’s mental health. That’s why we want to contribute in our own way by talking about a topic that we have a lot of experience with: Work accidents.

If you have suffered from an accident at work, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Gowing Law is here to support all of our clients with legal advice and consultations if they have been involved in an accident that was not their fault. We believe in equality and are determined to get you the justice that you deserve. Follow the link below to learn more:

Why is International Men’s Day important?

Honestly, we understand why you may be feeling a bit confused about International Men’s Day (IMD). Many people believe that IMD is unnecessary because men have a history of being heard over women. However, IMD is not about that. IMD is important because it highlights the struggles that men go through on a daily basis. One of these is mental health and the inability to be able to ”open up”, so to speak, about mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

IMD also serves as a time to discuss toxic masculine stereotypes and why they are harmful to both younger and older generations of men. Not only can this day make a positive impact on the lives of men, as it gives them a day to speak about these issues, but it can also promote positivity and give light about how we can help marginalized communities of men, such as homeless men and boys in care.

Last year, the UK’s previous Prime Minister, Theresa May, stated that:

“I recognise the important issues that this event seeks to highlight, including men’s health, male suicide rates and the underperformance of boys in schools, these are serious issues that must be addressed in a considered way.”

These are issues that need to be addressed, and Gowing Law is ready to do so by joining in International Men’s Day 2020.

International Men’s Day: Work Accidents and Gender

According to international statistics, every 40 minutes someone dies from lung disease due to previous exposure in a work-place environment. For men, they are 23 times more likely to die in a workplace than women. Of course, this will depend on the type of workplace they are at. But either way, the fact that men are more likely to die in a certain work environment proves that there is still a divide in gender when it comes to specific industries. Men tend to dominate some of the unhealthiest industries in the UK. 9/10 of serious work accident compensation claims from these industries tend to be male employees.

Take a look below at the infographic to see some of the most dangerous industries for male employees:

As you can see, some of the most common male injuries come from industries that are stereotypically male dominated. Within male-dominated industries, men are 3.5% more likely to make a serious accident claim against their employer. This shows that there is still a form of gender bias within more physical jobs, such as building, manufacturing and agriculture.

Why are men more at risk of work injuries?

Due to Covid-19 and the UK lockdown, most of the country are going to be working from home and therefore are not exposed to the same risk of those who need to go into a physical work environment to get the job done.

However, men still tend to dominate some of the riskier job industries that could put their general health and safety as risk. For those who are older, long-term injuries could have also been due to dangerous work environments (such as work buildings that had asbestos problems). This meant that they were unable to keep working due lung disease and any long-term physical ailments.

Men are around 10 times more likely to make a work accident claim than female admin or clerical workers. Riskier jobs includes:

Male labourers making around 75% of serious accident claims.
Male machinery labourers making around 90% of serious work accident claims.
Trades workers making about 89% of severe work claims.

Why should we take notice of these types of work accident claims?

It’s extremely important that we take notice of the statistics of work accident claims around the world. Not only does it show that there is still a gender bias in the workplace, but when it comes to physical/labourer type jobs, men are more likely to get physically hurt than women. These are loved ones who are a big part of our lives! Not only do physical workers tend to work long and strenuous hours, but during the pandemic there is very little chance of them being able to work from home in order to protect themselves and their families.

No one wants their loved ones to get unnecessarily hurt due to a work accident. However, if that does happen then Gowing Law will be here to support you and your family through this tough time. Men exposed to injuries that may never heal if they are older. But even then, younger men are 40% more likely to get hurt than older man. So, no matter the age, an injury is an injury. Gowing Law will be here to support all genders if they have been hurt in an accident that is not your fault.

How can you help your loved ones on International Men’s Day?

If you have a loved one in your family that has suffered due to a work accident, or perhaps even the stresses and strains of their daily work lives, the best thing that you can do is talk to them. There is a negative stereotype about men that they are not very emotional and can deal with anything. This is a toxic masculine archetype that has damaged male mental health around the world.

Talk to your male loved ones about opening up about their stresses and strains. If they have got hurt, encourage them to seek help and advice rather than just ”deal with it”. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen to men and allow them to open up in their own time. It takes strength and courage to talk about how you feel, especially if you have been injured. Therefore, you can be there for them to ensure that they never feel alone.

If you need some extra support about talking about the mental health and general health of men, you can find more information by checking out Men’s mental health charities. This includes:

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident claim!

Here at Gowing Law, we completely understand that a work accident that was not your fault can be traumatic. Not only can it cause severe physical injuries, but your emotional health could be at risk. Whether you’re a man or a woman, we will make sure to provide you the support that you need in order to make a successful work accident claim.

If you can prove that your accident was due to the irresponsibility and negligence of your employer, you will be able to claim compensation for the injury. Take a look at the GIF below to see the types of injuries that you could suffer from:

What do I do if I have been hurt at work?

If you have suffered from a work accident, the first thing you need to do is alert your team-mates and your manager. You should always ask for your accident to be written down in your employer’s work accident book. If you need medical assistance, it is recommended that you go to hospital in order to get doctor to check over your injuries. You can also get a medical record whilst you are there.

It’s also a good idea to collect evidence from the scene of your accident to ensure that you can prove you got hurt. Pieces of evidence may include:

Photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident
Videos/CCTV evidence of your injuries and the accident environment
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Witness Statements
Diary Entries
Financial Losses
Loss of Opportunity (I.e. promotions and wage increases)

You may also want to detail any emotional damages that you suffer from. It is possible that you could have been forced to get psychological medical help that cost you money. You can reclaim the costs of your damages by making a compensation claim.

International Men’s Day is here to support all genders!

IMD is an important time of the year that is there to support all genders during their time of need. Sometimes it is just important to sit down and speak with your loved ones about the trials and tribulations of life. Being a man is not just about taking the world on your shoulders. Instead, it is about opening up and making sure that you pass on good values to the next generation. This includes patience and kindness.

It is also important to look at the issues that can affect men in their working lives. Employers should always put their employees safety first. Whether they work on a building site or are considering re-opening their office, make sure that all your employees are safe and feel comfortable in their work. It shouldn’t matter what their gender is. Make sure they are happy and out of harm’s way. If they do get hurt, be prepared to work with them to get the compensation that they deserve. It should not affect your business.

Don’t forget about our International Men’s Day Giveaway

In order to celebrate, International Men’s Day, Gowing Law is hosting a giveaway on our social media. Nominate a male role model in your life that deserves a Ted Baker: Ted’s Tin and Tricks Toiletries gift set, like and share our post and tag us @GowingLaw to take part. The deadline for this competition is on the 19th November 2020 at 12 am.

Gowing Law Solicitors & Work Accident Claims

Here at Gowing Law, our legal specialists are here to support you throughout your work accident claim. Our lawyers can give you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are interested in working with our team further, we can provide our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees and you will always come out on top with your claim.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, email us info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. From there, one of our lawyers will be in contact to make sure your claim is started in good time. Let them know if you have any questions. Our solicitors would be more than happy to help you. You may also want to consider signing up to our newsletter to find out more information and updates about our legal firm.

The Strangest Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Seasonal, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Halloween personal injury claims are more common than you think! Now, as a personal injury lawyer, it is very likely that you are going to get some strange cases. People get hurt in mysterious ways. But did you know that Halloween is actually the holiday where you are most likely to get hurt? This is because you’re roaming around for trick or treating, and you’re also going to parties in uncomfortable costumes. It’s not a surprise that lawyers sometimes have to deal with some strange events during their careers.

Whilst things may be a little different this year thanks to Covid-19, people can still celebrate the spookiest season in their own way. It’s important to take are to avoid personal injuries during this holiday, but if you do end up getting hurt, remember that Gowing Law Solicitors are here to help you with your claim. Use our claims checker to get started!

A Quick Word of Warning: Covid-19 & Halloween

It’s so important this year that people take precautions for this Halloween. We would like to stress that with Covid-19 facing a potential second wave, it’s more essential than ever that we take precautions in order to protect our families and loved ones. You should avoid going out trick or treating and instead try and focus on enjoying the spooky season with fun and games inside your house. Gowing Law is hosting a costume competition to get our clients into the spooky spirit. However, we have some additional pointers to help you understand what you should be doing on Halloween night.

As you can see, the best thing you can do this Halloween is to actually stay inside and try and indulge in Halloween through a small party for you and your household, a movie or perhaps a creative evening of entertainment for yourselves. Whilst you may feel the urge to try and go out to a party, or perhaps go trick or treating with your kids, it just isn’t safe to do so right now. The responsible thing is to honestly plan your own entertainment and repurpose all of your activities to your home. That way you can avoid catching Covid-19.

