Serious Workplace Injury Claims

Updated July 2026

Serious workplace injury claims aim to help you put your life back on track, as far as possible, after an accident at work which was not your fault. A severe injury can affect your health, as well as your income and the future ahead for you and your family. If you suffered a severe injury at work because of unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to make a serious work injury compensation claim.

Compensation for serious injuries at work generally consider pain and suffering, as well as financial costs involved with long-term recovery, ongoing treatment, loss of earnings, and emotional strain you’re going through. Whether your injury happened on a construction site, in a warehouse, factory, healthcare setting, office, or industrial workplace, you have the right to seek compensation if your employer failed to protect your safety.

What Causes a Serious Work Injury?

A serious workplace injury usually involves harm that has a major impact on your ability to work, carry out daily activities, or maintain your quality of life. They may include:

• Brain injuries
• Head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Serious back injuries
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Severe fractures
• Internal injuries
• Burns and chemical injuries
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Serious psychological trauma
• Multiple orthopaedic injuries

These injuries frequently require surgery, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, specialist treatment, or long-term care. In some cases, injured workers may not be able to return  to their previous role or may be unable to work again.

Real Examples of Serious Workplace Injuries

Many serious accidents at work happen because employers fail to follow workplace health and safety regulations.

Here are some real-world examples of serious injury in the workplace:

Example 1:

A 50 year-old man was critically injured during an excavation collapse on a construction site in London and left with life-changing injuries. An HSE investigation found that the company director failed to report the incident to RIDDOR. It was also found that the work undertaken was not suitably planned, managed or monitored.

Example 2:

A worker suffered life-changing injuries when he was truck by a reversing vehicle at the company’s site. According to an HSE media report, he “sustained serious head injuries, damage to his eyesight and significant mental and psychological trauma”. The investigation that followed found that the workplace had not been organised to allow for safe movement for pedestrians and vehicles.

Here are some of the most common causes of work injuries which may result in serious work injury claims:

• Falls From Height
• Unsafe Machinery and Equipment
• Falling Objects
• Forklift and Workplace Vehicle Accidents
• Hazardous Substance Exposure
• Manual Handling Injuries

What Is Employer Negligence in a Workplace Accident?

Many serious accidents at work happen because employers fail to follow workplace health and safety regulations Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for employees as set down by the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974.

So, if a business fails to meet this responsibility and a worker suffers a serious injury, the employer may be liable for compensation.

Here are some examples of employer negligence:

• Failing to carry out risk assessments
• Ignoring workplace safety hazards
• Providing inadequate staff training
• Failing to maintain equipment or machinery
• Not supplying protective equipment
• Allowing unsafe working practices
• Ignoring previous safety complaints
• Failing to supervise staff properly
• Encouraging unsafe productivity targets or shortcuts

What Compensation Can You Claim For?

Serious injury compensation claims often involve substantial financial losses and long-term care needs. Compensation aims to support your recovery, financial stability, and future wellbeing.

You may be able to claim compensation for not only pain and suffering, but also for financial losses, such as lost income (current and future) and lost pension, medical expenses, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, as well as mobility aids and home adaptations.

Every claim is different. The value of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life and ability to work. Your personal injury solicitor will be able to estimate your specific claim.

How to Start a Serious Work Injury Claim

Starting a workplace injury claim may feel overwhelming, especially if you’re still recovering after a serious accident, but early legal advice can help protect your position.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always come first. Medical records will also provide important evidence to support your claim.

Step 2: Report the Accident

Report the workplace accident to your employer and ensure the incident is formally recorded – either in the company accident book or via email.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Useful evidence may include:

• Accident photographs
• Witness details
• CCTV footage
• Medical reports
• Accident book records
• Details of unsafe working conditions

Step 4: Speak to a Personal Injury Solicitor

We partner with solicitors who are experienced in serious work injury claims. They can assess your case in an initial, free consultation, explain your options, and begin gathering evidence immediately.

Step 5: Begin Your Compensation Claim

Your solicitor will manage the legal process, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

Serious injury claims often involve complex medical evidence and long-term financial calculations. Seeking legal advice early allows your solicitor to preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and arrange specialist medical assessments.

An experienced work injury solicitor knowns how to obtain relevant evidence, as well as arranging independent medical reports and calculating your losses to ensure maximum compensation. More importantly, they are well versed in negotiating claims with company insurers and will support you throughout the claims process.

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim. However, acting sooner can strengthen your case significantly.

Serious Work Injury Claims FAQs

Can I claim compensation for a serious injury at work?

Yes. If your injury resulted from employer negligence or unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

What is considered employer negligence?

Employer negligence includes failures such as inadequate training, unsafe equipment, poor maintenance, lack of protective equipment, or breaches of health and safety regulations.

How much compensation could I receive for a serious workplace injury?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, financial losses, medical treatment needs, and long-term impact on your life. Each claim is different and your personal injury lawyer can assess your particular case.

Can I claim if I cannot return to work?

Yes. Compensation may include future loss of earnings and support for long-term financial losses caused by your injury.

Do serious work injury claims go to court?

Most workplace injury claims settle outside court, although court proceedings may sometimes be necessary where liability is disputed.

Why should I use a specialist work injury solicitor?

Serious injury claims involve complex evidence and significant future losses. An experienced solicitor can help maximise compensation and protect your long-term interests for the road ahead.

How To Get Started

If you or a family member suffered a serious injury at work, obtaining legal advice early can help you secure the compensation and support you need for the future.

Our experienced partner solicitors understand the devastating impact workplace accidents can have on injured workers and their families. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation, as well as No Win, No Fee agreements.

Our team can guide you through a potential claim – call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit our Contact Page.

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

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer