Accidents At Work

Workplace Injuries

The workplace should be a safe environment for all employees. However, very often accidents and injuries at work occur due to falls, slips, incorrect manual handling and improper work equipment or tools. For example, a worker in a factory may suffer strain injuries, dermatitis, or back pain due to poor working practices. Employers have a duty to provide proper training, protective equipment and a safe place to work and all employees are entitled to work in a safe place.

Employer Duty

If you have been involved in an accident at your workplace which was caused due to defective or faulty work equipment such as tools, ladders, safety equipment etc you should be aware that your employer has a strict duty to protect you and to ensure that equipment used by you is in good working order, regularly inspected and maintained and used properly in accordance with training. Work equipment has a very wide definition and can include an office chair or any office equipment supplied by your employer. If you have suffered an injury as a result of faulty equipment or a defective item supplied by your employer, you are entitled to make a claim for personal injury and other associated losses or out of pocket expenses.

Gus Campbell: Specialist Employers Liability Solicitors

You should contact a specialist employers liability solicitor who deals with accidents at work. Gus Campbell Solicitors have dealt with many accident at work claims over many years in business and our solicitors are experienced, knowledgeable and approachable. Gus Campbell Solicitors advise clients throughout Portadown, Craigavon, Co Armagh and Northern Ireland and will help you to make a claim for an accident and ensure that you get the right advice and maximum compensation.

Our expert personal injury solicitors based in Portadown, Co Armagh will provide clear legal advice about your case and will assist you throughout the personal injury claims process to ensure that you get the compensation for an accident to which you are entitled. You should expect to receive compensation when you are injured in an accident at work which was not your fault, for the injury you suffered and also for loss of earnings and any other expenses such as medical treatment which has left you out of pocket.

3 Years To Make A Claim For Compensation

If you have been involved in an accident at work in the last 3 years you could still make a claim for compensation. If you have recently had a work accident, you should ensure that your accident details are recorded in an Accident Book which your employer has a duty to maintain. You should make sure that any statement you provide about the accident at work is a fair and accurate account of what happened and you should not sign any document unless you have seen it and agreed with it. You should record details of any witnesses to your accident and if possible, take photographs of the accident scene or any equipment which caused or contributed to the accident. Call us at Gus Campbell Solicitors to ensure that you get the right legal advice.

Often where there has been a workplace accident, the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland will investigate. There are certain circumstances in which your employer must report the accident to the Health and Safety Executive. This will need to be done if there has been a work related death, a major injury or an injury which lasts more than 3 days, work related diseases (eg asbestosis, hand arm vibration syndrome, dermatitis), or a dangerous occurrence (for example collapse of scaffolding or electrical overload).

Employer Liability Insurance

Your employer must have appropriate liability insurance in place and it will be the insurance company, not your employer, who will pay for the cost of your case. You do not have to be a member of a Trade Union to make a claim for an accident. If you fear that your employer will try to make life difficult for you should you make a claim for compensation, there are employment laws which are there to protect your rights. Gus Campbell Solicitors Co Armagh have experienced employment law solicitors who can provide legal advice about your employment rights.

Accidents at work can happen as a result of a one-off incident or also due to exposure to unsafe materials or poor work practices over a period of time. For example, incorrect lifting contrary to manual handling guidelines, use of vibrating tools or power equipment over a period of time; or exposure to chemical or other irritants which could cause skin problems, asthma or lung problems. You may have been the victim of bullying in the workplace which your employer failed to address, or other harassment which has caused you stress or anxiety.

Gus Campbell Free First Consultation

Whatever the cause of your accident at work, if you think you might be entitled to compensation, contact our experienced personal injury solicitors at Gus Campbell for clear advice and a no obligation, free first consultation. Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we can offer telephone consultations or use other technology eg Skype or Zoom to facilitate you safely.
If you are worried about the legal costs to you for a work accident or injury, we can arrange legal expenses insurance to cover your costs.

Or you may be entitled to legal aid. If you have a successful claim for an accident at work, the insurance company will have to agree to pay your legal costs and you will keep all of your compensation settlement. Gus Campbell solicitors are based in Portadown but assist clients throughout the Co Armagh area and the whole of Northern Ireland and are happy to talk through your options. Please do not hesitate to contact our personal injury department by phone or e-mail bernie@guscampbell.co.uk