Employee Rights After a Workplace Injury
If you’ve been injured or become ill because of your job, you have clear legal rights as an employee. UK law requires employers to keep you safe at work. When they fail, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims 24 Hours helps you understand your rights and take action with confidence.
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Employee Rights After a Workplace Injury
Understanding Your Employee Rights After an Accident at Work
If you have been injured at work or developed an illness because of your job, you may have the legal right to claim compensation. Every employee in the UK is protected by health and safety laws designed to keep workplaces safe. When those duties are ignored and someone gets hurt, the law allows you to take action.
At Claims 24 Hours, we help injured employees understand their rights clearly and take the right steps toward compensation without confusion or pressure.
What Are Your Legal Rights as an Employee?
Employers in the UK are legally required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This duty applies to offices, construction sites, factories, warehouses, and all other working environments.
Your employer must take reasonable steps to prevent harm by:
- Maintaining safe premises and equipment
- Carrying out proper risk assessments
- Providing training, supervision, and safety guidance
- Supplying protective equipment where required
- Reducing exposure to hazards that could cause injury or illness
If these responsibilities are not met and you are injured as a result, your rights allow you to seek compensation.
What Does Negligence at Work Mean?
Workplace negligence occurs when an employer fails to do something they legally should have done, or does something unsafe that leads to injury or illness. This may involve unsafe machinery, lack of training, poor supervision, or failure to address known hazards.
Negligence does not require intent. If the risk was foreseeable and preventable, and reasonable steps were not taken, your employer may be legally responsible for your injuries.
Can You Claim Compensation Against Your Employer?
Yes. If your employer breached their duty of care and that failure caused your injury or illness, you have the right to make a personal injury claim. Compensation can reflect both the physical harm you suffered and the wider impact on your life.
Claims 24 Hours offers free advice and handles claims on a no win no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you.
Call us on +44 20 7043 3779 for confidential guidance
What If You Were Partly Responsible for the Accident?
You may still be able to claim compensation even if you were partially at fault. This is known as contributory negligence. In these cases, compensation is reduced based on your level of responsibility, but you are not automatically excluded from making a claim.
Each case is assessed individually to ensure fairness.
Can You Be Dismissed for Making a Claim?
No. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss, penalise, or treat you unfairly because you made a legitimate injury claim. The law protects employees from unfair dismissal and victimisation.
Most claims are handled through the employer’s insurance policy, not directly from company funds.
Will a Claim Financially Harm Your Employer?
No. UK employers are legally required to carry employers’ liability insurance, which covers workplace injury compensation. Your claim is paid through this insurance, ensuring business operations and jobs are not affected.
Can You Claim If You No Longer Work There?
Yes. You can still claim compensation even if:
- You have changed jobs
- You left the company after the accident
- The injury or illness appeared later
As long as the injury can be linked to your former workplace and the claim is made within the legal time limit, your rights remain protected.
Your Rights If You Are Injured at Work
If you suffer a workplace injury, your rights include:
- Access to immediate medical care
- Time off to recover
- Statutory Sick Pay where applicable
- Attendance at medical appointments
- Requesting adjusted or lighter duties
- The right to claim compensation
Being treated with dignity and respect
What If Your Employer Breaches Your Employment Rights?
If your employer violates your rights, you may be able to take legal action through an employment tribunal or personal injury claim, depending on the situation. Some claims must begin within strict time limits, so early advice is important.
How Do You Prove a Workplace Injury Claim?
To succeed, your claim must show:
- Your employer owed you a duty of care
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused your injury
Helpful evidence can include:
- Accident book entries
- Medical records
- Photographs of the accident scene or injuries
- Witness statements
- Receipts and wage records
Our legal team helps gather and organise this evidence for you.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earnings and future income
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Long-term impact on your ability to work
The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life.
Why Claims 24 Hours is th Right Choice for You?
When you’re dealing with a workplace injury, the last thing you need is uncertainty or added stress. Choosing the right claims support can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. At Claims 24 Hours, we focus on protecting your rights while making the entire process clear, supportive, and straightforward.
We start with free, no-obligation advice, so you can understand where you stand without any pressure to proceed. From the first conversation, our team takes the time to listen to your situation and assess whether you have a valid claim.
Your case is then reviewed quickly and professionally. We connect you with experienced workplace injury solicitors who understand employment law, health and safety regulations, and how to prove employer negligence. All claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you.
What sets Claims 24 Hours apart is our commitment to clear and honest communication. You’ll be kept informed at every stage, with no legal jargon and no hidden surprises. Our goal is to make the claims process as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your recovery and your future.
From initial advice to final settlement, we provide dedicated support from start to finish, ensuring your claim reflects the true impact the injury has had on your work, finances, and daily life.
Speak to Claims 24 Hours today for free advice: +44 20 7043 3779
Time Limits for Making a Claim
Most workplace injury claims must be made within three years of the accident or diagnosis. Some exceptions apply, including claims involving children or individuals without mental capacity.
Making a Personal Injury Claim with Claims 24 Hours
Starting a claim does not need to be stressful. We:
- Explain your rights clearly
- Handle all legal communication
- Arrange medical assessments
- Work on a no win no fee basis
- Focus on securing fair compensation
Call Claims 24 Hours on +44 20 7043 3779 to speak with our team today.
FAQs – Employee Rights Claims
Can I claim if the accident was my employer’s fault?
Yes. If your employer breached their duty of care and caused your injury, you can claim compensation.
Will claiming affect my job?
No. It is illegal for an employer to treat you unfairly for making a claim.
Do employers pay compensation themselves?
No. Claims are usually paid through employer’s liability insurance.
Can I claim for a work-related illness?
Yes. Illnesses caused by your job, including long-term conditions, may qualify.
How long does a workplace injury claim take?
Timescales vary, but many claims are settled without going to court.
How do I start a claim?
Simply contact Claims 24 Hours for free advice and a case review.