Have you had an accident at work?
Employers have a legal duty to ensure they provide a safe working environment for their employees. If you’ve had an accident at work and suffered an injury due to your working environment, then you may be entitled to compensation.
What should I do if you had an accident at work?
If you intend to pursue a claim, you should follow these steps:
1. Report the accident to your colleagues/manager
It’s a good idea to check your employer’s policy and processes for reporting accidents.
2. Go to your GP and/or hospital
You should see a doctor as soon as possible to treat your injuries. They will record the details of your accident in your medical records which the insurance company will later seek copies off.
3. Record the accident in the accident book
All employers with ten or more employees are legally required to have an accident book for recording injuries.
4. Take photos and video evidence
Having records of your accident will be useful if you decide to make a claim for compensation or to claim benefits, such as Statutory Sick Pay.
5. Make a diary entry of all your symptoms
A diary of all your symptoms and treatment, return to work date etc, can help to assist you in explaining the impact of your accident at work to a medical expert.
6. Keep a record of your expenses and losses
The purpose of compensation in any claim is to put you back in the position you would have been in if the accident had not happened. Creating a record of the amount of money you have lost since your accident will help you to prove that the accident negatively impacted your life.
7. Speak to a Personal Injury Solicitor
Cathal Murray specialises in personal injury claims and he will be able to advise if you have a potential claim.
If you have had an accident at work, contact Cathal on 028 82 242 177 to discuss your case or email him cathal@jamesmcnulty.co.uk