If you suffer a spinal injury at work, you should first seek emergency medical attention, report the incident to your employer, gather evidence, and contact a solicitor who specialises in workplace injury claims. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, loss of earnings, and ongoing care.
Suffering a spinal injury at work can be a life-changing experience. Whether it’s a slipped disc from lifting heavy equipment or a severe spinal cord injury from a fall, the consequences can affect your mobility, mental wellbeing, and ability to work. But you’re not alone — and you have rights.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what to do after a workplace spinal injury, how to protect your legal rights, and how to start your compensation claim in the UK.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Injury at Work
1. Get Immediate Medical Help
Your health comes first. If the injury is serious, call 999 or go straight to A&E. Spinal injuries can be complex, and moving the wrong way might worsen the damage. Make sure a medical professional assesses you as soon as possible.
Important: Even if the injury doesn’t feel severe at first, symptoms can develop later. Always seek medical advice — it also creates an official medical record for your claim.
2. Report the Injury to Your Employer
Under UK law, your employer must record serious injuries in their accident book. Make sure your incident is formally reported. If your employer refuses to log it or doesn’t have an accident book, send them an email or letter with the details — this will act as a written record.
This step is vital. If your employer didn’t follow health and safety guidelines, you may have a strong claim.
3. Collect Evidence
Try to gather as much evidence as you can:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements from co-workers
- Copies of medical records
- CCTV footage, if available
- Your work rota or job duties, especially if they involved manual handling
This evidence will help prove negligence and support your claim.
4. Speak to a Specialist Solicitor
Don’t try to handle the claim alone. Spinal injuries are serious, and compensation claims can be complex. A specialist solicitor will assess your case, gather expert medical evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
National Claims can connect you with experienced solicitors who have dealt with similar cases. They’ll guide you every step of the way — often on a no win, no fee basis.
People Also Ask
Q1. ❓What are the symptoms of a spinal injury after a workplace accident?
Common symptoms include back pain, numbness, weakness in arms or legs, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control. Always seek medical attention straight away.
Q2.❓Can I claim compensation for a spinal injury caused by lifting at work?
Yes. If your employer failed to provide proper training or equipment, and you suffered a spinal injury while lifting, you may be eligible for compensation.
Q3.❓How long do I have to make a spinal injury claim in the UK?
You typically have three years from the date of the accident or from when you realised your injury was caused by work. Exceptions may apply, especially if the injured person lacks mental capacity.
Q4.❓Will I lose my job if I make a claim against my employer?
No, it’s illegal for your employer to fire or treat you unfairly for making a legitimate claim. UK employment law protects your rights.
Q5.❓What support is available if I can’t return to work?
You may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Universal Credit, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Visit gov.uk for more details.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount of compensation depends on how severe your spinal injury is and how it affects your life.
Here are general estimates for spinal injury compensation in the UK:
- Minor back injuries (e.g. soft tissue injuries or sprains): £2,000 – £10,000
- Moderate spinal injuries (e.g. ongoing pain or partial disability): £10,000 – £35,000
- Serious spinal damage (e.g. permanent nerve damage or limited mobility): £35,000 – £90,000
- Severe spinal cord injuries (e.g. paralysis, life-changing effects): £100,000 – £350,000+
These figures are general guidelines from the Judicial College Guidelines and don’t include special damages, like:
- Lost earnings
- Travel expenses
- Private medical treatment
- Home adaptations or mobility equipment
A solicitor will calculate both general and special damages to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
What Are My Rights After a Spinal Injury at Work?
UK law requires employers to follow strict Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. If your employer failed to:
- Provide safe working conditions
- Offer manual handling training
- Maintain equipment
- Conduct risk assessments
You’re also protected from unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Your legal rights are on your side.
Can I Claim If I Was at Fault Too?
Yes — even if you were partly at fault, you might still be eligible. This is known as contributory negligence. Your compensation could be reduced, but you still have a right to claim if your employer was also negligent.
How National Claims Can Help
Navigating a spinal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering. That’s where National Claims steps in. We connect injured workers with expert solicitors who specialise in serious workplace injuries.
Our solicitors:
- Offer free consultations
- Work on a no win, no fee basis
- Handle the paperwork and negotiations
- Fight for the maximum payout
Your recovery should be your focus — let us handle the legal side.
Conclusion
A spinal injury at work can turn your life upside down. But knowing what steps to take — and acting fast — can make a huge difference in your recovery and financial security.
✅ Get medical help
✅ Report the accident
✅ Gather evidence
✅ Speak to a solicitor
✅ Claim the compensation you deserve
Whether your injury was caused by poor training, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions, you have a right to claim justice. And National Claims is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Claim?
Don’t delay. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim.
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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