Even though offices are considered lower-risk areas when it comes to workplace-related accidents, they still happen. Whether minor or life-changing, as long as the injury resulted from failing to ensure a secure workplace – you might have a valid compensation claim. Here’re 5 common questions answered by specialists working in the workplace-related injuries field.
1. What is considered an office accident?
An office accident is any injury or harm that occurs in the workplace, including any accidents caused by equipment, slips, trips, falls, or even repetitive strain. One of the necessary conditions for a valid compensation claim – there must be someone else to blame for the incident that caused harm.
Maybe your employer or fellow colleagues were negligent, and it resulted in causing or contributing to your accident this way? If the injury isn’t related to a pre-existing condition and resulted directly from the accident at the office, you might have a valid compensation claim.
2. Who will cover the compensation?
In short, if your employers were negligent and failed to put proper procedures in place, ensure needed training, and a secure work environment, a claim would be against them. Even though this thought is daunting, that shouldn’t be the reason not to take legal action. Most of the time, employers’ liability insurance (a legal requirement for most businesses) provides funds to cover your expenses if you were injured in the workplace.
A smart way to determine the best course of action and assess the situation before starting the legal process is to consult professionals specialising in this field. For instance, Litkraft Solicitors specialists provide legal advice in different languages. Highly experienced legal experts will help you assess whether your case might be successful and get compensation commensurate with the damage.
3. Is the claim valid if the accident is partly my fault?
When the accident is partly the employee’s fault, it’s more complicated to prove the employer’s part in it. However, you may still be able to make a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Obviously, your compensation may be reduced based on your level of responsibility. As each case is unique, it’s best to discuss every detail with lawyers.
4. How long do I have to make a claim?
The time limit varies depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, in the UK, legal experts say most of the time, victims can claim compensation within 3 years after the accident that caused an injury. It’s best to consult lawyers and start the legal process promptly, but it doesn’t mean you can’t claim compensation for injuries that happened in the recent past. Undoubtedly, those are way harder to assess and, therefore – to prove your truth.
5. Do I need a lawyer to make a claim?
While having a lawyer to make a claim is not necessary, it is highly recommended. A lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. If employers deny their fault, it might get hard to communicate smoothly and stand up for yourself. Let alone the legal matter subtleties that you should consider.
A relatively secure office, at least at first glance, isn’t an argument to ignore the injury. If the accident (whatever its cause) that resulted in injury happened in the office, it wasn’t your fault and occurred within the last few years, you might have a successful claim. Considering compensation size, assess medical and transportation expenses, property damage and related financial losses.
