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Work Place Accidents and Injuries

The majority of work place accidents and injuries are as a result of falls, slips and incorrectly lifting heavy objects.

Quite a few claims for workman's compensation also arise from dangerous and/or defective machinery or equipment being used without the necessary training or proper supervision.

The onus of providing adequate accident insurance care for employees rests with the employer and it is his or her responsibility to make sure the place of work is safe for the employees and any risk of accident is kept to a minimum.

work place accidents and workmans compensation

Of course, there is also an element of duty on the part of the employee and if the occasion arises the worker should not hesitate to discuss any concerns about health and safety with the boss.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience a work place accident, the first thing you should do, following administration of any necessary first aid or medical treatment, is to report the incident to your line manager or supervisor.

An entry should then be made in the Accident Book. This book is required to be held by all employers by law.

The Accident Book provides you with the information you need to know about completing forms to claim compensation for work place accidents or injuries.

If you think you can prove that your employer is responsible for your work place accident or injury you can take up the services of a personal injury claims solicitor who is an expert in this kind of claim and will act on your behalf.

The solicitor will have access to your employer's records as far as your accident is concerned and these papers will form the basis of the information required for the claim along with the forms you have completed.

The claim will be processed on a no fee, win or lose basis, thus ensuring you will not be liable for costs incurred should you be unsuccessful with your claim and that you receive the full amount awarded without any part of it being taken as a commission or fee by the solicitor.

When choosing the solicitor to represent you, you should look for one who is experienced in work place accident claims and who you feel is going to act with your best interests at heart.

work place accidents and claiming workmans compensation from employers

The basis of your claim will involve some, if not all of the following.

• Physical pain and damage

• Mental trauma and stress

• A loss of earnings

• Damage to your personal property

You can claim workman's compensation when the incident was caused by another person over the age of eighteen years, when you have lost a considerable amount of earnings and your standard of living has been affected following the accident.

However, it should be noted that claims cannot be made when you caused the accident yourself.

It is important as far as all aspects of your claim are concerned you keep any relevant records and receipts, along with a copy of your original claim form.

Even though it may not have occurred to you, you may have been the victim of an accident which happened a while ago.

As long as the accident took place within the last three years, you may still be eligible to claim compensation from your employer.

You need to be able to prove that your employer breached his or her responsibilities towards you in ensuring your work place was an accident free zone.