While offices may not be considered a particularly dangerous place to work, accidents do happen. If you’ve suffered an injury that wasn’t your fault, speak to our legal experts about making a claim for compensation today.
When compared to other industries and workspaces, an office may seem a very comfortable and safe working environment, and often this is the case. However, serious injuries can still occur in an office, particularly if the correct safety protocols are not followed.
All employers have a duty of care to their employees and have an obligation to ensure that no one is put at unnecessary risk of injury during the course of their work. If your employer has failed to meet this obligation, and you have suffered an injury as a result, you could be entitled to make an office accident claim.
Are there different types of office accident claims?
There are a number of different types of accident that can occur in an office if employers do not put the correct safety measures in place. The most common of these are:
Slips, trips and falls: many people may assume that if they have tripped over an object or wire and suffered an injury, it is their own fault. However, your employer has a duty to ensure your working environment is safe for their employees, which includes ensuring all walkways are clear of obstructions and obstacles, any slip risks (such as wet floors) are highlighted, and electrical cables and wiring are tucked safely out of the way.
Faulty equipment: faulty or damaged equipment can easily cause injury to staff members, so it’s important that the equipment you use is kept in good condition. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, any electrical equipment used for work purposes must be properly maintained, though it does not explicitly state how this should be achieved.
Poorly maintained office environment: there may be the risk, particularly in older buildings, of the office not being maintained to the high standards they should be. The structure of the office – such as ceilings and floors – as well as what is within it, including desks and equipment, must all be subject to checks by your employer to ensure you are working in the safest possible environment.
How do I start an office accident claim?
If you’ve suffered an injury in your office, you must seek any medical advice and attention you need. Make the first aider in your office aware, and make sure to follow up with your GP later.
When you are ready, you can also reach out to a specialist accident at work solicitor to discuss making an office accident claim. Your solicitor will take a detailed account of what has happened and the injuries you have sustained and will be able to tell you if you have a claim.
If you do, the next step will be to discuss the process and to start collecting the evidence that will be needed to support your claim. We’ll be with you at every stage, providing expert support and keeping you informed and up to date.
To start your office accident claim, speak to one of our specialist solicitors on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.
I used Slater and Gordon for an accident at work claim. They were very professional and quick. When you needed to get in touch with them there was never a problem. Definitely would use them again.
Client testimonial (for Tom Mulcock)
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Client testimonial (accident at work case)
Following an accident at work, which has left me wheelchair bound and in need of an above knee amputation in the future, I am delighted that my solicitor, Tracey Benson, at Slater and Gordon has steered my case through to a successful conclusion. I am now in possession of my dignity and self-belief again.
5* Trustpilot Review (for Tracey Benson)
Every employer has a moral and legal obligation to ensure your safety while you work. Where this obligation is not met, the consequences can be severely damaging, both physically and psychologically.
We know that moving forward involves more than just legal advice and compensation, which is why we work closely with medical professionals to determine the impact of your injuries in the long-term and identify any additional support and rehabilitation you may need.
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work.
Talk to the experts
Our teams of legal experts specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries at work.
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As specialists in accident at work accident claims, we’ll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
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Speak to one of our accident at work law experts today
Could I lose my job if I make an office accident claim against my employer?
No. Under UK law, employers are not allowed to dismiss staff who make a personal injury claim against their business.
We know that many people can feel uncomfortable with the idea of making a claim against an employer, and often it is the thought of the added cost to the business (and the implications for their boss) that concerns them. It is important to remember that businesses in the UK are required to have liability insurance, which will cover the cost of any claim you make against your employer.
How much compensation will I get for an office accident claim?
Every claim is different, and the final figure for compensation depends upon the seriousness of the injury, as well as how much it might affect your ability to work in the future, and how much any rehabilitation might cost.
However, we take most back injury cases on a No Win No Fee basis and seek interim payments to help you avoid hardship if you are prevented from working by your injuries.
How long do I have to make a claim for an office accident?
The general rule is that a claim must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, such as if you're claiming on behalf of someone who has diminishing mental capacity, in the event the accident happened abroad, or in the tragic circumstances where there is a death.
It's therefore important that you speak to a solicitor who specialises in office accident claims as soon as you are able.
How do I fund my office accident claim?
We take on most of our office accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis, so there is no upfront cost to you, and no legal fees to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. This means that there is never any financial risk to making a claim for your injury.
I used Slater and Gordon for an accident at work claim. They were very professional and quick. When you needed to get in touch with them there was never a problem. Definitely would use them again. Client testimonial (for Tom Mulcock)
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Client testimonial (accident at work case)
Following an accident at work, which has left me wheelchair bound and in need of an above knee amputation in the future, I am delighted that my solicitor, Tracey Benson, at Slater and Gordon has steered my case through to a successful conclusion. I am now in possession of my dignity and self-belief again. 5* Trustpilot Review (for Tracey Benson)