Pumpkin-Based Injuries & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Did you know that in the USA over 3,000 people were injured through pumpkin carving annually? If you think that number is big, just imagine how many people must get hurt in the UK through similar activities. It actually means that overall, in the USA the amount of people who get hurt through pumpkin-based personal injuries is higher than the amount of people who get hurt at fun fairs!

There are many ways that you could get hurt whilst carving a pumpkin. Most obviously you could slice your hands whilst using a knife. However, there is also the potential to make personal injury claims from just lighting a candle inside of the pumpkin. There is a chance that lighting up a pumpkin could result in burns from being dropped or from setting the pumpkin alight! There has even been a case-study where a pumpkin ended up exploding and turning into a ball of fire!

If you are still interested in indulging in some pumpkin carving, make sure to follow these safety instructions:

Of course, we don’t want to put you off carving a pumpkin! Just make sure that you keep safe whilst doing it. If you do end up getting hurt then don’t worry, you could potentially have a personal injury claim if you can prove that there was some form of negligence involved whilst you carved the pumpkin. Stranger things have been claimed for!

Haunted Houses: The Customers & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

When we think about Haunted House, we think about people dressing up to give people a good spook when they enter a scary house. That’s what Gracie Gail Durmon thought when she was walking through a spooky corn maze and saw someone dressed up as Jason Voorhees with a chainsaw. Giving her a scare, Durmon decided to try and run but ended up slipping and falling onto the ground. She actually ended up trying to sue the maze owners for negligence. However, as it was obvious the maze would have muddy conditions, and Durmon knew she was going to be scared going into the maze, she did not win the case.

People do end up getting hurt when they enter a haunted house because of the dark conditions and props that are sticking out in strange places. It’s possible that you may end up experiencing a slip or trip whilst you are in there. Unfortunately, if you have signed a waver or contract acknowledging that you are going to be scared when you enter the premises, it is very unlikely that you will have successful personal injury claims. Unless one of the workers outright attacks you and tries to hurt you, you will not be able to prove that you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence.

Haunted Houses: The Workers

Whilst it might be quite difficult to make personal injury claims if you are a visitor to some form of haunted house or event, if you are a worker, it is very possible that you may end up getting hurt due to violent clients. Now, it is well-known that you are not supposed to touch the actors in a haunted house, as they will not touch you. However, that doesn’t stop aggressive visitors from lashing out in fear and hurting the actors that try to scare them. Workers may also experience repetitive stress injuries to their arms or hurt their vocal chords from all the screaming.

Larry Pit, a personal injury lawyer, has noted that:

“Haunted house workers are often attacked, causing them to suffer physical injuries, such as bites and broken noses.”

Some of the most injuries that a Halloween scare worker may experience include:

Broken Noses
Bites
Fire burns
Taser burns
Fractured bones
Bleeding

Workers may also suffer from slipping over props due to the darkness of the rooms and tripping hazards that have been randomly placed around the room. If you do get hurt as a scare worker on Halloween night, you can make a work accident claim. Make sure to tell your manager what has happened so it can be noted down in the work accident book. You should then get medical assistance as quickly as possible. You should next consider trying to gather evidence. Your evidence can include photographs, CCTV video footage, witness statements, medical records and financial receipts.

Hayrides and Personal Injury Claims

In the countryside, you may find that there is a bit of a romantic tradition where people try to sit in a hay wagon for a ride around the village. Some people may bring up drinks or go for a trip with their partner. Whilst there could be a potential traffic accident with pedestrians or other vehicles, there have also been a few people who have actually been hurt by snakes or insects that could be nestled within the hay. 22 people have even reported being crushed slightly by a hay bale that has fallen over.

Whilst accidents and personal injury claims may happen with hayrides, the reason why you may find it unusual is because they happen more in the US or the countryside. So, if you live in the city, you may not have actually heard about these little rides. Make sure that the ride has insurance before you book your ride around the village.

Decoration Arguments

You would be surprised about how many neighbours tend to get angry with each other for the type of decorations that they put out! Some people like going a little more extreme than others. They may go out and entirely decorate their lawn, whilst other people may decide on a simple pumpkin and some cobwebs around the patio.

Whilst this may not be a personal injury claim, it is a fun legal story! For one pair of warring neighbors, the Purtells were rather upset that their neighbours had ended up asking for an RV to be removed from their driveway. That was why they decided to passive-aggressively state their frustration through their decorations. They put some gravestones out that stated:

“Here Lies Jimmy, the Olde Towne idiot, mean as sin even without his gin, no longer does he wear that stupid old grin . . . Oh no, not where they’ve sent him! -1690-“

This started a war between the two neighbours after the police were called and forced them to take it down. They then decided to try and sue the police for taking down their gravestones. Whilst it was quite a complicated story, it is still quite funny to hear about them.

Keep in mind that you could end up having a personal injury due to the decorations that have been put out from your neighbours. You could slip, trip or end up getting hurt if you try to move them out the way. They may also be heavy and could fall on you. Keep this in mind before you go out to enjoy Halloween!

Common Costume Causalities & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Apart from pumpkin-related injuries, costume injuries are extremely common. Think about it, you’re wearing tight-fitting costume that you will be moving around in constantly. This means that uneven walkways and long grassy areas are about to become your worst nightmare. Oversized costumes can make it more likely that you’re going to trip and fall over. This can cause some severe injuries.

However, injuries can happen due to the costumes and make up themselves. Whilst contacts and glittery make up can be fun to put on, however it can cause allergic reactions or may even be toxic! In some cases, there may even need to be a trip to the hospital in order to deal with any damaged or burned skin. Make sure to always do a patch test before you put makeup on yourself or on your children. You should also make sure to clean it off entirely before you go to bed to ensure that nothing goes into your eyes while you are asleep.

How do I keep safe on Halloween?

Although you should be planning your own socially distanced activities to enjoy Halloween, hopefully next year Halloween should be back to normal. So, if you go out next year, you should make sure to keep safe whilst you do it. Make sure to plan the trick or treating route in advance before you go out and wear a sensible costume. That way you can keep safe walking around and will not fall over. You should also only visit houses that have their lights on or decorations outside. That way you can know that they definitely want to take part in the season. You should also only trick or treat around well-lit areas. That way you can make sure that the area is safe.

Halloween Personal Injury Claims: Let Gowing Law help you!

Whilst you may be a bit nervous about Halloween Personal Injury Claims, as you may think it sounds a little silly, honestly, if you got hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you should make a claim about it! Gowing Law is here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we work on a “no win-no fee” basis. That way we will make sure that you always end up on top. You will never have to pay any hidden fees.

Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. You can also use our live chat in order to speak directly to our helpful team.

Personal Injuries and Halloween: How to stay safe!

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Criminal Injury, Gowing Law Updates, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Personal injuries are more common than you think on All Hallows’ Eve! But here at Gowing Law, we always love being able to celebrate this holiday with our colleagues. Take a look at the photo below if you don’t believe us!

Whilst it is always a good laugh to dress up and be with friends on Halloween, this year things may be a bit different. After all, we are all staying inside in order to socially distance and avoid spreading Covid-19 to our friends and loved ones. However, if you are still going out to do a little trick or treating, you need to try your best to keep you and your loved ones safe. Did you know that on average there are around 41 million kids and parents that go out on Halloween? That’s why it’s one of the spookiest days of the year for personal injuries solicitors.

If you do get hurt, Gowing Law Solicitors can help make the claim less spooky! Have a look at our claims checker to get started:

Should I really go out Trick or Treating this Halloween?

This year, personal injuries are going to be the least of your worries when it comes to Halloween. As we stated before, Covid-19 is going to have a large impact on the way we interact with other people long into the future. That’s why you may also be considering whether or not it’s worth going out this year. There isn’t exactly going to be any parties this year, nor is it really worth going to your neighbour’s houses in order to get sweets. After all, you have to interact with people outside of your social bubble in order for your children to get candy.

We would highly recommend that you go with your gut instinct on what you think is right to do. Whilst it has not yet been banned to go trick or treating, right now you won’t be able to go in a group larger than six. That and there will still be a chance that you could spread germs around to your neighbours. Take appropriate precautions if you do decide to go out.

Here are some of our own suggestions to get you started:

Young Children & Personal Injuries

Whilst it’s important to consider your own personal safety when you go out on Halloween night, let’s be honest, the most vulnerable people out on the street are going to be children. That’s why you need to be aware of any potential risks that might be posed to their safety. Make sure they are with you at all times and you know which houses they are visiting in order to get sweets.

One of the biggest urban personal injury legends about Halloween is that there might be poison or sharp objects within the chocolate. However, there has been very little evidence that this actually happens in real life. Usually, if a tampering does happen it is usually by a friend or family member who are trying to do it as a prank. No one has ever been killed because of tainted candy.

