Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. A slip on a wet floor, a fall from a ladder, or even a repetitive strain injury from long hours at a desk—these incidents can leave you in pain, out of pocket, and wondering what to do next. If you’ve been injured while working for your employer in the UK, you might be asking: Can I claim compensation? The short answer is yes—if your employer is at fault, you could be entitled to make a claim. In this blog, we’ll break it down simply, explain your rights, and show you how to take the next steps. Plus, we’ll touch on how much compensation you might expect and how National Claims can help you get started.
Your Rights as an Employee in the UK
In the UK, employers have a legal duty to keep you safe at work. This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the law, laid out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This piece of legislation says your employer must take reasonable steps to protect you from harm. That could mean providing proper training, ensuring equipment is safe, or keeping the workplace free from hazards like spills or clutter.
If your employer fails to do this and you get injured as a result, they could be held responsible. This is called employer negligence, and it’s the key to making a successful claim. For example, if you slipped on an unmarked wet floor because no one bothered to put up a warning sign, that could be negligence. Or if you hurt your back lifting heavy boxes without proper training, your employer might be to blame.
The good news? You don’t have to figure this out alone. National Claims can put you in touch with experienced solicitors who will help you with your claim, guiding you every step of the way.
What Counts as a Workplace Injury?
Workplace injuries come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t have to be dramatic accidents to qualify for a claim. Here are some common examples:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or clutter left in walkways.
- Manual handling injuries: Hurting your back or shoulders from lifting without proper support.
- Equipment-related injuries: Faulty machinery or lack of safety gear causing harm.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): Pain from typing or other repetitive tasks over time.
- Stress or mental health issues: In rare cases, severe work-related stress could also lead to a claim.
Even if your injury seems minor—like a cut finger or a twisted ankle—you might still have a case if it happened because your employer didn’t follow safety rules. The key is proving their negligence caused your injury.
How Do You Prove Your Employer Was at Fault?
To claim against your employer, you’ll need evidence that they didn’t do their job properly. Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you have to turn into a detective. A good solicitor will help you gather what you need. Here’s what usually matters:
- Report the Incident: Tell your employer about the injury as soon as possible and make sure it’s logged in their accident book. This creates an official record.
- Witnesses: If colleagues saw what happened, their statements could back you up.
- Photos or Videos: Snap pictures of the hazard (like a broken chair or a spill) if you can.
- Medical Records: Visit a doctor or hospital to document your injury. This proves it’s real and links it to the accident.
- Workplace Policies: If your employer ignored their own safety rules—or didn’t have any—that’s strong evidence of negligence.
For instance, a news report from the BBC in 2023 highlighted a case where a warehouse worker won compensation after falling from a faulty ladder. The employer hadn’t checked the equipment, and the court ruled in the worker’s favour. Stories like this show how important evidence is—and how winnable these claims can be.
Will Claiming Affect Your Job?
One big worry people have is: Will my boss sack me or treat me badly if I claim? Here’s the reassuring bit: it’s illegal for your employer to fire you or punish you for making a legitimate injury claim. The Equality Act 2010 protects you from this kind of unfair treatment. Plus, most claims are handled through your employer’s insurance, not their personal pocket, so it’s less likely to feel personal.
That said, if you’re nervous about workplace tension, a solicitor can handle everything discreetly. National Claims connects you with experts who understand how to keep things smooth while fighting for what you deserve.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
If you’re wondering how much you could get, it depends on a few things:
- The Injury: A broken leg might fetch more than a sprained wrist. Severe injuries like brain damage or paralysis could lead to six-figure sums.
- Lost Earnings: If you’ve had to take time off work, you can claim for lost wages.
- Medical Costs: Think doctor visits, prescriptions, or physio—anything you’ve paid out of pocket.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation also covers the emotional and physical toll of your injury.
According to GOV.UK, compensation amounts vary widely. For example:
- Minor injuries (e.g., cuts or bruises) might get £1,000–£2,500.
- Moderate injuries (e.g., a broken bone) could range from £5,000–£15,000.
- Serious injuries (e.g., permanent damage) might start at £20,000 and go much higher.
A real-life example: in February 2025, Express.co.uk reported that the NHS paid out £2.8 billion in compensation claims, including workplace injuries to staff. This shows how big these payouts can get when employers slip up. To get a clearer idea of your case, National Claims’ solicitors can give you a free estimate tailored to your situation.
How Long Do You Have to Claim?
You don’t have forever to act. In the UK, you’ve got three years from the date of your injury—or from when you realised it was linked to work—to start a claim. This rule comes from the Limitation Act 1980. Miss that window, and you could lose your chance.
There are exceptions—like if you’re under 18 or the injury only shows up later (think asbestos-related illnesses)—but it’s best not to wait. The sooner you start, the fresher the evidence, and the stronger your case.
The Claims Process Made Simple
Making a claim might sound daunting, but it’s straightforward with the right help. Here’s how it usually goes:
- Get Advice: Speak to a solicitor to see if you’ve got a case. National Claims offers a free consultation to kick things off.
- Gather Evidence: Your solicitor will collect accident reports, medical records, and anything else needed.
- Submit the Claim: They’ll send it to your employer’s insurance company.
- Negotiation: The insurer might offer a settlement. Your solicitor will push for the best deal.
- Payout or Court: Most cases settle out of court, but if needed, your solicitor will represent you.
National Claims works with experienced solicitors who specialise in workplace injuries. They’ll handle the paperwork, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you’re not short-changed.
Why Choose National Claims?
Injury claims can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re still recovering or worried about money. That’s where National Claims shines. They connect you with skilled solicitors who know the ins and outs of UK employment law. Whether it’s a quick settlement or a complex case, they’ve got your back. Plus, many offer no win, no fee deals, so you don’t pay unless you win.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t suffer in silence. You’ve got rights, and claiming compensation could help you recover—both physically and financially. The process is simpler than you think, and with National Claims, you’re never alone. Their expert solicitors will guide you, fight for your payout, and take the stress off your shoulders.
Ready to find out more? Contact National Claims today for a free, no-pressure chat. They’ll assess your case, explain your options, and get you started on the road to compensation. Don’t let an injury hold you back—take the first step now.
Contact National Claims today, and we will put you in touch with an expert solicitor who can guide you through the claims process.📞 Call us now free 0800 029 3849 or 📩 Submit an online enquiry to speak to our team. Your safety and well-being matter, and we’re here to help.
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Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
