Accidents at work occur more often than many Londoners expect. The Health and Safety Executive reported over 560,000 injuries to UK workers in 2022–23, and a significant share of those took place across the capital. Construction projects, office blocks, retail stores, hospitals and transport hubs are all environments where workplace accidents can happen. Slips on wet floors, falls from scaffolding, machinery malfunctions and exposure to hazardous substances are just some of the incidents that can lead to an accident at work claim.
Employers in London have a clear duty of care. That duty requires them to create a safe working environment, to identify risks through regular assessments, and to provide protective equipment and training. When these responsibilities are neglected, accidents become far more likely. If you’ve been injured at work in London because of unsafe conditions or poor training, you could be entitled to compensation.
Am I Entitled to Compensation After an Accident at Work?
You may be able to claim compensation if your employer breached health and safety laws and that breach caused your injury. This applies whether the accident happened on a construction site in Canary Wharf, in a retail store on Oxford Street, or in an NHS hospital. To succeed in an accident at work claim, three elements usually need to be proven:
- Your employer owed you a duty of care to keep you safe.
- That duty was breached, for example by failing to provide safety equipment or training.
- The breach directly caused your injury or illness.
London employers are legally required to hold insurance under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. This means that compensation is paid by their insurer, not directly from the business. Compensation can cover medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering linked to your injury.
Time Limits for Accident At Work Claims
The standard time limit to make a claim is three years from the date of your accident, or three years from when you first became aware your condition was caused by work. For industrial diseases, this may be the date of diagnosis. If the injured person is under 18, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday. If someone lacks mental capacity, the time limit is paused until capacity is regained.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in London
Many work injury claims in London are linked to employer negligence. Frequent examples include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors, uneven pavements, or poor lighting in office blocks and shops.
- Falls from height: Missing guard rails or unsafe scaffolding on construction projects.
- Industrial disease: Exposure to asbestos, chemicals, or dust in older buildings and factories.
- Machinery accidents: Crush injuries or amputations from defective or unguarded machinery.
- Inadequate training: Injuries in hospitality, transport, or logistics where safety procedures were not properly taught.
If your injury was caused by any of these failings, you could have grounds for an accident at work claim.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident in London
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect your health and strengthen your claim.
- Report the incident to your employer immediately and ensure it is recorded in the accident book. If there isn’t one, write an email so there is a clear record.
- Gather evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the hazard, whether that’s a wet floor, faulty equipment or unsafe scaffolding. Collect witness details and keep receipts for expenses such as medication or travel to hospital appointments.
- Seek medical attention straight away. Hospitals like St Thomas’ or University College London Hospital will create records of your injury, which are important for your claim. These medical notes also show the seriousness of your injury.
How Our Accident At Work Solicitors Can Help
Our specialist solicitors can guide you through the entire claims process. They will assess your case, collect evidence, communicate with insurers, and negotiate for a fair settlement. If your accident was caused by unsafe practices or a breach of health and safety law, our accident at work solicitors can build a strong case on your behalf.
You’ll be pleased to learn that we offer No Win No Fee agreements. This means you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful, giving you access to justice without upfront cost.
What Compensation Can Cover
The compensation awarded in a London accident at work claim is designed to address both financial losses and personal suffering. It may include:
- Medical treatment costs such as surgery, medication, physiotherapy or rehabilitation.
- Lost earnings while you recover, plus future losses if you cannot return to your previous role.
- Care and support costs including home care, adaptations to your home or vehicle, or travel expenses.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity for ongoing physical or psychological harm.
- Specialist equipment or retraining if your injury prevents you from doing the same job.
Every case is assessed individually to reflect the real impact on your life.
Why Choose Our No Win No Fee Solicitors In London?
Using a No Win No Fee solicitor removes the financial risk of pursuing a claim. You won’t need to pay anything upfront, and legal fees are only taken if your claim succeeds. This ensures you can access expert legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
We work exclusively on a No Win No Fee basis so if you’d like to take advantage of our free consultation to check if you can claim, reach out to us today.
Start Your Accident At Work Claim Today
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in London, you don’t have to face the claims process alone. Speaking with an experienced solicitor could make all the difference to your recovery and financial security. To find out whether you have a valid claim, get in touch with a specialist accident at work solicitor today.
