Is my Job at Risk?

Many people are put off claiming compensation for a work injury because they fear for their job security. This needn’t be a factor in your decision, as it’s against the law for an employer to dismiss you for making a claim.

Work Injury claims and the law

Your employer cannot dismiss you for claiming compensation after an accident at work. Doing so could amount to unfair dismissal and is therefore illegal.

Along with job security, accident victims are often worried that making a work injury claim may result in financial difficulties for their employer, particularly if it’s a small business. Employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees while they are at work, and are required by law to take out employer’s liability insurance to cover the costs of any compensation claims made against them. This means it’s the employer’s insurance company that pays out if your work injury claim is successful, and not your employer.

All employers (except very small businesses) are also required by law to keep a record of workplace accidents. This will help employees if they need to take time off because of the accident or claim compensation at a later date.

What to do after a work injury

Firstly, you should make sure the accident has been recorded. Your employer must report serious accidents, for example broken limbs or a scaffolding collapse, to the Government’s Health and Safety Executive.

If you decide to claim compensation you will need to keep hold of any relevant paperwork or documents. This could mean receipts for medical treatment or any correspondence with your employer about your work injury or subsequent time off.

To find out more about making a work injury claim, speak to one of our advisors today. Alternatively, fill out our short online claim form.