Just make sure to keep an eye your children and they should be okay. If they do suffer from a personal injury, you will have to represent them as they are under 18 years old.

How could I suffer from personal injuries on Halloween?

Out of all of the holidays, Halloween tends to be the one where people are most likely to get hurt. This is because they may go out to party, get drunk and fall over, or they may be crossing a busy street and end up in a pedestrian traffic accident. There are many types of problems that could lead to you getting hurt if you decide to go out. Take a look at our infographic below for an idea of what could happen when you go out for Halloween.

As you can see, the main accidents normally involve criminal activities, falling over, costume problems and pedestrian accidents with vehicles on the road. The first thing you need to think about is about how to walk safely around your neighbourhood, town, or city. It is going to be very dark, therefore you should consider wearing bright clothing, using glowing sticks or operating a Halloween candle. That way you can see others and others can see you. Go over street rules with your children, including:

Looking both ways before you cross a street.
Pausing at a curb before going out onto the road.
Holding hands before crossing a road.
Utilizing the sidewalk and crossroads to get around safely.

Establish these ground rules and maybe even make a map of your neighbourhood to ensure that they do not get lost. You should always have them carry a fully charged phone in which they can contact you if something bad does happen. That way if the responsible adult gets separated then people can stay in contact.

Work Accidents & Halloween

Public injuries can happen in any type of environment. Be it a pub, an office or any sort of public venue, if the accident was not your fault then it is very likely that you will be able to claim a large amount of compensation. The same thing happens if you have got a seasonal job at some kind of Halloween venue. This includes:

Themed bars and pubs
Outdoor Halloween events
Themed Halloween theme parks
Haunted Houses
Public parties

If you have managed to get a job at a themed event, there is a chance that you could get hurt due the negligence of your customers or management. Take a look at the case study below to get an idea of what could happen whilst you are on duty:

As you can see from our case-study, it was a completely unprovoked assault. Without any manager or security to protect him at work, Terry found himself helpless when he was attacked by customers. This means he could file his case with CICA or as a work accident claim with an experienced legal solicitor.

To make a claim, the accident needs not to have been caused by your own negligence. Instead, it needs to be the fault of someone else. Your place of work has a “duty of care” for your safety and security. That means they need to do everything within reason to keep you in a safe work environment. The accidents you experience may be due to a lack of training, experience or perhaps just bad luck.

You could get hurt due to:

Faulty equipment
Slips or trips
Violent customers
Unsafe working conditions
Inadequate management

These are only a few examples. If a work accident does happen, make sure to alert senior staff as quickly as possible. Your injury should be noted down within the work accident hand book, even if it is just seasonal/holiday work. You should also consider calling an ambulance, the police and collecting evidence, such as photographs, video, witness statements and CCTV footage.

Driving & Halloween

Traffic accidents tend to become more frequent on Halloween night. Distracted drivers may not be used to the area and so could look at their GPS more than the road. It is also very likely that they could be texting on their phone or speaking to someone in the car. Halloween parties could also make it more likely that there will be some drunk drivers behind the wheel. If you have experienced an accident due to the negligence of a drunk driver, it is very likely that you could get a lot of compensation for your injuries.

Always take care while driving, especially if you are taking care of children who are trick or treating. If there is an incident, be sure to take down the license plate and contact details of the other driver who caused the accident. You will also want to collect evidence from the scene of the traffic accident, this includes potentially getting a police report to ensure that you get a unbiased perspective on the accident itself.

How do I keep safe on Halloween night?

Now, Halloween should be an enjoyable holiday for you and all of your family. Personal injuries can happen at any time and in any place. That’s why you need to keep your guard up when you do go out and about. Things may be a little different this year, but you can still have fun.

When you get dressed up in your costumes, pick something bright and flamboyant in order to keep yourself visible. It is also recommended that you go in a group in order to make sure that someone has their eye on you at all times.

If you are going to drive on Halloween, make sure to avoid drinking at all costs. You may also want to avoid it if you have a long walk home. Many people trip up and fall because they lose their balance after having a night on the town. Drunk walking can also make people stumble onto the road off the sidewalk. Whilst you may not need to pay compensation if you are a pedestrian, the last thing that you want on your hands is to know that you have hurt someone else. Instead, focus on how you can have fun whilst remaining safe. That way you can fully enjoy the Halloween event without there being any consequences. You will only have good memories.

What should I do if I experience personal injuries on Halloween?

You should treat them just as you would if you get hurt on any other day. You should consider going to hospital to have your wounds checked out. If you are well enough to collect evidence then you should do so. This includes getting:

Photographs and videos
CCTV evidence
Police reports
Medical reports
Receipts
Witness statements
Diary entries

You will also want to get legal counsel on how to move forward with your claim. Gowing Law’s trained solicitors are more than happy to help you with your personal injury claim. That way you can avoid making any mistakes that could invalidate it. Gowing Law’s personal injuries specialists can also help you when it comes to your settlement agreement. They can calculate an estimate about how much you could be owed and whether or not you should go to court to settle the case. Make sure to also show them the evidence you have gathered. They can help you organize it!

Gowing Law is here to support you with any sort of personal injuries claim

Here at Gowing Law, we would be more than happy to help you with your claim. If you have got hurt, and it was not your fault, our personal injury specialists will make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. We can offer free advice and consultations to get you started. These can be undertaken remotely if you are worried about Covid-19. From there, if you decide you want to work with us, our solicitors can offer their services on a ”no win-no fee”.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by contacting our legal firm at 0800 041 3850, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or using our claims checker. You can also reach out to us directly by using our contact page or LiveChat. Let us know how we can help you! Our solicitors are on the case.

Should I report my accident at work injury to my manager?

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

An accident at work injury can cause more than just a few bumps and bruises. Large injuries can actually cause severe trauma and slow-healing wounds that may take months on end to heal up. This can lead to you missing out on potential opportunities that you would have received if you were able-bodied at the time. If you get hurt in any type of work accident, you should immediately report it to your co-workers and manager. Get their attention and make sure that you get the medical treatment that you need. That way you, and anyone else who was hurt in the accident, can start the process of a work accident claim without any potential difficulties causing a problem to you and the amount of pay-out that you receive.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you understand how you can move forward with your claim. Get in contact now for free advice and legal counsel. Click the link below for more information:

Covid-19 & Accidents: What to expect?

Before we jump into work injuries and compensation claims, let’s talk about the current pandemic and work accidents. A lot of people are currently working remotely through a VPN or are currently making preparations to return to working on-site if they are essential staff or have been asked to by a manager or employer. Remote workers may be wondering if they are entitled to compensation if they get hurt, but if you are going back on-site then you will also need to think about the risks that Covid-19 presents to your employees. There is a chance that if your employee catches Covid-19 that they could claim compensation. Take a look below to see how this could work:

As you can see it is extremely easy for one mistake to cause an accident that could cost a company thousands in compensation from their employer liability insurance. That’s why it’s important to maintain social distancing in the office or any other type of workplace. Make sure to follow government guidelines and that your employees are always protected when they come in on their commute and leave to go home.

Why should I report an accident at work to a manager?

Naturally, if you get hurt at work then you will need to get help to deal with any repercussions. Any accident may have been due to the negligence of your employer, perhaps because of the hazards in your environment or maybe due to the naivety of your co-workers. Either way, you got hurt because of an accident that happened on work property. That means it’s their responsibility to ensure that you get the medical help you need to recover.

Reporting an accident to a manager or employer can also prove that it happened in the first place. Although most employers will simply take responsibility for what happened, you may also get some employers who may try to cover it up or wriggle out of it if you leave the claim too late. Always alert colleagues and managers as to what has happened to you. That way you will have evidence that an accident did take place.

What will happen if I do not report my accident?

Honestly, if you do not report your accident and then try to make a claim, it is very unlikely that you will be able to claim compensation. After all, you may have got hurt somewhere else. Without the evidence to prove it then your employer may not have to pay you compensation or may not even grant you sick leave. As soon as you get hurt, make sure to alert your fellow staff and higher management. That way even if there is a potential cover up, you can make sure that you at least have witnesses that can vouch for you. Take a look at the infographic below to see some additional things you should avoid after having an accident at work.

So, the overall lesson is to always tell someone about your work accident. Whilst you can collect a vast amount of evidence for your case, if you do not report it then you may find that your employer claims that they say that you did not inform them immediately, therefore they had no way of reacting to your injuries in an appropriate manner. This includes getting medical aid and writing it down in the work accident book.

Will I be fired for my work accident?

