Offices might seem safer than more manual workplaces like factories or warehouses. But without proper care from your employer, they can still be dangerous. Slips, trips, faulty equipment and poor ergonomics are all common causes of injury in office settings.
Your employer has a legal duty of care to keep you safe at work. That applies even in low-risk environments and includes protecting you from minor injuries. If you’ve been hurt in the office and believe your employer’s negligence is to blame, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, our experts are here to help. We offer free consultations, no-win, no-fee representation, and decades of experience in workplace injury claims. Get in touch to find out if you could make a claim.
Though offices might seem safer than more manual workplaces like factories and warehouses, without proper care from your employer, they can also be dangerous. Whether it’s slips, falls, faulty equipment or poor ergonomics, your employer has a duty of care over you that extends to even minor injuries.
Can you make an office accident claim?
If you’ve been injured at work and your employer failed to keep the environment safe, you may be able to make an office accident claim.
To bring a successful case, you’ll need to show that your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or negligence. That might mean poor maintenance, lack of training, or failing to provide the right equipment. As with most personal injury claims, you’ll have three years to start your claim — either from the date of the accident or from when you were diagnosed with a related injury.
Even if you think you were partly responsible, you could still claim under contributory negligence. This means your compensation might be reduced, but you won’t be ruled out entirely.
Common causes of office accidents
Whether it’s a minor sprain or a serious fall, risks present themselves in many ways in an office. Some of the most common include:
- Slips, trips and falls — Often caused by loose wires, wet floors or uneven surfaces.
- Manual handling — Lifting boxes or heavy equipment without adequate training or support.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) — Caused by repeated movements or poor desk setup over time.
- Faulty equipment — Unsafe wiring, broken chairs or malfunctioning electronics can lead to injury.
- Falling objects — Heavy records, IT equipment and more could lead to crushings, broken bones or trauma.
If you’ve been injured in any of these ways, and your employer failed to prevent it, we can help with your claim. We will make it our mission to get you compensation.
Who is responsible for office safety?
Both you and your employer have a role to play in staying safe at work, but legally, the main responsibility lies with your employer. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, they must provide you with a safe working environment by:
- Conducting risk assessments — This means identifying hazards before they become a danger.
- Providing safe and ergonomic equipment — This includes keyboard supports, adjustable chairs and screen positioning measures
- Providing proper training — This includes safety around manual handling, fires and emergency procedures.
- Maintaining a hazard free workplace — This includes keeping the floors free of trip hazards.
If they fail to meet these duties and you’re hurt as a result, they could be held responsible for your injury.
You also have a responsibility to follow procedures, use equipment properly and report any issues, but if your employer’s failings led to your accident, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Common injuries from office accidents
Office injuries can range from mild to life-changing. Some happen in an instant, while others build up over time — but all can impact your ability to work and live comfortably.
Some of the most common injuries we see from office accidents include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Minor fractures
- Back pain
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Major fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Chronic pain
In addition to physical injuries, office accidents can also have lasting psychological effects, including PTSD, stress or depression. You might feel nervous about returning to work or lose confidence in everyday situations, and that emotional toll matters just as much as the physical.
If your injury has had a lasting effect, we’ll make sure that’s reflected in your claim.
How much compensation could you receive?
Every office accident claim is different, so there’s no fixed payout. Instead, your compensation will reflect the specific impact the injury has had on your life.
We look at two main types of damages:
- General damages — For the pain, suffering and loss of quality of life caused by your injury.
- Special damages — For any financial losses you’ve experienced, such as lost wages, medical bills, travel expenses or rehabilitation costs.
The more serious and long-lasting your injury, the more you’re likely to receive. We also take into account how your injury might affect your future, including your ability to work or carry out everyday tasks. To receive an estimate of what your claim could be worth in general damages, try our compensation calculator. When it comes to special damages, these will be calculated on a case-by-case basis.
What evidence do you need to make a claim?
To build a strong case and show that your employer was at fault, you’ll need to gather as much supporting evidence as possible. Some of the best examples include:
- Photographs — Take clear photos of the accident scene, any hazards, and your injuries.
- Medical records — Include your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any relevant reports from your GP or hospital.
- Witness statements — If colleagues saw what happened, note down their names and contact details. Your solicitor can get statements later.
- Accident report — Make sure the incident is recorded in your workplace’s accident book, and ask for a copy.
- CCTV footage — If available, request copies of the CCTV footage from your employer.
- Financial records — Keep evidence of any costs linked to your injury, such as payslips, medical bills, travel receipts or care expenses.
Even if you don’t have all of this, our solicitors can help gather what you need. The more detail you can provide, the better your chances of a successful claim.
How do you start an office accident claim?
Follow these simple steps to get started on an office accident claim:
- Get in touch – Contact our expert solicitors for a free consultation. We’ll listen to what happened and advise whether you have a strong case.
- Gather evidence – This could include medical records, photos, witness details and a copy of the accident report. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we’ll guide you through it.
- We’ll submit your claim – Once we’ve got what we need, we’ll put your case forward to your employer or their insurer.
- We’ll negotiate on your behalf – Most claims are settled out of court. Our aim is to secure the compensation you deserve without unnecessary delays or stress.
And remember, we work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s nothing to pay unless your claim is successful.
Frequently asked questions
What if I was partly responsible for my accident?
You may still be able to claim compensation. Under contributory negligence rules, your payout may be reduced based on how much responsibility you hold, but it won’t automatically disqualify you from claiming.
Will making a claim affect my job?
No. It’s against the law for your employer to fire you or treat you unfairly for making a claim. Compensation is paid by their insurance, not out of the business’s pocket.
How long does an office accident claim take?
It depends on the complexity of your case. Straightforward claims can settle in a few months. If your employer disputes liability or more evidence is needed, it may take longer. However, we’ll keep you updated at every stage.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident or from when you became aware of your injury. If the claim involves a child or someone who lacks mental capacity, the time limits may differ.
Start your office accident claim today
If you’ve been injured in an office accident and believe your employer was at fault, we’re here to help. At Injury Lawyers 4u, we offer a free consultation and a no-win, no-fee guarantee for our clients — which means you won’t pay a penny in legal costs unless we bring you a successful claim.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with our friendly legal team today.