Accidents at work
Figures from ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) indicate
that accidents in the workplace remain hazardous.
Simpson Millar LLP can help any of the thousands of people
affected by workplace accidents or injuries.
The obligation on employers to maintain a
safe working environment is greater than ever. Accidents still happen
and often result from:
- defective equipment
- negligence of other employees
- unsafe working practices adopted by the employer
In all of these instances you can issue legal proceedings against the employer.
Employers have a legal requirement to obtain
public liability insurance and, therefore, if an employee pursues a
claim, the likelihood is that the insurance will satisfy any
award of damages.
If you or any of your colleagues have had an accident at work and suffered injury,
you or they could make a compensation claim.
We acted for a Postman under the CWU Legal Services Scheme who sustained extensive and serious injuries to his legs, arm, face and body. He also suffered from nervous shock and depression. He was driving his Royal Mail van along the A421 near Milton Keynes when he was involved in a head collision with the Defendants car, which was traveling in the opposite direction on the wrong side of the road. The emergency services had to cut our client free from his severely damaged van and administer oxygen at the scene. Our client required extensive surgery on his damaged leg and wrist and spent several months in rehabilitation. Sadly, our client was unable to return to his job as a Postman due to ongoing disability and he had to return to Scotland where he was cared for by his sister. The Medical Experts instructed in the case agreed that he would only be fit to do light part time work and it was likely there would be periods of sickness and unemployment.
The case was dealt with by David Thomas, an Associate in our London office. David has a special interest in serious injury cases and was able to use his experience and expertise to maximize the client’s damages. After face to face negotiations with the Defendants insurers and their solicitors, our client’s case was settled for the sum of £515,000.00 plus legal costs. The settlement figure comprised of damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and past and future loss of earnings, care costs, loss of pension rights, transport costs, physiotherapy treatment, extra costs of annual holidays and aids and equipment. Our client was delighted with the outcome of his case and he was finally able to plan for his future with renewed optimism and financial security.
What to do if you have had an accident
If an accident does occur, the injured party must:
- Fill in an accident-at-work report accurately and promptly
- Take a photograph. Photographs can be hugely important in successfully
pursuing a claim. Remember most mobile phones have cameras!
- Obtain names and statements from witnesses
- Trade union members must notify their union rep of the accident
– it is possible your union can help give information on whether similar accidents
have occurred in the past
After you have completed the steps above, contact us to tell us
what has happened. We will advise you on what to do next.
Contact us now to discuss how we can help you by completing our, no obligation,
online enquiry form and we
will call you back or you can call us directly on 0844 858 3500.
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