Work accidents can be a sensitive subject for many people. After all, you don’t want to think that you could easily get hurt when you are meant to be in a safe environment. But when accidents do happen, not every employer is going to react the same. You should never be fired for your work accident, after all they should be prepared with the right insurance to ensure that you are rightly compensated for all sort of accident at work injury claims. However, if your employment is terminated because of your accident, this will change the type of claim you actually have. It is known as unfair dismissal. This means that you will have to bring your employer to court for an employment tribunal case. You should never have to tolerate an employer abusing their power and should be rightly compensated for your losses.

So, what should I do if I have been hurt in a work accident injury?

Now that you understand how important it is to report the accident to your manager or work mates, you should also understand what the proper procedure is when you are in a work accident. Following the correct protocol means that you can get the highest amount of compensation possible if the accident is taken to trial or you have a settlement agreement with the employer’s insurer.

As discussed, the first thing that you should do is tell someone that you got hurt. That way your work accident book can be updated with the details of your accident. You are entitled to a copy of this report. Once you have the report documented then you should get medical assistance as quickly as possible. Even if you have only suffered from minor wounds, you should have them checked just to make sure they are not any worse than they initially appear. You may also want to look around for evidence. Evidence may include:

Photographs of your injuries and the accident environment
Videos and CCTV footage
Witness statements
Medical reports
Police reports
Diary Entries
Receipts of financial losses

Once you have collected your evidence then you should go to a solicitor to help have it organized and your case discussed. They can help you understand what you are entitled to and how you can get the highest amount of compensation possible.

What kind of damages can I claim for?

Whether you have a pedestrian traffic accident claim or a beauty claim case, most of the damages that you can claim for fall under similar brackets. The main categories of damages are “general damages” and “special damages”. General damages account for the pain and suffering of the claimant. This may include their:

Physical damages
Emotional damages

Special damages are for the claimant’s financial losses. A lot of people naturally assume that the only thing that they can claim for are their physical injuries, however this is certainly not the case. If you have made any financial losses then you can claim them back. Take a look at the case study below for an example:

As you can see, Margaret was forced to pay for her injuries, including her tax fees and recovery treatments. However, there are other types of financial losses she could have experienced, including the loss of wage and opportunity. So, for instance, let’s say that you were aiming for a promotion for your hard work at your company. If you suddenly got hurt and were not able to go to work anymore, it is very likely that you wouldn’t get the promotion. In fact, you may end up losing out on your wages because you are going to be forced to take sick leave.

What happens if my accident at work injury is not reported by my employer?

Did you know that it is a legal requirement for an accident to be reported to RIDDOR? If employers don’t, then you may find that they end up being sued or could get a large fine of up to £20,000. Sometimes they may even get an unlimited fine that is requested from the Crown Court. If you have been injured due to a work accident, you do have the right to ask your employer what they are going to do about it. In other words, you can find out whether or not the incident was reported to an appropriate authority. If it wasn’t then you can use this as evidence of neglectful behaviour. You can even prove that they have breached their duty of care.

What should I do if my accident at work injury is not reported?

The first thing you need to do is not panic. It can feel horrible knowing that your employer isn’t acting like they are on your side. However, some cases are simply more complicated than others. Even if your employer tries to fight against giving your compensation, having a trained solicitor on your side can make sure that the legal process moves forward smoothly.

Your solicitor will advise you to focus on collecting evidence if your injury has not been reported. For instance, if you get a medical report of your injuries, you could show how old they are and how they relate back to the accident that occurred in the workplace. Providing your lawyer can help them to start building your case, especially if you combine it with any other type of evidence that can:

Prove your injuries before you received any medical treatment (i.e. Photographs or videos)
Show where the accident took place and what the hazard was (i.e. CCTV, photographs and videos)
Validate your own statements and opinions of what happened (i.e. witness statements)
Show examples of previous accidents that have happened in your workplace (i.e. witness statements or records)

How long will I have to report the work accident to my manager?

Honestly, if you are suffering from severe injuries that could change your life, you should speak to your manager straight away. That way they can be reported by your manager to RIDDOR as soon as possible. Any initial report of the incident must be written up within 10 days of the accident being reported to RIDDOR. Keep this in mind when you ask your manager for an update. If they have not adhered to the 10 day deadline then they could get in trouble for negligence.

Outside of the initial report, you may also be wondering about how long it will actually take to make a work accident claim. You should always aim to have your work accident claim sorted out as quickly as possible. That means that there will be a less likely chance that you could lose evidence or have your wounds get any worse without appropriate treatment.

You will have three years from the time of your accident to make claim. Make sure to give your lawyer as much time as possible. That way they can get your claim organized in a manner that can get you the highest amount of compensation possible. You can also check in with them to learn how your claim is going. They can also advise you on what you can do to help.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accident at work injury claim

Gowing Law Solicitors are here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. We will provide you with expert advice on your claim and carefully explain anything that you may need help with. To get started with your claim, feel free to get in contact with us. If you’re happy with our free advice and consultations, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and never have to pay any hidden fees.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or through our helpful online claims checker.

Ready to read more about work accident claims?

Work accident claims can get complicated quickly. This can only get harder if you do not have the right help to guide you. Gowing Law prides itself on providing helpful law advice. Our help can get you on the right track with claiming your pay-out. Not only can you get this advice from our experienced solicitors in Manchester, but from our blog. We keep our blog updated with new content every week. Make sure to check back to see what new topics we are covering.

If you want to suggest a topic, feel free to write in your questions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk! We would be more than happy to write about our experience and how you should handle your accident at work injury claim. Feel free to also let us know through our social media.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Accident at Work Claims & Remote Working

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Accident at work claims usually occur when someone has been hurt due to the negligence of an employer. This is usually because of hazards around the office or the inexperience of your co-workers. That’s why things may feel a little strange now that you have been working remotely for so long, ever since Covid-19 turned the world upside down. Previously, you may have done all of your work from a safe office environment, a store or perhaps a construction site. However, for the last few months you may have been asked to work from home or take furlough in order to help your business during this difficult period.

So, if you get hurt during this remote-working period, the main question is, will you get paid accident at work compensation? Making an accident at work claim may be more difficult than you realize if you are no longer working on-site. If you do think you’re eligible for a claim though, feel free to get in contact with Gowing Law Solicitors about your questions. We would be more than happy to help.

Why are employers letting their employees work from home?

Did you know that due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, around 49.2% of workers are now working from home? Whilst the majority of employers have sent their workforce home to work remotely to stop the spread of Covid-19, there are others who believe that remote working is the new future of the workforce. Employees should not just be trapped in a tiny cubicle or forced to go a small room every day of the week. Instead, being a remote worker can improve the mental health of your workers and allow them the flexibility to get on with their private lives. Take a look at the TED talk below to get a sense of why remote working is so useful:

Allowing your workers to change their lifestyles to remote working can encourage them to work harder than ever before. Not only are you protecting them from Covid-19, but not being confined to one area, or city, means that they can keep up their work whilst going back to their original home to look after close friends and family in their time of need. Happy workers are healthy workers. Protect them and their rights and you will find that they will be loyal to you and your company.

Am I eligible to make accident at work claims if I am working remotely?

This is where things get a little tricky. Normally, when someone makes a work accident claim it’s because they have actually got injured when they were onsite. For instance, on a construction site, a worker may get injured if they do not know how to operate the equipment appropriately, or perhaps have something dropped on them. However, in a remote environment, the employer must ensure that the person and their position are suitable for homeworking. This includes:

Making sure the home environment is suitable for work.
Making sure that the environment promotes mental well-being.
Having the appropriate equipment to make sure that duties can be undertaken effectively

It’s important that the employer makes a risk-assessment about whether or not an employee should be able to undertake their daily tasks without being impeded upon. So,how can an office worker best keep up with their calls and work tasks whilst being out of the office? The answer for this type of question may lie in purchasing a VPN. That way they can hook to their office server to access their files. They may also need to take part in a video call a few times a week. This should help them keep updated about their latest tasks and the expectations of management. Think outside of the box when it comes to remote working. That way you can figure out whether or not it is suitable for your own business.

The Duty of Care & Remote Working

Now, if you are remotely working from home, you may be wondering about whether or not your employer’s duty of care extends to your home. Whilst they cannot make a remote inspection of your house, as this would break social-distancing laws, they can consider whether or not the work would be suitable to undertake from home. Take a look at the example below to get a better understanding of this means.

If you are currently working from home, your employer should make a risk-assessment to ensure that you have everything that you need to get on with your daily duties. This includes any materials or software. They may also want to know if you have the right amount of space to do your work to avoid getting hurt – for instance, a cramped space could mean that you could have a tripping accident or something could fall on you. If your employer is happy for you to continue working from home, there is no reason why you should have to go back into your office, apart from the occasional odd meeting from time-to-time.

