If you’re self-employed, an injury at work can put everything on hold. Without access to sick pay or employee benefits, even a short time off can lead to financial strain and uncertainty. And with no employer to turn to, it’s not always clear where to go for support.
But you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer or subcontractor, you may be able to claim compensation if someone else was responsible for your injury.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at your rights, outline common scenarios and show how our team can help you navigate the process of self-employed injury claims with clarity and confidence.
Can self-employed people make a personal injury claim?
You can still make personal injury claims if you’re self employed. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you could be entitled to compensation.
Everyone you encounter while working has a duty of care to keep you safe on the job, regardless of your employment status. If someone failed in their duty of care and you were hurt as a result, you have grounds for a claim.
When can you claim as a self-employed person?
As a self-employed person, you might be working across different sites, roles or client environments. This can make it harder to know when a personal injury claim is possible. Here are some of the most common situations where self-employed people can make a claim.
Injured on a construction site as a subcontractor
Construction sites can be dangerous, especially if safety rules aren’t followed. If you were hurt because of poor site conditions, lack of protective equipment or inadequate supervision, the main contractor or site manager could be liable for your injuries.
Hurt in a client’s premises
Slips, trips or accidents involving unsafe industrial equipment can happen in client-owned spaces. If you were working on-site and the environment wasn’t properly maintained, the premises owner has a duty of care and could be held responsible.
Injured by faulty equipment or third-party negligence
If your injury was caused by unsafe or poorly maintained tools, machinery or equipment provided by someone else, you might be able to claim against the manufacturer or supplier.
Public liability incidents while delivering a service
Public liability accidents might occur while travelling between jobs, like tripping on a public pavement. If negligence played a part in your injury, you could be entitled to make a claim.
Who is liable for your injury if you’re self-employed?
Liability doesn’t depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, it depends on who had control over the situation that caused your injury. This is a list of some of the possible parties that might be responsible, depending on the circumstances.
- Business owner, site manager or premises owner — These individuals or organisations are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. If they failed to identify hazards, provide safety measures or follow proper procedures, they might be liable.
- Main contractor — On construction sites or similar settings, the main contractor often has overall responsibility for health and safety. If they didn’t meet legal obligations, they could be held accountable.
- Equipment manufacturers or suppliers — If faulty or unsafe tools led to your injury, the company that made or provided the equipment may be at fault under product safety laws.
Liability is determined by who had control over the environment, equipment or task and whether they breached their duty of care to you.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help self-employed claimants
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we understand the pressures of working for yourself. That’s why our legal support is tailored to the unique challenges faced by sole traders, freelancers and subcontractors.
What’s more, our service is offered on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s nothing to pay upfront, and no financial risk if your claim isn’t successful. Ready to make a self-employed injury claim? Get in touch today to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a claim if I’m self-employed and got hurt at work?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you will typically be entitled to compensation, even if you’re not directly employed.
Do I need to have a contract to make a claim?
A formal contract can help, but it is not essential. What matters is proving that someone owed you a duty of care and failed to meet it.
What evidence do I need for a self-employed injury claim?
Medical records, photos, witness statements and proof of financial losses, like missed invoices or receipts, all help support your claim.
Can I claim if I’m a subcontractor on a construction site?
If unsafe conditions or poor site management caused your injury, you might be able to claim against the main contractor or site manager.
Who is responsible if I’m injured at a client’s premises?
The premises owner or occupier is usually responsible for keeping the environment safe. If they were negligent, they might be liable.
What compensation can I get if I can’t work for months?
You can claim for lost income, treatment costs and other financial losses related to your injury, both immediate and long-term. These are considered special damages.
Can I claim for mental health or stress from the injury?
If your injury has impacted your mental wellbeing, this can be included in your claim as part of general damages.