Fall at Work Solicitors - Compensation for a Fall at Work

What types of negligence can validate a slip at work claim?

In order to prove the accident was not your fault, and start a valid claim for compensation for a fall at work, we must be able to prove the negligence of an employer - or whoever is responsible for the health and safety conditions of the workplace.

Many circumstances may indicate your employer’s negligence, and the subsequent breach of the duty of care. These include:

• Trip hazards that have not been secured or labelled correctly
• Floor and surfaces disrepair, such as potholes
• Falling from a ladder that was not secure or damaged
• Slip, trip and fall accidents caused by unlabelled spillage
• Accidents in an office, such as tripping over damaged or wet floors
• Unsafe equipment leading to a fall from height

This is far from an exhaustive list, and many more types of accidents could indicate that your employer was negligent towards workplace safety standards. If you believe your work fall injury was caused by negligent behaviour of a third party, contact our Fall At Work Solicitors today, and claim compensation for your accident.

Which injuries are common in Fall At Work Claims?

Slips and falls at work can happen in many different scenarios, and lead to many different types of injuries. Depending on the circumstances, these can vary from relatively minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises, to very serious injuries, with long prognosis, extensive rehabilitation, and a difficult recovery. Some of the injuries we have helped employee claim compensation for include:

• Back Injuries or Spinal Injuries
• Head Injuries or Brain Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Paralysis

Many either types of injuries can occur as a result of a fall at work, with some environments even leading to fatal accidents. If you, or a loved one, have suffered an injury following a slip and fall on the workplace, get in touch today for a free assessment of your claim with one of our experts.

What are my employer’s responsibilities to avoid Fall At Work Claims?

If you have suffered a fall injury at work, and are looking to start a workplace slip claim, you may be wondering which laws define your employer’s duties. They have a responsibility to keep a safe work environment and mitigate any risks, such as trip hazards which may cause an employee to slip and fall.

The main piece of legislation which regulates your employer’s duty in regards to workplace safety is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA). The Act states that “it shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

Your employer will, therefore, need to take actions to minimise risks where possible. It is understood that some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, such as construction sites. However, even in less physically hazardous workplaces, employers may need to take precautions such as:

• Ensuring all maintenance and repair work to the premises is completed regularly and swiftly
• Keeping walking spaces clear of debris and trip hazards
• If necessary, install anti-skid surfaces on floors and stairs
• Provide adequate footwear for workers who may be regularly walking on hazardous or frozen surfaces
• Checking and securing equipment for working at heights, to prevent accidents such as scaffolding injuries

It may be possible to prove your employer’s negligent behaviour if these actions were reasonably expected, but not taken. Our expert Fall At Work Solicitors can help you gather and document any piece of evidence that could indicate negligent behaviour and a breach of the duty of care you are owed as an employee.

I slipped and fell at work, what should I do next?

As with any accident resulting in injury, your first thought may not be to claim compensation for your fall at work. You should always prioritise your health, and ensure all injuries are assessed and treated by medical professionals and specialists as necessary.

Once you have received the medical attention you need, you may start to wonder if you are eligible to make a claim for your injuries and loss of amenities. At this point, it’s vital to contact a solicitor and find out if you have a valid claim for slip and fall at work compensation.

The first thing we will make sure of is that your falling accident is properly recorded and documented in your company’s accident book. This is a legal requirement in many cases, and having your accident logged into the book, as well as the circumstances which may have caused it, details of witnesses, and time and date of the accident, will help us build a much stronger claim.

It is also important to keep a record of all medical assessments, such as specialist visits and x-ray scans that can prove the extent and severity of your injuries. This can help calculate the compensation you are entitled to, together with all out of pocket expenses, such as medical and travel costs, and loss of income you have incurred because of the accident.

Do I have a time limit for Fall At Work Claims?

All personal injury claims in the UK are subject to strict time limits. Once the date of the accident or date of discovery is established, it is very unlikely for courts to make exceptions outside of what is outlined in the law.

In the majority of cases, you will have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to begin a personal injury claim. Note that contacting a solicitor and getting legal advice within 3 years is not enough: legal proceedings must be started within this time limit.

The 3-year time limit is considered from the date that the full extent of the injuries you are claiming for was assessed and linked to the accident. This may be some time after the original accident.

Exceptions are available for specific cases, such as accidents involving children or individuals who are deemed to lack mental capacity under the Mental Health Act 1983. These cases can be brought forward up to 3 years from the child’s 18th birthday or from the removal of the individual from care under the Mental Health Act.

If you are unsure about your time limitations and your claim’s validity, contact PSR Solicitors today. Our Fall At Work Solicitors can ensure your claim proceeds smoothly, and you get the best possible outcome for your case.