From sharing details of your case on social media sites to failing to enlist legal support from the start, there are several common pitfalls that can seriously undermine your accident-at-work claim and reduce your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Making an accident at work claim: The seven mistakes to avoid
1. Failing to report an injury immediately
Unsure whether you should report an injury or illness at work? Regardless of the size or severity of the issue, delaying this process can make your accident-at-work claim more complex.
Prompt reporting is key to collecting strong evidence in the form of CCTV footage, witness statements, and accurate medical and accident book records. Failing to report the injury immediately will only weaken your credibility and make it harder to prove the employer’s negligence.
2. Not seeking prompt medical attention
One of the key features of a successful accident-at-work claim is being able to prove both the cause and extent of your injuries. Without prompt medical attention, it can be harder to argue that your injury or illness was caused by the workplace incident or wasn’t made worse by your own actions.
3. Underreporting the severity of an injury
After sustaining a workplace injury, you may feel pressured by your employer, colleagues, or even family to “put on a brave face” and downplay its severity.
However, doing so can lead to difficulties establishing the true extent of the injury and even undermine your credibility, resulting in a longer and more complex claim process, or a reduced compensation payout.
4. Lack of proper (and essential) documentation
An important piece of evidence, documentation can strengthen your claim by ensuring it’s not just your word versus your employer’s.
Accurate records, including entries in the company’s accident book and medical reports, alongside witness statements and training logs, all help to establish exactly what happened and secure fair compensation.
5. Failing to keep follow-up medical appointments
Determining the full extent of your injury is key to securing the appropriate amount of compensation. Missing medical appointments makes it harder to establish the full impact of the injury such as how long it takes you to recover and whether you experience any long-term effects.
6. Talking about your compensation claim on social media
All personal injury solicitors strongly advise staying off social media until your accident at work claim is resolved, but why?
Because insurers can use your posts, comments, photos, and videos (as well as those shared by your friends and family) to cast doubt on your claim and undermine your credibility – especially if you’re shown saying or doing an activity inconsistent with your claimed injuries.
7. Not consulting a legal or claims professional
With specialist knowledge and experience, a legal or claims professional can be invaluable in helping you gather evidence, calculate the compensation you’re entitled to, and ensure all relevant documentation is completed both accurately and on time.
How Mark Reynolds Solicitors can assist with your accident at work claim
Suffered from a minor and inconvenient injury or severe and life-changing illness due to an accident at work? Talk to our helpful and compassionate personal injury solicitors today.
Whether you want to be recompensed for lost earnings or aren’t sure what your next step should be, we take the time to understand your story and ensure you receive the necessary support to recover from your injury or illness.
Informed by our specialist employment law department, our team provides clear and reliable advice in plain English throughout your claim, keeping you informed about every step of the way.
To start your accident at work claim, simply give us a call on 0800 002 9577.
Alternatively, enter your details into our online contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly to learn more.