Accidents at work can have devastating effects on your health, income and overall quality of life. Whether you have suffered a minor injury or a life-altering accident, you have the legal right to pursue compensation if your employer failed to keep you safe. At Marley Solicitors in Coventry, we specialise in handling accident at work claims, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
In this detailed guide, we will explain your legal rights after a workplace accident, how to begin a compensation claim and why choosing a local solicitor in Coventry is vital for a successful outcome.
Understanding your rights after a workplace accident
Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for all employees. This responsibility is enforced by health and safety laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. If an employer fails to uphold these duties, and you are injured as a result, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.
It does not matter whether you are employed full-time, part-time or working as a contractor. As long as the accident occurred while you were performing your duties, you could have grounds for a claim.
Common types of workplace accidents in Coventry
Marley Solicitors has handled a wide range of accident at work claims in Coventry and the surrounding areas. Some of the most common types of cases we see include:
- Slips, trips and falls: Often caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces or poor lighting
- Manual handling injuries: Resulting from lifting, carrying or moving heavy objects
- Falls from height: Particularly common in construction, maintenance or warehouse jobs
- Machinery accidents: Including injuries caused by faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Exposure to hazardous substances: Leading to long-term health issues
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): Frequently experienced in office or factory environments
- Accidents involving vehicles: Such as forklift trucks or delivery vans
Each of these accidents can lead to physical pain, emotional distress and financial difficulties. Compensation can help you cover medical expenses, lost earnings and support your recovery.
Who is responsible for your accident at work?
Determining liability is a key part of any work accident claim. In most cases, your employer will be held responsible if they failed to:
- Conduct proper risk assessments
- Provide adequate training
- Supply and maintain safety equipment
- Ensure a clean and hazard-free workspace
- Adhere to health and safety regulations
Even if your accident was caused by a colleague’s mistake, your employer could still be liable under the principle of vicarious liability. The law recognises that it is the employer’s duty to manage risks and ensure staff acts responsibly in the workplace.
What to do if you have had an accident at work
If you have been injured at work, it is important to act quickly and follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Visit your GP or A&E depending on the severity of your injury.
- Report the accident: Inform your supervisor or manager and make sure the incident is recorded in the company’s accident book.
- Gather evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, keep a record of your symptoms and collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Keep documentation: Save copies of medical reports, correspondence with your employer and any expenses or wage slips showing your losses.
- Contact a solicitor: Speak to an experienced accident at work solicitor in Coventry as soon as possible for legal advice tailored to your case.
The sooner you begin the legal process, the better your chances of a successful claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Coventry?
When dealing with a personal injury, you need a solicitor who understands your local area, the laws that protect you, and how to best approach your employer. Marley Solicitors offers a personal, face-to-face service from our office in Coventry, making us the trusted choice for accident at work claims in the region.
Here is why clients choose us:
- Expertise in work injury claims: Our team specialises in employment-related accidents, with a deep understanding of employer liability and health and safety regulations.
- No win, no fee service: We offer conditional fee agreements, meaning you will not pay legal fees unless we win your case.
- Personalised legal support: You will work with a dedicated solicitor who handles your case from start to finish.
- Local knowledge: We have extensive experience working with employees in Coventry and across the West Midlands.
- Clear communication: We explain everything in plain English, keeping you informed and confident every step of the way.
How much compensation could you receive?
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the type and severity of your injury, as well as any financial losses you have experienced. Generally, compensation is divided into two categories:
- General damages: For pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Special damages: Covering financial losses such as medical bills, travel expenses, lost income and rehabilitation costs
For example, minor soft tissue injuries might result in compensation of a few thousand pounds, while severe or permanent injuries could attract much higher amounts. Our team will assess your individual situation and give you a realistic estimate based on previous case results.
Time limits for making a work injury claim
In the UK, there is a strict three-year time limit for making a claim after an accident at work. This usually begins on the date the accident occurred or when you first became aware of your injury. There are exceptions, such as for individuals who lack mental capacity or for children under the age of 18. However, it is always best to act as early as possible to preserve evidence and improve your chances of success.
Is it possible to file a claim while still employed?
Yes. You can still bring a claim against your employer even if you are still working for them. Employers are legally prohibited from disciplining or dismissing an employee for making a legitimate claim. Any retaliation could be grounds for an additional employment tribunal claim.
At Marley Solicitors, we handle your case with full confidentiality and ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process.
Real case examples from Coventry
To give you an idea of what is possible, here are a few anonymous examples of work accident cases we have successfully handled in Coventry:
- A warehouse worker suffered a back injury due to poor manual handling training. We secured £18,000 in compensation for pain, loss of income and physiotherapy costs.
- An office employee slipped on a wet floor that had not been properly marked. The client received £9,500 after a successful liability claim.
- A construction worker fell from faulty scaffolding and suffered multiple fractures. We secured a £35,000 settlement to cover medical treatment, time off work and long-term recovery needs.
Each case is unique. Our solicitors provide free initial consultations to assess your case and offer honest, practical advice about your options.
Get started with your claim today
If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Coventry, Marley Solicitors is here to help. Our friendly and experienced team will guide you through the legal process, explain your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
To begin your claim, contact our Coventry office today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and operate on a no win, no fee basis. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking the first step towards justice.
Call Marley Solicitors Coventry today to speak with an accident at work expert. Let us help you move forward with confidence.