Most
of us go to work on a regular basis, and we spend a lot of time in the
workplace during the week. In most cases, workplaces are safe locations, and we
can agree that when we go to work, we don't think about being involved in an
accident because we assume that our employers have taken our health and safety
into consideration. But what if an accident occurs in the workplace through no
fault of our own and we end up becoming injured? There are many causes of
workplace accidents, but negligence is one determining factor of workplace
accidents. If you have suffered an injury and you feel that it is due to the
negligence of your employer, you may well be entitled to workplace
compensation. But what is the compensation you can receive for a workplace
accident? How do you know if you are eligible for compensation? Here's your
best guide.
The facts on workplace accidents
As
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirms, over 620,000 individuals in the
UK fell victim to a workplace accident in 2015 to 2016 alone. There are various
professions that have caused injuries to a significant number of individuals,
and these individuals have suffered injuries to different areas of the body. A
good amount of injuries were also sustained due to manual handling (about 20%),
slips and falls (about 19%), and moving objects (about 10%).
What is a workplace accident claim?
In
its essence, a workplace accident claim also referred to as an employer's
liability claim, is a kind of claim where an incident in the workplace resulted
in injury to someone, and the incident can be attributed to the negligence of
an employer. This can include any action (or non-action) on the part of your
employer to ensure your complete safety in the workplace. For you to receive
the proper compensation, you would have to establish and prove that your
employer failed to take the necessary steps and measures to avoid the workplace
accident which resulted in your injury. It is therefore crucial that you
document all the details and circumstances of your injury, as confirmed by the
expert solicitors from http://shireslaw.com. The more details and
information you can provide to your solicitor, the better they will handle your
case and make sure your compensation claim is a success.
Your sick pay
Even
though an employer is not required under the law to pay your complete salary
when you become injured in the workplace, they are still obligated to settle
Statutory Sick Pay. This sick pay can be paid by your employer for as many as
28 weeks following your injury. You will also have to be away from your
workplace for at least four days prior to receiving your SSP. If your injury
has resulted in a disability, you may be entitled to ask for full or complete
pay.
Common claims for workplace injuries
If
you want a successful claim, you should prove that the injury you have received
has diminished or limited your work ability. The most common claims for
workplace injuries include back injuries, burns, head injuries, poisoning, and
fractured or broken bones.
The
compensation you receive can be calculated by your solicitor based on severity
and the category it falls under; your solicitor should also give you relevant
advice regarding the claims process and be with you every step of the way.
