Accident at Work Compensation Checklist

If you’re involved in an accident at work, you may be unsure of what to do next. Our simple checklist offers guidance on what to do if you're seeking accident at work compensation, including telling your employer, getting photos, and obtaining witness details.

Report the Accident to your Employer

If you’ve been involved in an accident at work, the accident must be reported to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer should then record the details of the accident in the accident book – a record which all employers must keep.

Your employer must always also report serious accidents at work to the health and safety department at the local authority, under the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). If you are unsure whether this has been done, you may wish to contact the local authority yourself to confirm, and to ensure that they have the correct facts.

Take Photos of the Scene

Things can change quickly, so make sure you take photos of the accident scene as soon as possible after it happens. If you slipped on a spillage, for example, this may be cleaned up promptly – so you want to make sure you have a record of this.

Take Details of Witnesses

Aim to get the names and contact details of anyone who was around at the time of your accident. If you decide to make a claim, your solicitor can contact your witnesses in order to gather evidence to assist with your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

If you’re seriously injured, you may have already been taken to hospital directly from the scene of the accident. However, if your injuries are less serious, still make sure that you are checked out by a medical professional.

Sick Pay

If you’re off work due to an injury sustained as the result of an accident at work, you will usually be entitled to claim statutory sick pay from the government. Some employers also offer their own sick pay scheme – check your contact or speak to your HR department for more information on whether this applies to you.

Claiming Accident at Work Compensation

If you were injured in the accident, and your employer was at fault, you may wish to pursue an accident at work compensation claim. The claim must be made within three years of the accident, and you will need a solicitor to represent you.

Winn Solicitors can provide you with a no win, no fee service for your accident at work claim, to ensure that you don’t end up out of pocket. Call us today on 0800 988 6288 for more information about how we can help, or use Live Chat to speak to a member of our online team.

FAQ

Do I get full pay if injured at work?

You will still receive pay following an accident at work. Some employers operate occupational sickness schemes; you can find out details about this in your contract. If this isn't in your contract, you'll be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.

Should I accept the first offer of compensation?

It is important to listen to the expert advice of your file handler as the answer to this question is based on the circumstances of your claim. 

Do I need a solicitor to claim compensation?

Depending on the nature of your claim, you may be able to conduct a claim yourself. But relying on the skill, experience, and expertise of legal professionals provides much-needed reassurance that your claim is being conducted the correct way and following all relevant legal processes.

Needing more information on accident at work compensation? Click on the link to find our FAQs page.

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