The average UK worker spends around a third of their life at work. With approximately 90,000 hours spent in the workplace over a lifetime, it's no surprise that many employees experience an injury at some point during their career.
Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their staff by following strict health and safety regulations. However, this doesn’t mean that every workplace accident is automatically the employer’s fault.
Our expert Personal Injury Lawyers at Lamb Brooks explore the circumstances in which an employer may be liable for a workplace injury—and when responsibility may not be so clear-cut.
When Your Employer is at Fault
Employers can be held responsible for workplace injuries if they have failed in their duty of care. Examples of negligence include:
- Inadequate risk assessments
- Lack of proper training
- Failure to provide necessary protective equipment
- Insufficient safety measures
- Poor signage or hazard warnings
- Faulty machinery or equipment
- Unaddressed maintenance hazards
- Slips, trips, or falls due to unsafe conditions
- Insufficient staffing leading to increased risks
Employers also have a legal duty to handle workplace accidents correctly, following employment law protocols, documenting incidents, and ensuring proper follow-up.
When Liability is Unclear
In some cases, determining who is responsible for an injury is not straightforward. Each situation must be carefully assessed to establish liability. Some examples include:
- Accidents caused by a colleague, customer, or visitor
- Incidents occurring due to employee illness, fatigue, distraction, or intoxication
- Injuries resulting from employee error or negligence
A court will typically consider whether both the employer and employee took reasonable care to prevent the accident. If you're unsure whether you have a claim, speaking to a personal injury lawyer can help clarify your options.
Should You Claim Against Your Employer?
Many employees who are injured at work suffer a head or heart dilemma when it comes to whether or not they should pursue a claim.
Your decision will likely depend on the severity of your injury, its impact on your health, and whether it has affected your earnings or future ability to work. Some employees worry about the implications of claiming against their employer, but it’s important to remember that businesses have employer’s liability insurance to cover such situations.
Your employer cannot pressure you to avoid making a claim, and any settlement discussions should be handled professionally through legal channels—not informally in the workplace.
Speak to an Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury and are unsure of your rights, our experienced Personal Injury team is here to help.
We offer ‘no win, no fee’ claims and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
Please contact us on 01256 844888 or at enquiries@lambbrooks.com