If I have an “accident at work” whilst remote, is my employer liable for damages?

An accident at work claim may play out quite differently to what you expect. After all, you are not working in an office and have to find a new way of making remote working work for you. Ultimately, you have control over your own home. Therefore, you need to look after your own safety. However, it is up to your employer to give you appropriate equipment to ensure that you can get your tasks completed in a reasonable manner. Your employer is responsible for:

Making sure that your work environment is clean and safe
You have the appropriate PPI and equipment to do your job
You have received training to make sure that you can do your job

If you do end up getting hurt in your own home, your employer being the one responsible would only happen in quite exceptional circumstances. For instance, if they supplied you with faulty equipment and you got hurt due to it, then it would be their fault and you could claim for compensation. However, if you tripped over your own rug whilst you were getting up to make a coffee, this would be your own fault. Therefore you would not get compensation for your employer.

Take a look at our infographic below to get some ideas on how you can keep safe as you work remotely during the pandemic.

What type of injuries could I experience whilst working from home?

As we stated previously, the most common type of injury that could be the fault of your employer are those due to faulty equipment. Of course, this could happen even if you re-open your office, but it can also happen at home. Equipment may include:

Computers
Desks
Printers
Fax Machines

Equipment depends on the type of profession you are in, but if the technology does malfunction then you could get hurt. There is also a chance that you haven’t received the appropriate training to know how you can use a laptop without straining your eyes or getting a repetitive strain disorder. You should be informed of your company’s health and safety policies before you start remote working. If you were not given sufficient training then this could be evidence of your employer’s negligence. Ultimately, this could potentially mean that if you get hurt then you could make a claim. Keep in mind it will have to be in quite special circumstances that you are able to get a high pay-out.

What about if I work remotely and travel a lot for my job?

Not every remote job means that you are staying put in one place. In some other cases, your job may actually mean that you have to travel. This may be to different cities in order to fulfill your duties. For instance, you may be a spokesperson for your company and need to go to different areas in order to promote the product. So you would do the majority of your job advertising online, but may also be paid to travel in order to show off your products at conventions or businesses.

If you are travelling on employee time and get hurt whilst you are on shift, you could be owed damages not only from the other person involved in the car accident, but from your employer as well. This includes both general damages and special damages. Make sure to check out our traffic accident compensation page for more information!

Will I need evidence to make an accident at work claim remotely?

You will need evidence if you have any sort of work accident claim. Now, a remote work accident claim is going to be a bit different to normal. As you are going to be working at home, it’s very unlikely that you will have witnesses. If the people you live with witnessed the accident, then you will need to get their statement, as well as inform your manager that you have been injured. You can then proceed to take pictures and videos. You can even call for medical help if the injuries have been severe. Don’t forget to take pictures of the equipment that has injured you in the first place. That way you can prove that it was the fault of your employer. This is because you were not given the appropriate training to handle the equipment.

You should also ask for a medical report if you are taken to hospital to have your injury checked over. This can prove that the injury happened in the first place. You are not making it up or making it look any worse than it is. This can strengthen your claim when you go to court.

How long will it take to make accident at work claims?

Considering that there is currently a backlog of court cases in the UK legal system, it is very likely that your case may end up being delayed. It may even come to pass that you are invited to a remote hearing, instead of seeing your judge face-to-face. Be open and flexible about your court case.Undertaking a remote claims case can mean a faster outcome. That means you should be able to get accident at work claims quicker than you would expect.

The limit for making a work accident claim is 3 years from the time of your accident. You should endeavor to get in contact with a solicitor as quickly as possible about your claim. That way you can give them the maximum amount of time. Your claim can be sorted out without losing any vital evidence.

Gowing Law Solicitors are ready to help you get the compensation that you deserve!

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that we are all currently undergoing a difficult time. The pandemic has turned the world upside down and a lot of people don’t currently know where they stand. That’s why we are here to offer as much legal support and guidance as we can. Our solicitors can give you free advice and consultations to get you started with your claim. Want to work with us? Our lawyers would be happy to offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always get a positive experience working with us.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to gain expert advice on your claim. Phone 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. You can also use our LiveChat if you visit our contact page.

Work Accident Evidence: Do I need it?

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Work accident evidence is crucial when it comes to proving whether or not you are liable for an accident that happened whilst you were on the clock. Not every accident means that you are going to be sent to hospital and experience life-threatening injuries. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get compensation if they happened because of the negligence of other people. To show that you did everything in your own power to avoid getting hurt, your evidence is vital. It is also a good way to show that you experienced more damages than just your physical injuries.

Today, we dive back into work accidents and our interview with Elaine. We discuss whether or not you need evidence, and how it can affect your case.

Work Accidents and evidence: Why do I need it?

To put it in simple terms, if you want to get a high amount of compensation, the best way you can do this is by having evidence. The right evidence can prove that you were not responsible for the injury. Instead, it can show how your employer was negligent and caused you to get hurt. Your evidence can also back up the amount of damages that you have experienced because of your accident.

This is why it is essential to collect certain types of evidence, like medical records from your GP or a hospital visit. In some cases you won’t be able to collect certain types of evidence, for instance if you did not have any witnesses to your accident then clearly you won’t be able to get a witness’s testimony/statement.

What type of evidence should I be looking for?

As you can see, there are many different types of evidence that you can pick. Your employer will be paying for your compensation out of their employer liability insurance. Therefore, the amount of evidence that you provide will change the amount of compensation that you get for your injuries. For instance, if you were to prove that your employer attacked you, i.e. in a violent altercation or a criminal act, then if you have CCTV evidence, you could prove that you not only suffered from physical injuries, but your phone was smashed during the altercation. That means that you could ask them for compensation for damage to your equipment.

What sort of damages can I use this evidence for?

In any type of personal injury case, whether it is a public accident, a traffic accident or a criminal injury, there are two types of damages that you could suffer from due to a work accident. These are known as:

General Damages
Special Damages

General Damages

General damages account for your general pain and suffering. This is a little more complicated than it may originally appear to be, despite being the most common type of injury claim. This is because you need to think carefully about how you should account for someone’s pain and suffering. Usually this will entail any emotional and psychological damages that require therapy and medical assistance to overcome.

Special Damages

Now, initially you may think that special damages are solely for traffic accidents, but in reality you can claim special damages in any type of accident claims case. Special damages are there to protect you if you have suffered from financial losses. This can include loss of wages, loss of potential (e.g. if you were going to get promoted at work) and any other types of expenses that could damage you and your bank balance. You may have even broken personal equipment (e.g. your phone or MP3) if they were involved in the accident. Keep in mind that these damages will need to be combined with a physical injury if you are going to make a claim.

Does it matter what types of evidence I collect for a work accident claim?

You are not going to be able to collect all types of evidence that we have suggested in this blog, that’s just a fact. If you have suffered from a large injury then you may not even be able to collect much outside of witness statements and a medical report. But that’s okay, a lot of the time you may need your solicitor to find evidence on your behalf. For instance, there may have been a CCTV device in the area that captured your accident on tape. This can serve as an unbiased look into what happened and can show you were not to blame for the accident. Try to think carefully about the types of evidence that you already have. Your solicitor can help you find additional evidence and provide you with advice on where you can get started.

What should I do if I have no witnesses for my accident?

Don’t worry, this happens more often than you would probably think. If you have got hurt whilst no one is around, the first thing you need to do is alert your fellow staff members about it. You should also request that it is noted down in the workplace’s accident book. It is important that you look for alternatives to a witness testimony. For instance, was there any CCTV footage of your accident? You should also consider taking pictures and videos yourself to prove that you have been hurt whilst at work. A solicitor can help you understand what you should do if you are worried about the amount of evidence you have. They can make sure that you get the highest amount of compensation possible, so make sure to go to them for advice!

What should I do if my employer doesn’t believe that I got hurt in a work accident?

Not all cases are going to be simple and straightforward. Most of the time an employer may simply accept that an accident happened and be willing to negotiate a settlement agreement before a court case even happens. However, others may not budge even when they are face-to-face with the hardest evidence.

If this is the situation that you are in, you should get legal counsel as quickly as possible. A lawyer can help you gather your evidence, including your medical records and send copies to your employer and their insurer. You should also discuss an amount of compensation that you are willing to settle on. If your employer refuses to sit down for a settlement agreement, it may be time to take them to court.

Due to Covid-19, you may find that you have to engage in a remote trial. It may sound scary, but it will be exactly like a normal court case. The judge will be in court and you will be joining electronically via a phone call or a video call. Make sure to have all of your evidence prepared so that the judge can make a decision that is in your favour.

How much compensation could I make from a work accident?

