Workplace Accident - Your Rights and How to Help Your Case

Had an Accident at Work? Simple Steps to Help your Case
Accident At Work: Your Rights and Benefits

Had an Accident At Work? Simple Steps to Help your Case

In order to fight a claim on your behalf, your solicitor will need to collect as much information about your accident and injuries as possible. This process can be time consuming, but by following the simple steps below, you could speed up the process and get compensation sooner.

Soon after your accident, notify your employer's appointed Health & Safety Officer, Manager or Representative, if there is one. Amongst other things, he or she will be able to help you.

Make sure your accident is immediately recorded in your employer's accident book (if your company has more than 10 employees it is required by law to have an accident book). Write and sign this report yourself rather than one that was compiled by your employer. At this stage only a short description of your accident and injuries is necessary. This should happen as close to the accident as possible. Try to get a copy of the entry that was made.

As soon as you are able to, write down, sign, date and witness a description of the accident, its circumstances, the names of anyone who might have been present. Use your own words and be as descriptive as you want to be. This account is for you and for your solicitor. The sooner you do this the better as, over time, details of the accident might become hazy.

If you are involved in an accident, the first thing that comes to mind is not necessarily the need to gather information. However, being able for example to get the names and contact details of any witnesses that might have been present, or taking photographs of the area where the accident happened could be very useful in the future. Finding out whether there have been any similar accidents or complaints relating to the circumstances of your accident before your accident, can also be very useful.

Report your accident to the Benefits Agency by filling in form B195. This will help you if you have to claim benefits at a later stage.

None of the above is compulsory and much of can be done by your solicitor or by your Health & Safety representative. However, by gathering information soon after the event, you can ensure that the information is fresh and accurate and will speed the process of claiming compensation.

Accident At Work: Your Rights and Benefits

If you have been injured at work and you have to take time off, you have a right to claim Statutory Sick Pay from your employer and should do so immediately. You can claim SSP for up to 28 weeks (6 months). Your employer may ask that you provide them with a doctor's certificate. If you are still off work beyond these 6 months, you could be entitled to Contributory or Non Contributory Incapacity Benefit. You should get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus office for more information or download and complete a Disability Benefit form. You could also be entitled to Industrial Disability Benefits. To do this fill in form BI100A. You will be seen by a DSS doctor who will assess the extent of your disability. For more information, visit the Department of Work and Pensions website or the Jobcentre Plus website.