Workplace Accident? 5 Frequently Asked Questions

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A workplace accident can happen just as often as you try to prevent it. This isn’t any different in a workplace. This is why it is crucial for a company to adhere to health and safety regulations. By doing this, an employer reduces the risk considerably of their employees getting an injury and filing a compensation claim.

Business owners should make it their priority not only to create and maintain a safe workspace, but also to frequently train their employees to keep the environment free from any dangers and prevent a workplace accident. Although adhering to safety measures is a requirement, it is vital businesses go the extra mile to ensure the risks are as low as possible.

In Great Britain, numbers from 2019-2020 show that 525,000 employees reported non-fatal injuries with a seven-day absence from work. Also, 168,000 had to be absent more than a week and 29% of the accidents were falls or slip trips. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic disruption might have influenced the data from this year.

Employee who suffered from a personal injury at work due to the employer’s negligence or unsafe work environment can claim compensation. If you are unsure how this works, your most frequent questions are now answered:

1. When Does a Personal Injury Occur at the Workplace?

A workplace accident happens to an employee during working hours due to an unsafe environment or irresponsible behavior from the employer. Regardless of the type of business, whether in an office, factory, or construction site, employees are exposed to particular risks. Indeed, depending on the kind of work environment, such chances are higher or lower, and the business has to comply with more specific health measures. Employees have the moral obligation to highlight any issues they may encounter which can cause an accident. Still, employers are the ones who have to take action towards ensuring a safe work environment.

If an employee suffers from a workplace accident, they are entitled to claim compensation. However, only if that the reason for the injury is one of the following:

The company is not adhering to Health and Safety Regulations as stated by UK Health and Safety Executive.
The company doesn’t provide frequent training programs for employees to keep them updated with any new safety measures or to remind vital existing ones.
If employees have to operate heavy machinery and such equipment is not working correctly, representing a major health risk. Plus, if the company doesn’t provide the necessary personal protective equipment.
If employees haven’t received proper training before using a new and updated version of the equipment.

The above-mentioned reasons, but not limited only to these, are enough for an employee to file a claim compensation, as the accident happened was the company’s fault.

2. What Type of Injury Can an Employee Get Compensation?

Workers’ compensation offers employees financial coverage when involved in a workplace accident during work hours. The type of accident or the circumstance in which an employee is eligible to claim compensation is as follows:

Any injuries that an employee is subject to due to an unsafe work environment.
Development of a disease as a consequence of the type of work the employee is doing, and if no proper PPE was provided.
Any pre-existing conditions that the employer hasn’t taken into consideration and, therefore, the employee’s situation worsened while working.
If an employee suffers from an injury while travelling for work reasons. Call a work injury lawyer.

If an employee finds themselves in any of the above situations, they can claim compensation with the aid of workers compensation lawyers. However, keep in mind they must have proof of how the accident happened at their workplace. In this situation, not only is the employee suffering from incapacitation, inability to work and physical discomfort, but they will also have to deal with financial issues. Workers’ compensation can aid them with medical expenses and lack of earnings during the rehabilitation period when they have to take a leave of absence from work.

3. Depending On the Injury, How Much Can They Get?

The amount of money an employee is eligible for if they wish to claim compensation for a personal injury is not always the same. Various factors need to be considered first. For instance, based on the severity of the injury, medical expenses will vary.

If they have a minor, non-fatal injury, the treatment won’t be too expensive. However, in case of more severe trauma, they may need extended medical care, and the rehabilitation period will include additional expenses. But, there is a way you can calculate the amount of compensation an employee may be entitled to. Contact a team of lawyers with expertise in this area from Compensation Calculator UK and they will help estimate the amount.

4. What Is the Time Limit For Claiming Compensation?

In the United Kingdom, the time limitation period for claiming compensation is three years. If the personal injury occurred due to negligence, they could file a claim within three years from the moment they were aware they’ve been a victim of a workplace accident.

However, the time limit varies for every case. Depending on the nature of the accident and type of injury, they need to take legal action and claim compensation sooner than three years. However, they might be able to get an extension if a court decides that the circumstances of the case apply.

5. How Is a Workers’ Compensation Claim Filed?

The process for filing a compensation claim for personal injury consists of a few necessary steps. First and foremost, it is crucial the employee is eligible for workers’ compensation. It’s also important to report the accident to the manager or team leader immediately. If they are unable to move, a co-worker should ask for help. So, the required steps are:

Report the accident as soon as possible
Gather information of why and how the accident happened. If possible, take photos of the injury or the cause of it.
Seek medical help instantly. They can go to their GP or the emergency room.
Submit the necessary documentation and file for a personal injury claim. A noteworthy mention would be to contact a compensation expert before to analyze their specific case.