Office Accident Claims
It is fairly universal to state that a place of employment has certain obligations to its employees and to its patrons. Additionally, one can acknowledge that most businesses require a level of practices be conducted by its employees to regulate the safety and well-being of all persons within the office. The potential for an office accident to occur depends on many factors, primarily upon the negligence of the employer to implement realistic precautions to avoid such injury. Here is what you need to know about filing an office accident claim.
What Regulations are Mandatory?
Every business must have a level of safety and fire preparedness in place to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and accidents. The UK specifically requires that employees be trained in basic emergency preparedness (the level varying dependent upon the type of business). Additionally, businesses must have a means to minimise potential dangers such as fires using fire extinguishers, alarms, proper containment of materials, etc. But it is not just fire hazards. The premises, the equipment, the egresses, the restrooms, and the other employees are just some areas where an accident can occur. Should you find that the mandatory regulations for a business have not been followed, you may have grounds for a claim.
Any place of work in the UK, including all offices and office buildings, must follow health and safety legislation and guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive. This is to reduce workplace injuries and ensure the risks are minimised.
It can include things like:
- Reporting and recording all incidents in the Accident Book.
- Nominate a competent person to be responsible for day to day health and safety in the office.
- Have a health and safety policy in place.
- Carry out risk assessments before any work takes place.
- Consult with employees on health and safety issues in the workplace.
- Train and inform people on how to work safely with minimal impact on their health.
- Have the right workplace facilities, this can include things like ergonomic chairs to improve posture and ensuring all office equipment is well-maintained.
- Make sure you have someone who can provide first-aid.
- Display the health and safety law poster.
If you have suffered as a result of your employer negligence or the actions of another employee. Get independent legal advice from Tylers, we are experts in handling office accident claims.
Common Types of Office Accident Claims
Few people realize just how dangerous office workplaces can be, especially when compared with other workplaces, such as construction sites, factories, and warehouses. Accidents in the office are common and can have long-lasting effects on you.
Since you’re spending every working day in the same office, it is only natural to feel comfortable and safe, almost like you’re at your own home. It makes being hurt at work even worse and harder to handle.
Even though you may think it is unlikely that an office would be the place for an accident to occur, there are a huge number of hazards that can result in an injury. Some of the most common causes of work-related injuries can be seen below. If your injury wasn’t caused by one of these, we may still be able to help you.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Repetitive strain injuries take place when muscles, nerves or tendons become irritated by repeated movements, and are a frequent office injury.
Workstations should be properly set up to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. For example, a comfortable chair and an adjustable monitor could be provided, along with a proper keyboard and mouse.
Slips, trips and falls
Untidy electrical cables and other obstacles are often to blame for slips, trips and falls in offices.
It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure the floor is free of tripping hazards, to properly mark wet floors, and to make sure that the building is a safe place to work. If you have been injured as a result of a cleaner’s negligence, you may have grounds to make an office accident claim.
Faulty equipment
Employers should ensure that all equipment used in the workplace is safe, well maintained and fit for the purpose. Faulty electrical equipment like computers, monitors and printers should be marked as unsafe, removed from the office and replaced with an adequate alternative.
Employers should make sure all equipment is maintained and safe for use, as faulty electrical equipment such as printers and computers can cause electric shocks.
How Should the Incident be Reported and Recorded?
All workplace injuries, including any near-misses, should be reported to the HSE. RIDDOR is the term for the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. Many people working in offices might take for granted that there isn’t heavy machinery, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk. The correct procedures must be followed if you are involved in, or witness an office accident.
When an office accident occurs, employers should log the incident in an accident report book. It is important that you gain a copy of the report, as it is quite unlikely that in the event of a claim that the employer will admit to liability. If the company is part of a franchise or a major corporation, the victim of the accident should ensure that the HR headquarters have a copy of the incident. Again, you will want to ensure that you have a copy.
What Documentation Will I Need?
Should you wish to launch legal action as a result of your office-related injuries, the best thing you can do is to seek advice from an experienced solicitor who is skilled at dealing with office accident injury claims. Tylers can advise you of all the aspects of documentation you may need in order for your claim to succeed.
Due to the accident taking place within a workplace, the accident, no matter how small, must be recorded in the Accident Book. Having your accident documented will help to ensure your claim for compensation is successful. If you had to attend the hospital for further treatment, these records will further assist in building the best possible office injury claim for compensation. Any ongoing treatment, such as physiotherapy or any other form of rehabilitation should also be documented.
