Had an Accident at Work? Get the Details About Compensation Claims

Are you one of many people who have suffered an accident in the office? Perhaps you have been the victim of physical or mental abuse? If your employer has been negligent, then you may well be entitled to compensation. It is worth noting that physical and mental injuries are treated on the same level by the courts.

So, how can you pursue compensation, and what should you expect?

When looking at industrial disease claims in the workplace, many people automatically assume that the office is one of the safest areas. Actually, when looking at the more common injuries and accidents in the workplace, the office can be one of the more dangerous environments.

There are many different issues to take into consideration which we will look at in more detail.

Looking for other information on Personal Injury or Industrial Disease/illness? This guide has info on 'Office Accident compensation' We have also writen extensively about:

• - Industrial Disease and Illness Claims Guide
• - Silicosis explained and compensation claims process
• - Forklift accident at work compensation
• - Workplace bullying compensation
• - Lack of personal protective clothing (PPE)
• - Building site injury compensation claims

We update all our guides regularly. If you are researching Personal Injury or Industrial Disease/illness and Compensation Claims and we haven't got an exact guide that helps you, keep coming back as we update daily.

What Are the Most Common Accidents in the Workplace?

We know historical industrial accident compensation claims tend to centre around a relatively small number of accidents.

These include:-

• Slips, trips and falls
• Hit by falling objects
• Crashes and collisions
• Inhaling toxic fumes
• Exposure to loud noises
• Electrocution

The above list is by no means exclusive, but it does give you an idea of potential accidents which can happen in the office.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in the Office?

When looking at injuries received in the office, you will find the list can be surprisingly in-depth.

However, some of the more common injuries include:-

• Cuts and lacerations
• Head injuries
• Limb injuries
• Electrocution
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Damage to hearing
• Physical assault
• Mental pressures
• Verbal abuse

It is interesting that when looking at injuries that occur in the office, we tend to focus on physical injuries. However, you are just as likely to experience mental pressure as you are to receive a physical injury.

What Are the Main Hazards in a Working Office?

There has been much research into the array of hazards in the workplace which can be split down into six different categories which are:-

• Biological - the presence of mould, bacteria and insects due to substandard cleaning procedures can have a serious impact on an employee’s health
• Chemical - exposure to chemicals in the workplace can have a serious impact on sight, breathing and skin issues
• Physical - this is a relatively broad subject which can include noise pollution, radiation from equipment and the pressure of the workplace
• Safety - while no office is perfect, it is up to your employer to ensure that the office is as safe as possible ensuring, for example, there are no exposed wires and raised floors which can be dangerous
• Ergonomic - the issue of ergonomics has become more prominent in recent years. The real threat of repetitive strain injuries making many employers reconsider the office layout, workstation setup and access to comfort/safety equipment
• Psychological - commonly referred to as “workplace banter” many people suffer bullying in the workplace, victimisation and even sexual harassment

When you see the array of hazards in the workplace split down into various categories, you will probably recognise a number of these from your “normal” working day.

Is My Employer Liable for Injuries Received in the Office?

All employers have a legal obligation to protect the physical and mental well-being of their employees. One such act of Parliament which places this legal duty of care on employers is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act of 1974.

There are many different acts of Parliament that protect employees, and if an employer fails to fulfil their duty of care, they may be held liable.

Is There a Time Limit for Claiming Compensation?

If you believe that your employer has been negligent, resulting in either physical or mental injury, then you have a three-year window of opportunity to pursue compensation.

Importantly, this time limit will only begin when you have officially been diagnosed with a particular injury/medical condition. There are many situations where victims have been diagnosed days, weeks, months or even years down the line.

Is Workplace Bullying Classed as an Injury?

Yes. What many people might see as “workplace banter” is in many cases a form of subtle, or even less subtle, bullying. The mental pressures this can place on some people can be horrendous and will often impact other areas of their life.

Your employer should have the appropriate disciplinary procedures in place and the ability for victims to come forward in confidence.

Is It the Responsibility of Employees to Keep a Tidy Office?

While focusing on compensation and the role of employers, sometimes it is easy to forget that employees also have a role in the office. It is important that all members of staff abide by company procedures and ensure that they maintain a safe working environment.

The issue of cleaning the office, maintenance and repairs is obviously down to the employer, but everybody has a role to play.

How Can I Pursue Compensation for Injuries Received in the Office?

Before you can claim the compensation, you need to prove that your employer was negligent in some shape or form. As a consequence, if you have suffered a physical or mental injury in the workplace, then you need to collate as much evidence as possible.

Then it is advisable to approach a claims management company to see about pursuing an industrial compensation claim.

Who Decides Whether I Can Claim for Compensation?

When approaching a claims management company with your evidence, they will review the premise of your case and the evidence provided. If they believe you have a minimum 60% chance of success, they will likely agree to take on your case - probably on a “no win no fee” arrangement.

However, even if they believe you have a relatively weak case, this is not necessarily the end of the road.

You can still pursue your own compensation claim, although the legal and associated costs can run into many thousands of pounds. In reality, if an experienced claims management company believes you have a relatively weak case with a limited chance of success, it is probably sensible to take their advice.

Summary

Injuries in the office can take many shapes and forms, and ultimately your employer is responsible for providing a safe and secure working environment. Issues such as uneven flooring, exposed wires, substandard air conditioning, bullying in the workplace and exposure to chemicals on a regular basis are just some examples of potential negligence by your employer.

If you have received an injury or developed a medical condition as a consequence of your working environment, you may be entitled to compensation.

How Can Money Savings Advice Help You With Making an Industrial illness Compensation Claim?

Here at Money Savings Advice, we have partnered with some of the UK’s leading Industrial illness Claims management companies. They have already helped thousands of people claim compensation for injuries & illnesses they have incurred, and they can do the same for you.

Choosing an independent claims management company means they won’t proceed with a claim unless they are sure it is in your best interests. They are also regulated by the FCA, which gives you an additional layer of protection.

If you would like to speak to one of these claim management companies who can help you make a compensation claim, then click on the below and answer the very simple questions.