6 Steps You Should Take After an Accident at Work

How & When to File a Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been injured at work and are considering filing a personal injury claim, it’s useful to know the 6 steps you should take after an accident at work. Workplace accidents can be distressing and leave you unsure as to what to do next. From slips and trips to injuries caused by machinery, such an accident can have a serious repercussion on your health and income.

However, if you or a loved one have been injured while at work due to someone else’s negligence, there are 6 simple steps you can take to get the best outcome for your claim and the journey ahead.

So if you have been injured on the job through no fault of your own, you may want to find out more about how to file a personal injury claim for compensation.

Jefferies Claims works with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and can advise on whether you have a potential claim and take it forward.

6 Steps You Should Take After an Accident at Work

From protecting your health to obtaining evidence for a potential claim, here are 6 steps you should take after an accident at work

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health should always be your top priority. Regardless of how minor the injury may seem, seek medical attention straight away. Even minor symptoms can be indicative of more serious underlying injuries. This may include conditions such as concussions, fractures, or internal injuries.

In addition to safeguarding your health, obtaining medical treatment creates a formal medical record that can later serve as vital evidence if you decide to pursue a claim. Make sure the medical professional details the extent of your injuries and the treatment provided.

Step 2: Report the Incident to Your Employer

It’s a legal requirement to report workplace injuries. Most employers have procedures in place for reporting accidents and should have an accident book in which to record incidents. It’s essential to follow these to the letter.

Inform your line manager, supervisor, or HR department as soon as possible. Employers are legally required to record and, in some cases, report serious incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Ask for the incident to be recorded in the accident book which is a standard requirement in workplaces employing more than 10 people. If your employer doesn’t have one, write down what happened and send it via email or in writing, keeping a copy for your records.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

To build a strong personal injury claim, you’ll need to obtain relevant evidence to support your case. The more thorough and accurate your evidence, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Here’s what you should collect:

• Photographs of the accident scene, injuries, or defective equipment.
• CCTV footage if available.
• Names and contact details of witnesses who saw the accident happen.
• A written account of the incident while it’s still fresh in your memory.
• Copies of any correspondence with your employer related to the accident.

These pieces of evidence will help demonstrate the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries. These are all crucial to your claim.

Step 4: Keep a Record of Financial Losses

Injuries often result in more than just physical pain. You may be faced with lost earnings, mounting medical expenses, travel costs, or even costs for adapting your home or lifestyle.

Keep receipts, invoices, payslips, and bank statements to support any claim for financial compensation. These can be claimed as part of your financial losses which are directly linked to the accident. These are known as “special damages”.

Step 5: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

It’s important to understand that employers have a legal duty of care towards their employees. They are required to provide a safe working environment, adequate training, and suitable equipment. If they fail in this duty and you are injured as a result, you have the legal right to claim compensation.

Your employer cannot dismiss you or treat you unfairly for making a claim. Whistleblowing and injury claims are protected under employment law.

If you’re unsure of your rights, it’s wise to consult a solicitor or legal adviser who specialises in personal injury claims.

Step 6: Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor

Finally, get professional legal advice. An experienced personal injury solicitor will assess your case, help gather evidence, and guide you through the claims process.

if your injury was due to an unsafe working conditions or negligence, you may be able to seek compensation. Our team at Jefferies Claims can help as we work with highly experienced lawyers when it comes to at work injuries.

They offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service which means you will only pay fees if you win your claim, so there are no upfront costs for you to deal with.

How and When to File a Personal Injury Claim

Time Limits for Making a Claim

There is a three year time limit from the date of the accident — or from the date you became aware of your injury — to start your personal injury claim.

However, there are exceptions:

• If the injured person is under 18, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday.
• If the individual lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.

It’s advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible, as this gives you and your solicitor preparation time to build a strong case.

Who Can File a Claim?

You can file a claim if:

• You are an employee, contractor, freelancer, or even a visitor injured due to employer negligence.
• You believe the accident resulted from unsafe work practices, lack of training, defective equipment, inadequate PPE, or any breach of health and safety laws.

What Can You Claim For?

There are typically two types of damages:

1. General Damages – Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
2. Special Damages – Financial losses like lost income, medical expenses, travel costs, and future care needs.

The amount you receive will depend on the severity of the injury, how it has affected your life, and the strength of the evidence supporting your claim. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on estimated compensation for your claim as each case is unique.

The Claims Process

Initial consultation with a solicitor to assess the case.

Letter of claim sent to the employer or their insurance company.

Investigation and negotiation between both parties.

If liability is accepted, a settlement offer is made.

If not, the case may proceed to court — although most claims settle before this stage.

Take The Next Step

Knowing what steps to take after an accident at work can make a huge difference, both when it comes to recovery as well as securing compensation.  We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and at Jefferies Claims, we can guide you through the process.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly team.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.