It is estimated that around 441,000 people suffer an injury in the workplace each year according to the Labour Force Survey.
Workplace accidents can vary in severity and the risk of injury is different depending on the type of work people do and the industry they work in.
For people who have suffered an injury at work, their main concerns are likely to be focused on their recovery and any loss of earnings whilst they recover from their injury and return to work. Those looking to make a claim for their accident in the workplace, may also be worried about the impact of making a claim on their future career.
This is an understandable worry, particularly those who work for small businesses or who have a good relationship with their management / business owner.
In this blog, our Personal Injury experts share some key reasons why it is extremely unlikely that your job would be at risk if you made a claim for a workplace injury.
#1 Your Employer is Insured
Employers are required, by law, to have sufficient levels of employer’s liability insurance. Personal Injury lawyers very rarely deal with the employer directly when it comes to an injury claim. They liaise with the insurers who communicate back and forth with the employer as and when required. Employer’s liability typically provides a minimum cover of £5 million, so even high-value claims for compensation should be sufficiently covered within their basic insurance.
#2 Your Employer has a Legal Duty to Protect You
Your employers are obliged to ensure your health and safety in the workplace. Failing to provide adequate training, supervision or protective equipment or failing to maintain workplace premises or equipment, could mean that they have failed in their duty.
#3 Poor Public Relations
An employer who fails to protect the health and safety of their employees and then dismisses injured employers, is not very likely to be winning any ‘Employer of the Year Awards’. They are very likely to suffer a bad reputation locally from friends and family of the employee, as well as the wider repercussions, such as social media comments, bad reviews or even national press coverage.
#4 Constructive Dismissal
When an employee is dismissed from their position without a clear, good reason, then there is a possibility that a claim can be made for constructive or unfair dismissal. No employer’s wish to face an employment tribunal, particularly if they have already been proved at fault for a health and safety breach which has caused injury to an employee. Our personal injury team can refer you to our employment team to discuss this should this situation arise.
Considering Making a Claim?
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury at work that could have been avoided, then you might wish to explore making a claim for compensation.
It is important to remember that financial compensation will help to get your life back on track after suffering an injury. The financial remedy will help cover any periods where you have been unable to work, required medical treatment, physical therapy, required care etc.
When weighing up making a claim or rocking the boat with your employer, remind yourself that it is only right to be looking to recoup your losses due to an accident and this should not come at the cost of losing your job entirely.
If you would like a free assessment on whether you have a claim for compensation, please contact our team of lawyers on 01256 844888 or email enquiries@lambbrooks.com.
We operate a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement, so there is no additional risk for you to enquire about starting a claim.