Work Accident Claims in Derby

When can you make an accident at work claim?

Your employer has a duty of care and responsibility to take reasonable steps to keep you safe while you’re at work. That includes providing suitable training, ensuring equipment is safe to use, and carrying out proper checks to reduce the risk of accidents. When something goes wrong, one of the first questions to look at is whether those responsibilities were met.

You don’t need to have all the answers before getting in touch. Many people come to us because something about the situation doesn’t feel right, but they’re not sure if that’s enough to take things further. Part of our role is to look at the details with you and explain whether there are grounds for a claim.

It’s also worth knowing that it isn’t always straightforward. You might feel that you played a part in what happened, but that doesn’t necessarily prevent you from bringing a claim. In some cases, an employer may still be responsible if proper systems, training or supervision weren’t in place.

Typically, you have a 3-year time limit to bring a claim, but it’s often easier to address issues while the details are still fresh. Getting advice early on can help you understand your position, avoid missing anything important, and put the entire ordeal behind you if you would like to move forward with your life.

Common workplace accidents in Derby

Workplace accidents can happen in many different ways, but there are some situations we see more often than others. Understanding how these incidents tend to occur can help you recognise whether your experience fits within a typical type of claim.

Some of the more common workplace accidents include:

• Slips, trips and falls caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces or poor lighting
• Injuries from lifting or handling heavy objects without the right equipment or training
• Accidents involving faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Incidents involving machinery that hasn’t been properly guarded or maintained
• Exposure to hazardous substances without suitable protective equipment

This is by no means an exhaustive list, so even if your situation doesn’t fit neatly into one of these categories, it’s still worth reaching out to our work accident solicitors in Derby and getting some advice. What matters most is how the accident happened and whether it could reasonably have been prevented. You can head over to our Accident at Work Service page for more examples.

Serious workplace injuries

In some cases, the impact of a workplace accident goes beyond the initial injury. You may be dealing with ongoing symptoms, longer recovery times or changes to your ability to work and carry out day-to-day tasks. These situations often require a more detailed approach, both in terms of medical support and in how a claim is handled.

We can also support individuals who have experienced:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal injuries affecting movement or independence
• Amputations or injuries with life-changing consequences
• Repetitive strain injuries that have developed over time

For more serious injuries, it’s especially important to consider the longer-term picture. This means looking not only at what you’ve already been through, but also at what you may need in future in terms of treatment, support or adjustments to your working life. We can reflect this in your claim, so you have the support you need to make any reasonable adjustments and feel comfortable moving forward.

The process of making a work accident claim

If you haven’t been through a legal process before, it’s normal to feel unsure about what’s involved. One of the things we focus on is making the process feel as manageable as possible, so you always understand what’s happening and why.

A typical claim will usually involve the following stages:

• Initial conversation – We’ll talk through what happened with you and give a clear, honest view on whether a claim is likely to be possible.
• Gathering information – This can include accident reports, medical records, and any other documents that help build a clear and accurate picture of what happened.
• Looking at responsibility – We assess whether your employer met their legal obligations, looking closely at the steps they took and whether anything fell short of what is required.
• Negotiating a settlement – Most claims are resolved without ever going to court, with the majority settled through negotiation or mediation long before any formal hearing becomes necessary.
• Court proceedings (if needed) – If a settlement can’t be reached, we’ll fully prepare your case and represent you in court, making sure you’re supported and properly presented every step of the way.

You won’t be left to deal with this on your own. We’ll guide you through each step, explain things clearly, and make sure you always know what’s happening and what comes next, so you can focus on your recovery without added stress.

No win, no fee accident at work claims in Derby

If circumstances allow, we may be able to take your case on a no win, no fee basis. This means you can start a claim without paying anything upfront, so you don’t have to worry about legal costs building up while your case is ongoing.

If your claim is successful, we take a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. This is discussed with you from the outset, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect. If your claim isn’t successful, you won’t pay our legal fees at all.

We offer no win, no fee accident at work claims across Derby, supporting people who might otherwise feel unsure about coming forward because of the cost. If you’ve had an injury and you’re worried about paying to make a claim, it’s worth getting in touch to find out whether we can offer this option in your case.

Why choose Nelsons for work accident claims in Derby?

Choosing a solicitor isn’t just about qualifications or experience. It’s also about feeling comfortable that your situation is being taken seriously and handled properly. We have a long-standing presence in Derby, with our office, Sterne House on Lodge Lane, supporting clients across Derbyshire with workplace injury claims of all kinds for more than 40 years
Our team is recognised in leading directories such as The Times Best Law Firms 2026, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We have extensive experience dealing with both straightforward cases and more complex situations involving serious injuries.

What’s more, we’re members of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel, a specialist qualification held only by experienced personal injury solicitors, and we’re on all appropriate and approved personal injury panels, including Headway.

Speak to our accident at work solicitors in Derby

It’s not unusual to feel unsure about whether you should do anything after an accident at work. You might be weighing up whether it’s worth it, or wondering if what happened is something you can actually take further.

Speaking to a solicitor doesn’t commit you to making a claim. It’s just a way of understanding where you stand. We’ll listen to what’s happened, ask a few questions and give you a clear, honest view of your options.

If a claim makes sense and you want to move forward with making one, we can explain what happens next. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you that just as clearly, so you’re not left second-guessing your decision, and you can move forward knowing that.

Get in touch today

If you’ve been injured at work and want to talk things through, we’re here to help. Our Derby office is based at Sterne House on Lodge Lane, just outside the city centre and close to Derby’s main business and commercial areas.

If you’d like to speak to a work accident solicitor in Derby, get in touch on 0800 024 1976 or complete our online enquiry form, and a member of our team will get back to you.