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Accident at Work Case Studies
Real accident at work claims handled by NJS Law's personal injury team, the solicitors behind Injuries Direct. See how employers were held responsible for unsafe workplaces and equipment, and what our clients received.
Our accident at work case studies
Two very different accidents, injuries and outcomes. In both, the employer failed to keep their workplace or equipment safe.
A forklift driver suffered severe spinal injuries when his truck hit a pothole hidden under water in a loading bay. Interim payments funded his housing, mobility and rehabilitation while his claim progressed.
- Accident
- Forklift hit a hidden pothole
- Injury
- Severe spinal injury
- Support
- Interim payments for housing, mobility and treatment
Workplace equipment failed and a heavy load fell onto our client's legs, causing fractures and ligament damage. Their employer was responsible for failing to maintain safe equipment.
- Cause
- Faulty workplace equipment
- Injuries
- Broken bones and severe ligament damage to both legs
- At fault
- The employer
What these cases show about your employer's duties
Employers have a legal duty to keep you safe at work. Both of these claims succeeded because that duty wasn't met.
A safe workplace
Floors, yards and traffic routes must be kept in good condition and free from hazards such as holes and potholes. In our £3.7m case, a forklift hit a pothole hidden under water and the impact caused severe spinal injuries.
Workplace Regulations 1992Safe, maintained equipment
Work equipment must be suitable for the job, properly maintained and inspected. In our £17,000 case, faulty equipment failed and a heavy load fell onto our client's legs.
PUWER 1998Insurance to pay compensation
Most employers must have employers' liability insurance by law, so compensation is usually paid by their insurer rather than by your employer directly.
Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969Could you claim for an accident at work?
You may be able to claim compensation if:
- You were injured at work, or became ill because of your work
- Your employer didn't do what they should have to keep you safe
- The accident happened in the last three years, or you've only recently found out about your injury
Find out more in our accident at work claims guide, including typical compensation amounts, or see how long you have to make a claim.
Not sure if you have a claim?
Talk to our personal injury team for free. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a claim, with no obligation to go ahead. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.
Accident at work guides
Plain-English answers to the questions we're asked most often about claiming against an employer.
Accident at work case studies: FAQs
Are these real accident at work cases?
Yes. They're based on real accident at work claims handled by NJS Law's personal injury team, the solicitors behind Injuries Direct. Some details are kept anonymous to protect our clients' privacy.
Will my accident at work claim be worth the same?
Not necessarily. Compensation depends on your injuries, your recovery and the financial losses you've had, such as lost earnings. Past results don't guarantee future outcomes, but we'll look at your situation for free and explain what your claim could include.
Will claiming against my employer affect my job?
Employers must have employers' liability insurance, so compensation is paid by their insurer. Most employers understand that a claim is a normal part of how injuries at work are dealt with. If you're worried about how your employer will react, talk to us and we'll explain your options.
Can I get money before my claim settles?
Sometimes. If your employer's insurer accepts fault, we can ask for interim payments, an advance on your compensation, to help with treatment, rehabilitation or lost earnings. In our £3.7m forklift case, interim payments funded our client's housing, mobility and rehabilitation.
Is there a time limit for an accident at work claim?
You usually have three years from the date of your accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children and people who lack mental capacity, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago.
More case studies
See case studies for other types of claim.
Injured at work? Find out if you can claim
Talk to our personal injury team for free, with no obligation to claim. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a claim and how we can help.