How we Helped our Client

We contacted the company concerned and they immediately admitted liability. They had failed to ensure the Rhino step on the van had been properly fitted and repaired following a previous incident.

We compiled a claim which we submitted to our client’s employer. This included a number of damages for her injury and we also calculated the amount of care she had needed so far.

She had been tended to by various members of her family and, for a while, had to leave her home to live with her partner after a particularly bad spell. While some normality has now resumed, she still requires help with domestic tasks and has to be taken to and from medical appointments. She had been signed off work at various times, due to the accident, and as a result had missed out on a significant amount of income. We included this in our calculation as well as calculating any future costs for treatment and care because of her ongoing issues.  While the claim was negotiated, we were able to secure an interim payment from her employer to help with her costs so far.

The Outcome

After discussions with the employer, they proposed an out of court settlement of £120,000 which our client accepted. This will be used not only as material compensation for the injury and the stressed caused, but also as redress for the lower salary which she will now be restricted to due to her disability. Future care costs and treatment will also be covered by this sum.

Some common accidents include:

• Falling from a car or work vehicle – especially Motorbike.
• Collision with another road user.
• Being struck by another car while loading or unloading.
• Manual handling injuries – usually when loading or unloading heavy items.
• Being hit by a falling object. These include parcels and loads which haven’t been safely secured.
• Being injured for carrying something overweight. I.e. too heavy for one person.
• Tripping or slipping on any unsafe paving or driveways at the delivery location.
• Injury after carrying furniture deliveries up narrow staircases without the relevant equipment or individuals to help.

If you’ve been affected by any of the above accidents, you may be entitled to compensation and various types of support. Our Personal Injury Lawyers always listen to your situation and tailor any advice to suit your needs.

What are My Employer’s Responsibilities?

Your employer has a legal duty care responsibly for your health and safety in the workplace.

They must always provide:

• A safe work process or system
• A hazard free environment
• Appropriate training
• Trained staff and wider members of the team
• Appropriate work equipment

If you believe that you employer has not met their legal responsibility of care and you were injured as a result, you may be able to claim for compensation.

Even if you are self-employed, you may be able to also claim compensation for your injuries. When you provide services to a third party and you have an accident , the company you’re contracted to could be held responsible—which is why they have certain types of insurance in place.

What Should I Do If I’ve Had an Accident at Work?

Of course, you should always seek medical attention, but if the injury is less serious, you should follow these steps.

• Fill in the accident at work report accurately and as soon as possible
• Take images of the accident scene and of all your injuries
• Gather names and contact details of witnesses

If you’re a trade union member, tell your union rep what’s happened

This is all important evidence for your claim. If your injuries are serious and you’re off work as a result, your employer should report your accident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

How Long Do I Have to Make an Accident at Work Claim?

In England and Wales, you legally have three years from the date of the accident to make an accident at work claim, but there may be some exceptions to this. I.e. if you were living or working abroad during the accident.

Either way, you should always get specialist legal advice as soon as possible, because the earlier a claim is made, the better your outcome could be.

Essentially, the quicker you act, the easier it is to find the required evidence to back your claim.

If you have been injured at work and you feel your employer may be at fault, contact our team of expert Personal Injury Solicitors. They have experience helping people like our client and can often deal with your case on a No Win No Fee basis. Just call us on 0808 239 3227, for a free claims assessment.