The amount of evidence you have will determine the amount of compensation that you get from your claim. After all, evidence can prove that you were not at fault for your injuries. Therefore, you need to have as much evidence as possible that interlinks with your damages. So, if you had a severe injury that required physiotherapy, your receipts for paying for treatments and medication can prove that it caused you severe financial damages over the course of the treatment period.

If you have suffered from a severe injury in a work accident, and have the evidence to back it up, you could be owed a 7 figure pay-out. However, you can still claim a smaller pay-out if you have only suffered from minor injuries. Speak to a solicitor to get an estimated amount of how much you could be owed.

How long will it take to make a work accident claim?

This depends on the complexity of your accident and the extent of court delays due to Covid-19. If your employer refuses to accept responsibility for your wounds, you may want to take the time to carefully examine your case and get your evidence ready. Be patient with your solicitor and construct a timeline together so you can both understand the extent of how long it will take to make your case and claim compensation. You can also ask for updates to know where your case is currently at. You should expect to be updated about your case at least once a month. Just be prepared for delays due to the current pandemic.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident claim

Here at Gowing Law, we pride ourselves on making sure our customers get a top quality service and the compensation they need to recover. We can offer our clients free advice and consultations to get started. If they are happy with working with us, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. This can all be undertaken remotely to ensure the safety of our clients through the current pandemic.

Contact our Manchester law firm today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or using our claims checker. You can even use our Live Chat to talk to one of our team members quickly and efficiently. Just let us know your questions and someone will be there to help.

Want to learn more legal information?

We keep our blog updated with the latest news and information about personal injuries and legal claims. That way you can understand exactly what you are getting yourself into before you start your claim. If you can’t find the topic that you want, why not let us know? We would be more than happy to write about your suggestions. If you have a blog topic, please write in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We will then write up the topic as an article so you can have all of your questions answered.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your claim. See you in our next blog!

Can I make a beauty claim for a microblading accident?

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Cosmetic Claims, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

A microblading accident can happen for a range of reasons. Some of the most common beauty claims include hairdressing problems, tanning burns and infections from fake nails. However, if we think about more modern beauty trends, there are a lot of problems that can come with these treatments. One of the most common treatments that most people claim for nowadays is microblading. Microblading is a tattoo technique that can change the shape, colour and size of the eyebrows. Nowadays, most people use it to try and thicken up their eyebrows. They make the eyebrow look relatively realistic and can last for quite a few months. However, when this treatment goes wrong it can cause severe damage to the skin through discolouration, allergic reactions and scarring.

This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you get started with your beauty claim. We understand that asking for beauty compensation can be a bit daunting. Any sort of legal matters can be unnerving. Our trained beauty claim solicitors can help you understand exactly what you are owed. All you need to do is call 0800 041 3850 or check out your claim below:

What is there to know about microblading?

Beauty claims tend to come out of the knowledge that someone has got hurt due to the inexperience or negligence of a beauty professional. If you are having a beautician work on your eyebrows, you need to feel confident knowing that they are doing their job up to a professional standard. This means you should:

Know all of the information essential to your treatment
Understand the risks of your treatment
Inform your beautician of any allergies or conditions you have that may cause adverse effects when it comes to your treatment.

To be a skilled microblade specialist, you will need training to ensure that the shape of the eyebrow is specifically suited to the client. It is similar to a tattoo but it involves pigment being implanted under the skin in strokes to resemble small hairs. This tends to make your eyebrows look more natural rather than just being big blocks on your head. However, if the beauty technician does not know what they are doing then there can be some severe consequences.

What could cause a microblading accident?

As you can see above, when a microblading treatment goes wrong, you will find that it can have dire consequences on the claimant’s physical appearance and overall health. Microblading is a semi-permanent beauty technique. However, it can still have an overall effect on the skin. But if you do get a permanent treatment then it may take months, maybe even years for the pigmentation product to be diluted from the skin. If the beauty treatment does not have the desired effect, or perhaps creates an allergic reaction within the skin that you did not anticipate, you could claim compensation for any damages that you suffer.

Additional problems with microblading can be found within the infographic below:

Whilst you won’t be able to get compensation for a bad microblading technique on its own, aka. having a bad design drawn on your face, if you have been physically hurt by a microblading accident, then you can start your compensation claim. Remember, you may also want to get any potential wounds checked out by your doctor to lessen the risk that they could get worse. If you leave them then that could look like negligence on your own part. That’s why it’s crucial to seek help as soon as you need it. This includes seeking out good legal counsel.

Will I be hurting the salon by making a beauty claim for my microblading accident?

No! Quite the contrary. Any quality salon will understand that accidents can happen even if they try their best to prevent them. All salon owners and employees owe their customers a duty of care. This means that it is their responsibility to ensure that all clients are kept safe during treatments and whilst they are in the salon. If accidents do happen, then they need to be immediately recorded in the salon’s work accident book. They can then work with you to determine who was responsible for the accident and to create a settlement agreement. The compensation will be paid through the salon’s employer liability insurance. Therefore, you will not be damaging the company financially by making a claim.

Salons and microblading accidents: Hygiene Standards

If you have suffered from a microblading accident, it may have been due to the equipment itself. The main way that you are going to prove that you are owed compensation for your accident is to show that it was due to the negligence of the staff.

Before you undergo the microblading treatment, you should be asked to undergo some sort of patch test. This test is used to see if your skin will have a reaction to the product. If they do not do this, or do not warn you about the type of products they are going to use on your skin, then this could be classified as negligence.

However, negligence can also come from the lack of cleaning or cleanliness in the equipment or the salon environment. With Covid-19 causing a problem for salons around the country, salons now have to implement strict cleaning and adhere social distancing regulations. If the equipment and dirty environment could cause an accident, then this is due to the salon staff and employers, not you. This means that if you do get hurt due to a micro-blading accident, you could claim compensation. Check the hygiene standards of a salon before you pay for a service.

Can I claim for an unsatisfactory microblading technique that affected my appearance?

This is where things may get a little more difficult. Whilst you can make a claim for a bad result of your microblading treatment, whether you make an accident claim depends on whether or not you got hurt. If you have been left with an unsatisfactory cosmetic experience or appearance, you may feel embarrassed about showing your face in public. Worse still, it may affect how you handle day-to-day activities if you don’t want people to see how you look. Examples of bad microblading technique may include:

Uneven eyebrows
Discolouration of eyebrows
Shape of eyebrows
Size of eyebrows
The symmetry of your brows

Think carefully about whether or not you can make a claim for having an unsatisfactory technique. You could equate these types of damages to emotional damages. After all, you have been left feeling embarrassed or ashamed of your appearance. However, to make a beauty accident claim, you will need to have suffered from physical injuries due to the microblading treatment. You cannot claim for emotional damages on their own.

What can I claim for if I have suffered from a microblading accident?

Just like any other type of beauty claim, there are two main categories of damages that you can claim for. These are general damages and special damages. General damages are there to compensate you if you have experienced pain and suffering. So this may include:

Physical Injuries
Emotional Damages

Special damages are there to help you with your financial losses. Take a look at some of the examples below for a better idea of what they may include:

Loss of wages
Opportunity losses (i.e. if you took time off work and lost a promotion)
Travel fees
Medical fees
Broken equipment
Re-touching treatments to fix the damage

As you can see there are a lot of things that you can claim damages for. The more losses you have experienced, the more likely it is that you will get a larger amount of compensation as a pay-out. However, keep in mind that in order to prove you deserve compensation, you will need evidence. If you do not have any then it will simply be a case of “he said-she said.”

What sort of evidence do I need to make a microblading accident claim?

No matter what type of accident you have been involved in, if you got hurt in a beauty salon then the first thing you should consider is your own health. Alert the staff of the salon about your accident and ask them to have it noted down in their accident book. You should then receive medical assistance to help with your injuries. Whether they are big or small injuries, you should go to hospital or at least a walk-in centre to make sure there is nothing bad that could get worse without treatment.

You may also want to collect the following evidence to help with your claim:

Photographs of your injuries and the environment
Videos or CCTV footage of your injuries or the accident
Medical reports
Police reports
Receipts for expenses
Diary entries
Witness Statements and testimonies

If you bring your evidence to your solicitor then you can work together in order to pair up your damages to the evidence. A solicitor can help strengthen your case and help you understand which of your damages can help you get the most compensation possible. They can also help you avoid any potential pitfalls that could happen in your case.

How much compensation could I be owed?

Now, when a solicitor is asked about this type of question, the answer tends to be something like “how long is a piece of string?” The amount of compensation that you receive entirely depends on the extent of your damages, injuries and losses. Obviously, the more severe your damages are, the higher your compensation pay-out if going to be. Two people involved in the same accident may end up getting different pay-outs due to the extent of their injuries. So, take a look at your own damages and ask your solicitor to help you with a rough estimate. They can let you know roughly how much you could be owed if they are successful with your case.

