Painter and Decorator Injury Claims

How To Claim For Compensation Even If You’re Self-Employed

Painting someone’s home may not seem like a high risk job, but there are hazards which may result in painter and decorator injury claims. The work may be artistic in nature, but it also involves often working at height, exposure to chemicals or long-term strain injury.

If proper safety measures are not followed, it heightens the risk of accidents. Workplace safety is important and if you’ve been injured while working as a painter or decorator, you may want to find out if you can claim compensation.

If you’ve had an accident at work, we partner with experienced solicitors who offer ‘No Win, No Fee’ services and can help assess whether you have a case.

Common Injuries Faced by Painters and Decorators

Falls from Height

Painting often requires working on ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms. A slip or misstep can lead to falls, which may cause anything from broken bones to serious head injuries or spinal trauma.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Loose wiring, wet surfaces, and cluttered workspaces are common on decorating sites. Painters can easily lose their footing, resulting in sprains, fractures, or soft tissue injuries.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

The physical demands of painting, particularly the repetitive motion of arms and shoulders may  lead to conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Many paints, solvents, and varnishes contain chemicals that are potentially harmful, especially when used without adequate ventilation or personal protective equipment (PPE). Prolonged exposure may lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness or even long-term conditions like occupational asthma.

Electric Shocks

Painters working near wiring face the risk of electric shock. This can particularly happen in older buildings or during renovations.

Eye Injuries

Whether from paint splashes or airborne dust, eye injuries are another common hazard. This is especially when spraying or mixing paint compounds.

 

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Bending, stretching, and lifting heavy materials like paint tins or ladders can strain the back, shoulders, and knees.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Employers are legally required to protect the health and safety of their workers. However some employers may be negligent. So if you’ve been injured while working as a painter, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Report the Incident

Notify your employer immediately and make sure the incident is recorded in the workplace accident book. This record will serve as vital evidence later.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Always get medical treatment, even if the injury seems minor. A medical report can later provide strong support for your claim.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible, including:

• Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Witness contact details
• Copies of medical records and receipts
• Risk assessments or safety reports (if available)

Employer’s Duty of Care

Employers have a duty of care to protect their staff. This includes conducting risk assessments, providing appropriate PPE, offering safety training, and ensuring equipment is well-maintained.

Importantly, this duty of care applies not just to full-time employees and sub-contractors.  If the person or organisation in control of your working environment fails to provide a safe setting and you suffer harm, you may have a case.

Can I Claim If I’m Self-Employed?

If you’re self-employed and injured on the job, the process depends on who was responsible for the safety of the work environment. For example:

• A main contractor or site manager in charge of health and safety
• A property owner or client who created hazardous conditions
• Another subcontractor who acted negligently

If your injury was caused by their failure to ensure a safe working environment, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.

Time Limit for Making a Claim

Typically, you have three years from the date of the injury, or from when you first became aware of it, to start a personal injury claim. Exceptions include children and individuals without mental capacity.

Q&As: Compensation For Painter and Decorator Injury Claims

Q: How much compensation could I receive for a workplace injury?

A: Compensation depends on:

• The severity of your injury
• Loss of earnings (past and future)
• Medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Travel expenses related to treatment
• Any care or assistance you need during recovery

Q: What’s the average compensation payout?

A: Your personal injury lawyer can advise you on how much compensation you may be able to claim. It will depend on the severity of the injury and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Q: Will I lose my job if I make a claim against my employer?

A: This is a common fear among workers. However, it’s illegal for an employer to dismiss or treat you unfairly for making a legitimate claim. If they do, you may have grounds for a separate claim for unfair dismissal.

Q: Do I need to go to court?

A: Most claims are typically settled out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate with the insurer to reach a fair settlement.

No Win, No Fee Lift Accident Claims

At Jefferies Claims, we work with experienced personal injury lawyers on a No Win, No Fee basis. That means you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.

We’ll guide you through every step:

• Determining who was at fault
• Estimating your compensation amount
• Gathering evidence
• Filing the claim within legal deadlines

📞 Get Started Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a lift accident, don’t wait. Contact our friendly team for a free, no-obligation consultation:

📞 Call us: 0333 358 3034
🖥️ Or fill out our online enquiry form