What Are Workplace Injury Claims?
Posted on: September 3rd, 2025
Your workplace should be a safe environment, somewhere you can focus on your job without worrying about your health or safety. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries at work do happen, and when they do, they can have a huge impact on your life.
Workplace injury claims are there to protect you. If you’ve been injured while carrying out your job because of unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, lack of training, or employer negligence, you may have the right to claim compensation.
In this article, we’ll explain what workplace injury claims are, when you can make one, and how the process works, so you can feel confident about your next steps.
Understanding Workplace Injury Claims
A workplace injury claim is a legal process where an employee seeks compensation after being hurt at work due to someone else’s fault, often the employer’s. This compensation can cover:
Lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work.
Medical treatment costs such as physiotherapy or rehabilitation.
Ongoing care or adaptations to your home or lifestyle if the injury has lasting effects.
Pain and suffering caused by the injury.
It’s important to remember: a claim isn’t about punishing your employer, it’s about ensuring you’re supported financially and medically so you can recover and move forward.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
While every case is unique, some causes appear time and again in workplace injury claims:
Unsafe conditions - Hazards like wet floors, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or unguarded machinery can easily lead to accidents.
Faulty equipment - When tools or machinery fail because they’ve not been maintained or repaired, the results can be serious.
Lack of training - Without proper guidance on how to use equipment or perform tasks safely, employees are put at unnecessary risk.
Employer negligence - This covers situations where your employer hasn’t taken reasonable steps to protect your health and safety.
These incidents can result in anything from minor cuts and sprains to serious, life-changing injuries.
Your Rights as an Employee
UK law is clear: employers have a duty of care to protect their staff from harm. This includes:
Providing a safe working environment.
Maintaining equipment and tools.
Offering adequate training for all tasks.
Conducting regular risk assessments.
If your employer fails in any of these areas and you’re injured as a result, you’re entitled to seek compensation.
You’re also protected against unfair treatment. It’s illegal for an employer to dismiss or treat you poorly for making a legitimate workplace injury claim.
How to Start a Workplace Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured at work and are considering making a claim, here’s what to do:
Report the incident - Notify your manager and make sure it’s recorded in the workplace accident book.
Seek medical attention - This ensures your injury is treated and documented by a professional.
Gather evidence - Take photos of where the incident happened, keep copies of medical reports, and collect contact details of any witnesses.
Seek legal advice - A specialist personal injury solicitor can assess your case and guide you through the process.
The sooner you speak to a solicitor, the better. Evidence is easier to collect early on, and there are strict time limits for making claims (usually three years from the date of the accident).
What to Expect from the Process
Once you contact a solicitor, they will:
Assess whether you have a strong case.
Gather evidence and build your claim.
Contact your employer’s insurance company to start negotiations.
Keep you updated at every stage.
Many claims are settled without going to court, but if necessary, your solicitor will represent you to make sure you get the outcome you deserve.
Why Make a Claim?
Some people feel uneasy about making a claim against their employer, especially if they’ve worked there for years. But remember:
Employers are legally required to have insurance to cover workplace accidents.
A claim can help you recover lost income and pay for treatment you need.
Highlighting unsafe practices can prevent the same thing happening to someone else.
Making a claim is about protecting yourself and encouraging safer workplaces for everyone.
How Atha & Co Can Help
With over 50 years of experience and a strong local reputation, Atha & Co specialise in workplace injury claims of all types. Our role is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
We offer:
Clear, honest advice from the start.
Support with accessing treatment like physiotherapy or counselling.
Regular updates so you always know where you stand.
We’ve helped thousands of people in Teesside and beyond secure the compensation and support they deserve after a workplace injury.
Workplace injury claims are there to protect employees when things go wrong. If you’ve been injured at work through no fault of your own, you have the right to seek compensation and support to help you recover.
By acting quickly and getting the right advice, you can make sure your voice is heard, your needs are met, and your future is protected.
Choose the one you know.
📲 Call Atha & Co today on 01642 222575