Employers are obliged by the law to take steps to protect their employees whilst at work. This legislation ensures that the duties fall on employers to carry out risk assessments to identify health and safety hazards within the workplace.
If you believe your employer has failed in their duty of care, and you have experienced an injury as a result, you may be entitled to make a workplace claim for compensation. The employer is also responsible for those acts or omissions caused by something a fellow worker did or failed to do if it causes you injury.
What should you do after an injury at work?
If you suffer an injury while carrying out your work duties, there are certain steps you should take. These not only safeguard your health but also pave the way for a successful compensation claim.
- Focus on your wellbeing – seek medical assistance.
- Report your accident – Log the accident in the accident reporting book.
- Record your financial losses – If you are off work due to your injuries record the monetary loss involved.
- Speak to a P I solicitor – They can advise you if it is worth a compensation claim.
What is compensation?
Compensation is the settlement of money awarded to somebody who was involved in an accident that was not their fault. The finances cover the costs and impact that the injury has had on your life, both now and in the future.
Although claiming compensation cannot take away what you have experienced, it can help you get the apology you deserve and help ease your financial pressure, bringing back some normality to your life.
What are the steps to processing a claim?
Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Once you have determined that you may have a claim, you can contact our team of specialists to access the details of your case to determine whether your claim would be valid.
Step 2: If valid, our solicitor will discuss the facts of your case and how it has affected you.
Step 3: Our solicitor will gather all evidence and notify the negligent party that you wish to begin claim proceedings.
How is your compensation calculated?
Once you contact a solicitor, they will negotiate your settlement based on your experience. Each situation is different and because of this, the figure you receive from your claim is unique to the individual – meaning there’s no set amount for a type of injury or accident.
Below is a list of things our solicitor will consider when they negotiate for compensation:
- How severe your injury is, and the recovery-time
- Whether your injury will affect your life going forward
- The amount of time you have had to take off work because of your injury
- Any care you’ve received, even if from a family member
- Any adaptations you have made or will need to make to your home, car, or life
- Any medical expenses, from physiotherapy to prescription costs, etc.
How much does it cost to claim in Northern Ireland?
H McPartland & Sons offer Legal Aid if your case goes to court. You may also be entitled to Legal Aid in certain circumstances, for example, people who receive specific benefits such as income support and those on a low income may qualify for legal aid.
Remember you only have a limited time from your accident to make a claim so get in touch with the McPartland & Sons team of legal experts to find out if you are entitled to compensation.
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