Claims & Compensation2 min check

Accident at Work Claim Checker

Employers in the UK have a legal duty of care to keep staff safe. If they fall short and you're injured, you may be able to claim. Answer a few quick questions.

Short answer

Employers owe a non-delegable duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, plus specific duties (PUWER, MHSWR, Manual Handling Operations Regs). Successful claims need: an injury at work + employer breach + reported in the accident book + within 3 years.

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Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: What type of accident was it?, Was the accident reported and recorded (e.g. accident book, RIDDOR)?, How serious is your injury?, Did you take time off work?, When did the accident happen?.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Claims & Compensation. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

We screen typical workplace breaches: missing risk assessment, inadequate training, faulty PPE, defective equipment, poor manual handling procedures, lack of supervision. Employer's Liability Insurance (compulsory) pays the claim — you won't bankrupt your employer.

Worked example

Warehouse worker hurt back lifting 30kg with no training, no risk assessment and no lifting equipment provided → likely breach of Manual Handling Regulations 1992. Likely claim value £6k–£20k for moderate back injury + lost earnings.

Who should use this

•Employees injured during work
•Agency workers and self-employed contractors injured on a client's site
•Apprentices and trainees

Common mistakes

×Not reporting the accident in writing (accident book entry is critical)
×Fearing dismissal — it's automatically unfair to dismiss for bringing a valid claim
×Missing the 3-year limitation
×Trying to handle without a specialist EL solicitor

Frequently asked questions

Can I be fired for claiming?▾

No — automatic unfair dismissal protection applies. Employer's Liability Insurance (mandatory) pays out, not your employer's pocket.

What if I was partly at fault?▾

Compensation is reduced by your share of blame ('contributory negligence'), but you can still claim.

Self-employed too?▾

If you were under the client's direction and on their site, you may be treated as a worker for safety law purposes.

Related calculators

Personal Injury →Loss of Earnings →Public Liability →Limitation →