How long do I have to make a beauty claim?

You will have three years from the time of your accident. This is why it is essential that you get the help of a solicitor as quickly as possible. You don’t want to waste time by figuring out if your injuries could make you eligible for a compensation claim. An experienced solicitor can help you with this. So, give them the maximum amount of time to work on your case. That way they can go through it thoroughly and ensure that no mistakes are made.

Claim Beauty Compensation for your Microblading incident with Gowing Law Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law, we pride ourselves on being cosmetic injury specialists. We have helped people all over the country get the compensation that they deserve. All of our solicitors have experience with beauty claims and know exactly how to help you get a compensation pay-out that can make you feel less stressed about your situation. Gowing Law’s beauty injury solicitors can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy working with one of our lawyers, we can offer you our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees and you will always come out on top.

If you are ready to start your claim, contact Gowing Law today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or checking your claim here. You can also visit our contact page to speak our team via our direct messenger. Let us know if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to answer them.

Learn more about beauty claims

If you are interested in learning more about beauty claims, Gowing Law Solicitors keeps its blog updated with the latest legal information about UK laws and compensation claims. Feel free to look through our blog till you find a topic that you like. If you cannot find the blog you are after, why not send your suggestions into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We can also sign you up to our newsletter. Just let us know!

Gowing Law wishes you the best of luck with your beauty compensation claim. See you in our next blog.

Work Accident Compensation: Can commuting employees make a claim?

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Criminal Injury, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Work accident compensation is used to protect employees if they have suffered from some kind of work accident. Nowadays, many employees are not going to their office. Instead, they may be working remotely to avoid catching Covid-19. However, for those that are going to work, there is a possibility that they could get hurt whilst they make the commute to the workplace. This could be due to a pedestrian accident, criminal activity or overcrowded public transport. There are many reasons you could get hurt. However, you may be wondering whether or not you could claim compensation for getting hurt.

Gowing Law Solicitor can help you if you have been hurt at work and require compensation for your losses. All you need to do is phone up 0800 041 8350 to get started!

Work Accident Compensation: How could I get hurt on my commute to work?

You may feel a little nervous when you go on your daily commute to work. After all, you may be a bit out of the swing of things when it comes to commuting, or perhaps nervous due to Covid-19. Whilst you are likely taking your own necessary precautions to adhere to social-distancing, such as owning your own face-mask and hand gel, there is still the chance that you could get hurt on your commute to work. Take a look at the infographic below to understand what type of risks could be encountered on your way to work:

As you can see, there are a number of ways you can get hurt at the start and end of the day. There are always going to be hazards on your way to work. Covid-19 may be making people more health & safety conscious, but negligent drivers, passengers and pedestrians could still cause you to get hurt. But the main question is, is your employer responsible for you getting hurt when you are on your way to work? This is what we are going to find out.

Is my employer responsible for providing me with work accident compensation for my commute?

Unfortunately, no, they are not responsible for your safety when you are outside of work. This means you wont be able to get work accident compensation. You are paid for a scheduled amount of time to fulfil a task or provide a skill set. When you are off the clock then your employer is not required to maintain their “duty of care” over what you do. You are basically a free agent to do whatever you want. If you get hurt then this is out of their control. There are only a few circumstances in which your employer would be held responsible for your commute. However, if you have got hurt then you may want to think about making a:

Criminal Injury Claim
Road Traffic Accident Claim
Public Accident Claim

Your eligibility depends on the type of accident you have. However, if you have fall under one of these categories, it is likely that you will be able to get compensation. The only different will be that it will not be paid from the insurance of your employer.

What “special circumstances” could mean that I can make a work accident compensation claim on my commute?

Whilst it is very unlikely that you will be able to make a work accident compensation claim based on an accident during a commute, there are other times when an employee may be covered. Keep in mind that this may only be for very specific employees or events that happen on the commute. Take a look at some of the examples below to get a sense of what could be classified as a commuting work accident:

You were asked to run a work-errand on the way home from your work place or whilst you were on a break. If you got into an accident during this then you could claim compensation. This is known as the capacity concept.

As an employee, you are forced to commute through a “zone of danger” in order to get to work .This includes construction sites and large blasting areas. If you get injured due to these sites then you could be owed compensation.
You are an on-call employee that gets covered when they are called into work. This means that they are covered even if they get hurt at home.
You have been asked to go on business travel or go abroad to a different worksite.
Travel is a normal part of our job and you do not work from an office-site. This can include nurses, sales people, truckers or any sort of vehicle drivers. As you do not have a fixed workplace, you will be exempt from the “coming and going rule”.

Are there any other types of special cases?

Of course, these are only a few examples of why you could be eligible for compensation. The best way you can determine whether or not you will be able to claim compensation for an accident on a commute is by speaking with a trained solicitor. They can let you know if you are pursuing the right claim or if you should consider making a different type of compensation claim.

I was still injured! What should I do now?

Now if you are sure that you do not have a work accident claim, you should consider alternative options. All is not lost! Just because you cannot ask your employer for compensation doesn’t mean that you do not have a compensation claim. You simply need to consider the other accident categories that your case could fall into. Remember, for most accident claims cases, you will need similar types of evidence to prove that you were not responsible for your accident. The categories of public injuries are there to focus you on who will need to pay for your compensation. Here are some examples of the types of claims you could go for, as well as how you could make the claims in general.

Road Traffic accident claims

Normally, when you set out on your commute, you are going to be taking some form of transport or may be walking to work as a pedestrian. However, if there is a careless driver on the road that is breaching their “duty of care” towards other road users, this could cause an accident. The vehicles you may be driving or be a passenger on may include:

Public Transport
Cars
Motorcycles
Bikes
Buses

If you have been involved in a traffic accident, it is likely that it was due to the negligence of the other driver. You need to prove that you were not at fault and took all the precautions necessary in order to avoid an accident. If the accident still happened then this will mean you are not at fault and can claim compensation. Make sure to take down the insurance number and pictures of the other vehicle. That way you can know who to contact if you do end up needing to make a road traffic accident claim.

Criminal Injury Claims

Now, if you are dealing with a criminal injury claim, things may end up going a little differently for your claim. Criminal attacks can happen at any time and in any place. However, if you are commuting back and forward between work, you may find that as the nights get darker, you may start to feel more vulnerable or isolated. If you are walking alone or away from the gaze of the public, this could make it more likely that you experience a violent altercation or an attack. A criminal injury claim may include:

Knife attacks
Gun attacks
Violent assaults
Sexual assaults
Terrorists attacks

Naturally, some of these types of altercations are worse than others. However, claiming for criminal injury insurance should provide you with compensation that can help you recover. If you have suffered from some sort of criminal attack, make sure to immediately call the police or emergency services to ensure that your wounds are treated. Cooperate with the police’s investigation before you start to collect your evidence.

In some cases, you may not be able to pick out your attacker or identify who they are. That is why we would recommend that you seek compensation from the CICA scheme. CICA stands for criminal injuries compensation authority. If you do not know who your attacker is then this may make things difficult. That’s why you need a solicitor to help you collect your evidence to prove that you fall under the scheme.

Public Accident Claims

Another type of compensation you could claim for is known as a public accident claim. These are some of the most common type of claims and are used to get you compensation for damages that happen on public property. So, for instance, let’s say you visit a store on your way to work to pick up your lunch. If you get hurt due to a slip or fall in the store, you could claim for public accident compensation. This applies to any sort of public area that may be under responsibility of a local body of government or an employer. If you have got hurt in a public place, make sure to alert any staff or people around. They can act as your witnesses.

You will also want to get your wounds checked out and start gathering evidence in order to help with your claim. This is very similar to what you may do in a work accident claim.

How do I prepare for an accident claims case?

When it comes to any sort of accident claims case the main thing you need to prove that you are not liable for your injuries is evidence. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you can show that you deserve a high amount of compensation for your losses. Now, your losses fall under two categories. These are “general damages”, for your pain and suffering, and “special damages” for your financial losses. You can also claim for emotional trauma, loss of opportunity and broken equipment.

Your evidence should prove that you have suffered from these damages. Examples of evidence may include:

Photographs of your injuries and the accident environment
Videos of your injuries and the accident environment.
CCTV footage
Police reports
Work Accident handbook reports
Witness statements
Medical records
Receipts
Diary entries

These are only a few examples of the types of damages and evidence that you could claim for. Remember that you can use evidence from during and after the incident. For instance, if you are suffering emotional damages after you were physically injured, you could be struggling to undertake normal daily tasks. Your evidence could be a witness statement or diary entry documenting your worries and fears.

Gowing Law can help you with your accident claim!

