However carefully we try to avoid them, it is often the case that accidents in the workplace are simply unavoidable. Whether you’ve been severely injured or traumatised or suffered only minor injuries, if the accident wasn’t your fault then you may be entitled to compensation. For your claim for injury as a result of having an accident at work to stand the best chance of success ,there are several things you should do.
Reporting
Although the natural reaction to any accident is to tell people about it, the action of reporting the accident in question to the appropriate person will make it official. Your workplace should have an accident book or reporting system of some kind and should also have a first aid officer who will be able to assist you
Irrespective of whether you need immediate first aid or not, you should still report the accident and ensure that it is properly documented.
In addition to the official report, making your own notes if you’re able to could also be important. You’ll be asked to recount the story several times during your claim for compensation and the key details are essential. At this point, you should take photographs of any visible injuries you have and it’s also worth trying to photograph or sketch the location of the accident.
If there are any witnesses to your accident then you should obtain their details so you can provide these to your personal injury solicitors.
Medical Assistance
Any compensation you might receive will be based upon a medical report which will be carried out by an independent doctor. Your personal injury solicitor will arrange this for you and the report will include a prognosis on your injuries as well as a review of your medical records and the treatment you have received.
Ensure the accident is reported
Under their obligations, your employer is bound by law to protect you whilst you’re at work and a huge element of that means ensuring your health and safety. These rules are set in place by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and in addition to their duty of care to you, they also have responsibilities to report to the HSE any serious accidents such as death, broken bones or serious incidents such as a collapse or explosion. Although it is not your responsibility to ensure that the accident is reported to the HSE, you should be aware that in some circumstances, it should be and remind your employer of their obligations.
