Compensation for A Degloving Injury at Work

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Your Must-Have Guide On What To Do Next

Degloving injuries are severe and if such an injury has resulted from employer negligence, you may want to claim compensation for a degloving injury at work. Some workplace accidents can cause life-changing injuries and a degloving injury can leave permanent scars, as well as financial difficulties.

So, if you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to take the right steps for a successful personal injury claim. This includes getting immediate medical treatment, reporting the accident and gathering the relevant evidence.

What is a Degloving Injury and Why Is It So Serious?

A degloving injury happens when the skin and tissue are pulled away from the underlying muscle, bone, or connective tissue. It’s called “degloving” because the skin is peeled back, similar to how you might remove a glove. These injuries are extremely serious and can occur in different parts of the body:

• Hands and arms – from machinery accidents or crushing injuries.
• Legs and feet – from vehicle accidents or industrial incidents.
• Scalp and face – from falls or heavy equipment injuries.

Degloving injuries are medical emergencies which often need complex surgery, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

Common Causes of Degloving Injuries in the Workplace

Workplaces with machinery, vehicles, or heavy equipment carry higher risks. Degloving injuries at work may occur because of:

• Entanglement in machinery (rollers, conveyor belts, presses).
• Crushing incidents involving heavy moving machinery such as cranes, or other vehicles.
• Falls from height where the skin may be torn on impact.
• Industrial accidents involving sharp edges, heavy objects, or moving parts.

Employer Negligence and Duty of Care

All employers have a legal duty of care to protect their workers from foreseeable harm. This duty is set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations.

An employer may be negligent if they:

1. Fail to provide proper training – e.g., not teaching workers how to use machinery safely.
2. Do not maintain equipment – worn or defective machinery can cause entrapment injuries.
3. Ignore risk assessments – failing to identify hazards that could cause accidents.
4. Do not provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – such as gloves, guards, or protective clothing.
5. Lack of supervision – allowing untrained or inexperienced staff to use dangerous equipment.
6. Ignore safety procedures – not enforcing lock-out/tag-out systems for machinery.

If your degloving injury was caused because your employer failed in one of these areas, you may have strong grounds to file a claim for compensation.

Can I Claim Compensation for a Degloving Injury?

Yes. If your injury was caused by employer negligence, you have the right to claim compensation. This may include:

• Full-time and part-time employees.
• Contractors and agency staff (in many cases).
• Apprentices and trainees.

Importantly, your claim is not against your direct manager or colleagues personally. It is made against your employer’s employers’ liability insurance, which all employers are required to have by law.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Degloving Injury?

Compensation awards vary depending on the severity of the injury, but generally cover two categories:

1. General Damages

These are for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life (amenity). For degloving injuries, the amount depends on:

• Location of the injury (hands, legs, scalp, etc.).
• Long-term disability or disfigurement.
• Need for surgery, grafts, or amputation.
• Psychological impact such as PTSD or depression.

2. Special Damages

These cover financial losses caused by the injury. These may include:

• Loss of earnings (past and future).
• Medical costs (surgery, therapy, physiotherapy, counselling).
• Travel expenses for treatment.
• Adaptations to the home or mobility aids.

Because degloving injuries are severe, compensation amounts can be substantial. Your solicitor can give you a more accurate estimate based on your accident and resulting injuries.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Compensation

If you have suffered a degloving injury at work, here are the next important steps to follow in order to claim compensation:

1. Get Medical Treatment

Your health always comes first. Attend A&E immediately and keep all medical records of your treatment. These medical notes will serve as vital evidence for your claim.

2. Report the Accident

Notify your employer as soon as possible and ensure it is logged in the workplace accident book. If you are unable to do so, ask a colleague or family member to help.

3. Gather Evidence

• Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.
• Witness statements from colleagues.
• Records of defective machinery or unsafe working practices.

4. Contact a Specialist Solicitor

We work with solicitors who are highly experienced in work injury claims and who also offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service. This means if you don’t win your case, you don’t pay fees which protects you from financial risk.

Additionally with no upfront fees, you can focus on your recovery during this stressful period.

5. Start Your Claim

Your solicitor will investigate the claim, gather evidence, contact your employer’s insurer, and negotiate a settlement. If needed, the case may go to court, but most claims settle before trial.

Time Limits for Workplace Degloving Claims

You usually have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. However, there are exceptions for children under 18 and for those lacking mental capacity

It’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as early action makes it easier to collect strong evidence.

Why Choose a Specialist Workplace Injury Solicitor?

Degloving injuries are among the most serious workplace injuries, and claims can be complex. A solicitor will:

• Ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
• Arrange medical assessments to support your case.
• Handle negotiations with insurers on your behalf while you are recovering.
• Provide support and updates throughout the process.

Degloving Injury Compensation Claim FAQs

1. How much is a degloving injury claim worth in the UK?
   It depends on severity, long-term effects, and financial losses. Severe hand or leg degloving injuries can result in considerable settlements.
2. Will making a claim affect my job?
   No. Claims are made against your employer’s insurance, not against them personally. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss you for making a legitimate claim.
3. Do I need to go to court?
   Most claims are settled outside of court. Your solicitor will only pursue court action if the insurer refuses a fair settlement.
4. Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
   Yes. If the injured person is under 18, lacks capacity, or has died from their injuries, a family member or litigation friend can make the claim.

Need Help Today?

Personal injury claims may be made if the injury is sustained through no fault of yours. You will have to be able to show that the injury was directly linked to someone else’s negligence.

At Jefferies Claims, we will guide you through the claims process. We partner with experienced lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an free, no-obligation telephone consultation.