No matter what sort of accident claim you have, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with legal counsel. Our experienced lawyers can provide you with expert advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy with their services, we can take on your case on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means you will always come out on top and there will be no hidden fees that you will need to pay.

Get in contact today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or using our contact page. One of our team members will then be in touch to help you with your claim and answer your questions.

More than one person was hurt in the same work accident. Do we all get the same pay-out?

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Work Place Accidents

A work accident can have severe consequences for everyone who is involved. Some people may get seriously hurt whilst others may suffer from psychological scarring. Of course, minor incidents may only mean you need to spend a few days off work. But if you and the others in your workplace have suffered from a serious accident, you may find that it you are owed compensation for your injuries

This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you. We understand that you may be suffering due to your injuries. That’s why you need an experienced solicitor on your side to get you the compensation that you and your colleagues deserve. All you need to do is get in contact with us as soon as possible to get started on your case. Call 0800 041 8350 today or us the link below to visit our work accident claims page.

If more than one person got hurt, do we all get the same pay-out?

It’s important to understand that every case is different. People sustain different injuries in different accidents. Even if you and another person were part of the same accident, there is a likely chance that you will sustain different injuries. For example, if someone drops a box that is too heavy for them to safely lift, there is potential for it cause someone else injury if it falls on them. In this case, one person would be suffering from a back injury and another could be suffering from a foot or leg injury. Each of these injuries can lead to a different compensation pay-out. This is why it is essential to have a good lawyer in your corner to help you estimate how much you are owed.

Take a look at our example below to get a better understanding of the difference in claims:

Will my work-mates need to pay my compensation if they got me hurt?

If your colleagues got you hurt whilst you were on task, then they will not need to pay your compensation. This is due to a legal term known as “vicarious liability”. Your workmates may have got you hurt but they were acting under the instruction of your manager or employer. That means that it was not their fault that you got hurt. They can only do so much to keep safe if they have not had the appropriate training. Ultimately, you should still be making your claim against your employer rather than your colleagues.

Will I get fired if I try to make a compensation claim?

No, you will not get fired for asking for compensation from your employer. Your employer has taken out employer liability insurance for this reason. That’s why if you get hurt then you need to inform them of your injuries. Keep in mind that this will be kept completely confidential between you and your employer. If they do try to fire you, and it is completely unreasonable, you could ask for an employer tribunal to be brought against them. So, don’t worry, you will not be financially damaged and there will be ways to protect you. Just make sure that you have suffered from legitimate damages before you make a claim. If you are found to be lying about what happened then you may need to pay damages to the company or just lose out on your compensation. Being open and honest always gets the best results.

How is pay-out determined for a work accident?

When you get compensation, you normally assume that it will be a high figure and will be able to pay for all your expenses over the next few months. But honestly, compensation is not that simple. Instead, compensation is determined on the extent of your losses, the negligence of your employer and how bad your injuries you are. If you have only suffered from minor injuries then you may not be able to get a big pay-out. Instead, if you have suffered from life-changing wounds then you could expect a lot in compensation for your wounds.

Even if you and your colleagues have got hurt in the same accident, your injuries may be completely different. That means that you will be owed different pay-outs for your wounds.

What can I claim for in work accident compensation?

Now that you understand that all of you will get different types of pay-outs for your accident, you also need to consider what you can actually claim for. Damages fall under two categories. These are known as “general damages” and “special damages”. General damages account for your pain and suffering. Special damages are for your financial losses. Overall, you can claim for the following damages:

Physical injuries
Emotional trauma
Financial losses
Loss of opportunity (i.e. promotions)
Broken Equipment
Medical damages

If you have suffered from any of these damages, you could claim for compensation. This is because your employer has broken their duty of care towards you and your colleagues. They are at fault for your damages, therefore they need to pay for them.

Can my colleagues claim if I get hurt but they don’t?

This is where a compensation claim can get complicated. If you have got hurt but your colleagues haven’t, they still may able to claim compensation for emotional damages. However, to do this they will need to fall under certain circumstances. For instance, they will need to have witnessed the accident or have a close connection to you (i.e. a loved one or family member). Make sure to consult a solicitor for more information about what you could claim for. It is unlikely that if you have not been hurt then you may not be able to claim compensation. Whether you get a pay-out entirely depends on the circumstances of your accident.

What should I do if my employer refuses to accept responsibility for the accident?

Some work accident compensation cases can be more complicated than others. If you are lucky, the workplace or your employer will accept responsibility and be happy to pay you compensation for your injuries. In this case, you can sit down your solicitor and decide on an amount.

However, in some cases you may find that your employer refuses to accept that they were responsible for your injuries. This can mean that they ultimately refuse to give you compensation. If this does happen then you need to seek out legal counsel as quickly as possible. From there, you can collect evidence and send copies of the evidence to your employer. You may also want to send a rough figure of how much you want to ask for compensation. If they refuse to do this and also work with you to create a settlement agreement, you and your solicitor need to take your case to court.

In court, the amount you receive as compensation will be decided by a judge. Make sure to have enough evidence to show that you were the victim of your employer negligence. This will help you receive a bigger pay-out once the decision is made by your judge.

How long will it take to get a successful work accident claim?

This is the type of question that depends on the type of accident claim you have. If it is complicated then it will take more than a few months. Make sure to speak to your solicitor about a potential time-line. This can help you keep on track for your court date. You can also ask your solicitor to represent you in court if you are feeling nervous about facing your employer. They would be more than happy to do that and keep you updated.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident compensation claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we endeavour to provide legal counsel and advice to claimants all over the UK. If you have been recently involved in an accident at work, you may be entitled to thousands in compensation. Our solicitors can give you free advice and consultations to get you started. These can all be undertaken remotely. If you are happy to work with our lawyers, we would be more than to offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means that you will always come out on top as there will never be any hidden fees to pay.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or contact us directly via our instant messenger. Check your claim and then our friendly team will be in contact with you as quickly as possible. We would be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Fill out the form to start your claim today!

UK Disability History Month: The History of UK Law & Disabilities

UK Disability History Month: Personal Injuries & Disabilities

How can I prove that I have a disability?

UK Disability History Month: Work Accidents & Discrimination

Do I need evidence to prove that I was hurt?

What will happen if I am claiming for benefits during my compensation claim?

What should I do if I am discriminated in the workplace?

UK Disability History Month: Why is it so important?

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International Men’s Day: Male Role Models & Work Place Accidents

Why is International Men’s Day important?

International Men’s Day: Work Accidents and Gender

Why are men more at risk of work injuries?

Why should we take notice of these types of work accident claims?

How can you help your loved ones on International Men’s Day?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident claim!

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Gowing Law Solicitors & Work Accident Claims

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Read more about work accidents on our blog

A Quick Word of Warning: Covid-19 & Halloween

Pumpkin-Based Injuries & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Haunted Houses: The Customers & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Haunted Houses: The Workers

Hayrides and Personal Injury Claims

Decoration Arguments

Common Costume Causalities & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

How do I keep safe on Halloween?

Halloween Personal Injury Claims: Let Gowing Law help you!

Read more about legal claims in our blog

Should I really go out Trick or Treating this Halloween?

Young Children & Personal Injuries

How could I suffer from personal injuries on Halloween?

Work Accidents & Halloween

You could get hurt due to:

Driving & Halloween

How do I keep safe on Halloween night?

What should I do if I experience personal injuries on Halloween?

Gowing Law is here to support you with any sort of personal injuries claim

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Covid-19 & Accidents: What to expect?

Why should I report an accident at work to a manager?

What will happen if I do not report my accident?

Will I be fired for my work accident?

So, what should I do if I have been hurt in a work accident injury?

What kind of damages can I claim for?

What happens if my accident at work injury is not reported by my employer?

What should I do if my accident at work injury is not reported?

How long will I have to report the work accident to my manager?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accident at work injury claim

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Why are employers letting their employees work from home?

Am I eligible to make accident at work claims if I am working remotely?

The Duty of Care & Remote Working

If I have an “accident at work” whilst remote, is my employer liable for damages?

What type of injuries could I experience whilst working from home?

What about if I work remotely and travel a lot for my job?

Will I need evidence to make an accident at work claim remotely?

How long will it take to make accident at work claims?

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Work Accidents and evidence: Why do I need it?

What type of evidence should I be looking for?

What sort of damages can I use this evidence for?

General Damages

Special Damages

Does it matter what types of evidence I collect for a work accident claim?

What should I do if I have no witnesses for my accident?

What should I do if my employer doesn’t believe that I got hurt in a work accident?

How much compensation could I make from a work accident?

How long will it take to make a work accident claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident claim

Want to learn more legal information?

What is there to know about microblading?

What could cause a microblading accident?