Our specialised team are happy to advise and review your case on a No-Win-No-Fee basis. If you need impartial legal advice after suffering an accident in an office that wasn’t your fault, simply contact us on 0800 699 0079.
Do I Have Grounds to Make an Office Accident Claim?
If you have slipped and fallen in an employee restroom or in another area where proper precautions should have been taken to reduce the risk of slipping (such as on a manufacturing floor where rubber mats should be present) you may have grounds for an office accident claim.
Employees which have received electrical shock due to the poor maintenance of office equipment may have grounds for a claim, especially if the machinery was noted to have safety issues and was not serviced properly. If you have experienced heat stroke or a blackout due to the weather conditions of the office space, you may be able to file a claim. Specifically, if the conditions of the office are below the regulations set forth by the UK.
Any employee which has sustained major cuts, burns, bruises, broken bones, loss of limb, or any loved one who has lost a loved one due to the negligence of a business, definitively have grounds for a claim.
Making a Claim Against Your Employer in the Case of an Office Accident
Our team knows it can be difficult or even embarrassing to claim against your employer, even more so when you have a connection with them outside of work. You don’t have to worry because your employer won’t have to pay the compensation you out of his/her own pocket. So they won’t get an unexpected bill they would be unable to pay.
It is required for all employers to have “employer’s liability insurance” to cover the costs in the event a claim is made against them, therefore any compensation you receive will come from their insurance company.
In addition, your employer is prohibited from dismissing you if you make an office accident claim. If they were to terminate your employment because you had claimed compensation, this would be deemed as unfair dismissal and would be against the law.
Your employer may not have realized that you had a safety-related issue at work until you claimed for it. You may be able to improve the safety of your workplace if your claim leads to changes.
NO WIN - NO FEE
Need more information? Don’t worry, Lee Kirton or one of our other professional claims solicitors will advise you along the way
Call today on 0800 699 0079 to start your compensation claim!
Compensation Amounts
Office Accident Compensation Claims Calculator
If you have suffered any type of injury in the office and it wasn’t your fault, then you could be owed compensation. Are you interested in finding out how much you could be owed? You can use Tylers very over simple calculator estimator below!
Minor Arm or Wrist Fracture Compensation Amounts
The majority of office accidents are not the employees fault and if you are a victim of an accident, then you could be owed compensation. If you have suffered from a minor arm or wrist fracture as a result of a trip or fall in the workplace, get in touch with us today.
Up to £6,000
Major Arm or Wrist Fracture Compensation Amounts
Major arm or wrist fracture’s can happen in the workplace as a result of negligence and the employer not taking out their duty of care. If you have suffered this type of injury and it’s resulted in you being absent from work or taking a prolonged period of time off work, you could be owed compensation.
Up to £38,000
Moderate Back Injury Compensation Amounts
If you have been subject to a moderate level back injury at work, you could be owed compensation. This often happens when an employee is ordered to manually transfer a heavy load, when they’ve not been instructed how to move it safely. Depending on the person, this can result in long-term back pains, absence from work and personal issues starting to develop.
Up to £29,500
Serious Back Injury Compensation Amounts
In these instances, the back injury caused in the office environment can result in longer term problems and maybe hospitalisation. In these severe cases, pain is prominent daily and pain relief is hard to come by.
Up to £46,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Tylers to Make Office Accident Compensation Claims?
Our specialised teams is here to help you with your personal injury claim today. Whether you want to claim for office accident compensation or any other related personal injury claim, we’re here to help you and guide you through the process. Over the years, we’ve had proven success with the clients we’ve worked with and helped them get the money the deserve.
Is Tylers a No-Win, No-Fee Office Accident Compensation Claims Solicitor?
At Tyler’s, were proud to offer a no-win, no-fee personal injury service that helps you get the money you’re entitled too. The great thing about us is that you won’t have to pay us a penny unless we’re successful in your case. Even then, the money you pay us will come out of your eventual settlement fee!
How Much Could I Claim for Office Accidents in the UK?
While there are many cases online which have received substantial compensation, this may or may not reflect your specific case. Cases are gauged on the severity of the injury, the likelihood of such an injury occurring, the ability or inability of the business to prevent the injury, as well as the duration of the injury and the loss of wages as a result of the injury. When seeking compensation do not attempt to elevate the gravity of your injuries to receive higher compensation, such is illegal and highly dangerous. You are strongly advised to receive diagnosis and treatment from a doctor, nurse, or a medical professional.
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