Compensation For Accidents At Work
A serious accident at work can change everything, your ability to work, your financial security, and your quality of life. If your employer failed to keep you safe, you have the right to make an accident at work claim. Our specialist personal injury solicitors have the expertise to handle the most complex and life-changing workplace injury claims, fighting for the compensation that reflects the true impact on your life.
Contact us today for expert legal advice. Call 0800 024 1976 or complete our online enquiry form.
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What Is an Accident At Work Claim?
An accident at work claim is a legal claim made by an employee who has suffered a workplace injury caused by their employer’s negligence or failure to meet health and safety obligations. Under UK law, employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment; when they fail in that duty and someone is injured as a result, you are entitled to seek compensation.
Compensation in a workplace injury claim covers both general damages (for pain, suffering and loss of amenity) and special damages (for financial losses including lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, care needs, and adaptations to your home or vehicle).
Workplace Injuries We Handle
Our personal injury team specialises in serious and life-changing accident at work claims. The injuries we handle most frequently include:
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury sustained at work, whether through a fall from height, a crush accident, or a lifting incident, can result in partial or complete paralysis. These are among the most complex workplace injury claims, requiring expert medical evidence, long-term care assessments, and detailed financial modelling to ensure compensation reflects your lifetime of need. We work with leading medical specialists and rehabilitation experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries caused by a blow to the head, a fall, or an impact with machinery can range from concussion to severe and permanent cognitive impairment. We understand that no two brain injuries are alike. We take time to understand how your injury affects your day-to-day life, your relationships, your employment, and your independence, to ensure your accident at work claim reflects the full picture.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb or sustaining a serious crush injury at work has profound physical, psychological, and financial consequences. In addition to compensation for pain and suffering, an accident at work claim in these circumstances will typically include prosthetics, rehabilitation, home adaptations, lost future earnings, and ongoing care costs. Our specialist team has direct experience of traumatic amputation claims and understands the long road to recovery that follows.
Fatal Accidents at Work
When a loved one is killed in a workplace accident, no amount of compensation can undo what has happened. But a fatal accident at work claim can provide financial security for dependants, cover funeral costs, and hold the responsible employer accountable. We handle fatal accident claims with the sensitivity and determination that families deserve, guiding you through every stage of what can be a deeply difficult process.
Other Workplace Injury Claims We Can Help With
Beyond serious and catastrophic injuries, our team handles the full range of accident at work claims, including:
- Slips, trips and falls caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting
- Injuries from lifting and manual handling without proper equipment or training
- Accidents involving faulty or poorly maintained machinery and equipment
- Falls from height, including scaffold and ladder accidents
- Injuries caused by inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Workplace vehicle accidents, including forklift and HGV incidents
- Industrial disease and occupational illness, including noise-induced hearing loss and work-related respiratory conditions
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) caused by sustained poor working conditions
Accident At Work Claim Process
Making a workplace injury claim can feel daunting, particularly if you’re still recovering. Our team keeps the process as straightforward as possible.
1. Free initial consultation: We’ll listen to what happened, ask the right questions, and give you an honest assessment of your claim, with no obligation and no cost. Most accident at work claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t pay us anything unless your claim succeeds.
2. Investigation and evidence gathering: We will secure accident report books, CCTV footage, witness statements, health and safety inspection records, and expert medical evidence to establish exactly what happened and why. Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful workplace injury claim.
3. Valuing your claim Serious workplace injuries require detailed financial analysis. We work alongside medical specialists, occupational therapists, and financial experts to ensure your compensation reflects not just your immediate losses but your long-term needs, including future care, future lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs.
4. Negotiation and settlement: Most accident at work claims settle without going to court. We will negotiate assertively on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation available. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
5. Settlement and next steps: Once your claim is resolved, we’ll ensure your compensation is paid promptly and advise on any specialist financial planning if required for large awards.
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to find out if you have an accident at work claim? Call our specialist team today.
Call 0800 024 1976 or Complete our online enquiry form.
Why Choose Nelsons for your Accident At Work Claim
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- Recognised specialists: Our personal injury team is ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, for expertise in brain injury, spinal injury, and traumatic amputation claims, among the most complex workplace injury cases in UK law. The team is Commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2025.
- Whole-person approach: We don’t just pursue compensation. We connect clients with rehabilitation specialists, care providers, and support networks, because the best outcomes go beyond a settlement figure.
- East Midlands based: Nationwide capability. With offices in Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham, we are well placed to support workers across the region, and our experience in complex, high-value claims extends nationally.
- No win, no fee: We handle most accident at work claims on a conditional fee arrangement, so your access to expert legal representation is never dependent on your financial position.
Testimonials…
Ready to get started with your accident at work claim? Contact our expert team today.
Call 0800 024 1976 to speak with our personal injury solicitors in Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham or complete our online enquiry form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
Meet the team
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Lisa PreecePartner & Solicitor
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Dianne CollinsLegal Director & Solicitor
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Helen FroggattSenior Associate & Solicitor
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Hannah ManewellSenior Associate & Solicitor
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Accident at Work Claims FAQS
Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning accident at work claims
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How long do I have to make an accident at work claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your workplace injury to start a claim. For industrial diseases or conditions that develop gradually, the three-year period typically runs from the date you became aware that your condition was work-related. If the injured person is under 18, the time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. We strongly recommend taking legal advice as soon as possible to protect your position.
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Can I make a workplace injury claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. UK law allows for contributory negligence, which means your compensation may be reduced proportionally if you were partially responsible, but you can still recover a significant sum. In our experience, many accidents that appear to involve employee error are the result of inadequate training, insufficient supervision, or systemic safety failures for which the employer bears primary responsibility.
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Will making an accident at work claim affect my job?
Your employer cannot legally dismiss you or treat you detrimentally for making a legitimate workplace injury claim. Claims are almost always handled through the employer’s liability insurance policy, and most employers are experienced in this process. If you do face any form of retaliation, this may give rise to a separate employment law claim.
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How much compensation could I receive for a serious workplace injury?
Compensation levels vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of your injury, and its impact on your life. Minor injuries may attract awards of a few thousand pounds. Serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and amputations, can result in six or seven-figure settlements, particularly where there is a long-term impact on your earning capacity or care needs. WE will give you a realistic assessment during your initial consultation.
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What is no win, no fee?
A no win, no fee agreement (formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement) means that if your accident at work claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay our legal fees. If your claim succeeds, a contribution to our fees will typically be deducted from your compensation. We will explain exactly how this works at the outset, with no hidden surprises.
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What evidence do I need for a workplace injury claim?
The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your claim. Useful evidence includes: a record of the accident in your employer’s accident report book, photographs of the scene or faulty equipment, witness contact details, medical records and GP notes, and any communications with your employer about health and safety concerns. Don’t worry if you haven’t been able to gather everything, our team will work to obtain the evidence needed to build your case.
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Can I claim for a workplace injury if I'm self-employed?
It depends on the circumstances. If you were injured due to the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, site owner, or equipment manufacturer, you may still have a valid claim even if you’re self-employed. Speak to our team and we’ll assess your situation.
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