Getting injured at work can turn your life upside down. Whether it’s a slip, a fall, or something more serious, you might be wondering: can I sue my employer? In the UK, the answer is often yes—if they’re at fault. This blog breaks it down simply, showing you how to claim compensation, what you might get, and how to start. Let’s get into it.
Your Rights as an Employee
In the UK, employers have a legal duty to keep you safe at work. This comes from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must provide a safe workplace, proper training, and decent equipment. If they slack off and you get hurt, you can hold them accountable. For example, if a wet floor wasn’t marked or a machine wasn’t fixed, and you’re injured, they could be liable.
When Can You Sue Your Employer?
Not every injury means you can sue. It depends on what happened. Here’s when you’ve got a case:
- Negligence: Your employer didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent the injury—like ignoring a broken ladder you then fell from.
- Breach of Duty: They broke specific safety rules, such as not providing protective gear for a risky job.
- Caused by Work: The injury happened because of your job, not something unrelated.
Say you’re a builder and your boss didn’t give you a hard hat, then a brick hits your head. That’s a claim waiting to happen. National Claims will help you get in touch with experienced solicitors who can guide you through it.
Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries come in all shapes and sizes. Some examples include:
- Slips and Trips: Wet floors or cluttered walkways can lead to sprains or fractures.
- Lifting Injuries: Back strain from heavy loads without proper training.
- Machinery Accidents: Faulty tools or no safety guards causing cuts or worse.
The government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported over 60,000 non-fatal injuries in 2023/24—proof these things happen too often.
Steps to Sue Your Employer
Suing sounds big, but it’s manageable with these steps:
- Report the Injury: Tell your employer ASAP and make sure it’s logged in their accident book. This is your proof it happened at work.
- See a Doctor: Get your injury checked and keep records. Medical evidence is key to showing how bad it is.
- Collect Evidence: Take photos of the hazard (like a broken step), grab witness names, and save any emails about the issue.
- Get Legal Help: A solicitor makes the process smoother. National Claims will connect you with experienced solicitors who often work on a “No Win, No Fee” basis—no upfront costs.
- File a Claim: Your solicitor sends a claim letter to your employer, detailing the injury and compensation you want. If they don’t settle, it could go to court—but most cases don’t.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
Compensation depends on your situation. It covers two main things:
- General Damages: For pain, suffering, and how the injury affects your life. A sprained ankle might get £5,000, while a severe head injury could hit £50,000+.
- Special Damages: For money you’ve lost—like wages, medical bills, or travel costs to appointments.
Here’s a rough guide:
- Minor Injuries: £1,000–£5,000 (e.g., cuts or bruises).
- Moderate Injuries: £5,000–£20,000 (e.g., a broken arm).
- Serious Injuries: £20,000–£100,000+ (e.g., permanent damage or disability).
A BBC News report from February 2025 highlighted a warehouse worker winning £15,000 after a forklift accident—showing real payouts happen. Read more at bbc.co.uk/news.
Why Choose National Claims?
Going it alone is tough. National Claims will help you get in touch with experienced solicitors who know workplace injury claims inside out. They’ll:
- Check your case for free.
- Deal with all the legal stuff.
- Push for the maximum compensation.
With “No Win, No Fee,” you only pay if you win—usually a cut of your award. It’s a safe bet to get what you deserve.
What Happens After You Win?
If your claim works out, you’ll get:
- Compensation: A payout for your injury and losses.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your employer’s been held accountable.
You’ve got three years from the injury date to claim, per gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money. Don’t wait too long!
Real-Life Example
Take Jack, a delivery driver from Leeds. His van’s brakes failed due to poor maintenance, and he crashed, breaking his leg. With a solicitor, he claimed £25,000 for lost wages and recovery time. Cases like his show it’s worth standing up.
FAQs About Suing Your Employer
Q1. Can I be sacked for suing?
No—it’s illegal to fire you for claiming. If they try, you could claim unfair dismissal too.
Q2. How long does it take?
Simple claims settle in 6–12 months; bigger ones might take longer if they go to court.
Q3. What if I caused the injury?
If it’s partly your fault, you might still claim, but compensation could drop.
Q4. Do I need a solicitor?
You can report to HSE or negotiate yourself, but a solicitor gets better results.
Q5. How do I start?
Contact National Claims for a free chat with a solicitor who’ll assess your case.
Wrapping Up
Getting injured at work isn’t just bad luck—it’s often someone’s fault. If your employer let you down, you can sue for compensation and make things right. It’s not about revenge; it’s about fairness. National Claims will help you get in touch with experienced solicitors who’ll keep it simple and fight for you.
Don’t sit on it—time limits apply. Reach out to National Claims today and take the first step to getting what you’re owed.
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.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
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.
