An accident at work can cause more than just physical injury. It can also affect your income, mental health, and long-term well-being. If you’ve been injured while working in Barnet, whether on a construction site in Cricklewood or in an office near North Finchley, you may be entitled to compensation.
An accident at work claim allows injured employees to seek financial support when their employer’s negligence leads to harm. This could involve unsafe conditions, lack of training, or faulty equipment.
At Marley Solicitors, we’ve helped many clients across Barnet and North London secure the compensation they deserve. We handle claims on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless your claim is successful.
What is an accident at work claim?
An accident at work claim is a legal process where an employee seeks compensation after being injured in the workplace because of someone else’s negligence, typically the employer’s.
Employers are legally required to provide a safe and hazard-free working environment under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. If they fail to do so and you’re injured as a result, you may have grounds to make a claim.
Can I make a claim for a workplace injury in Barnet?
Yes, you can. If your employer did not take reasonable steps to protect you and their failure led to your injury, you may be eligible to claim. This applies across all sectors, including healthcare, retail, logistics, education, and construction.
Here are some examples of accidents that could lead to a claim in Barnet:
- A delivery driver injures their back while lifting heavy items without proper support
- A nurse slips on an unmarked wet floor at Barnet Hospital
- An office worker develops repetitive strain injury due to poor workstation setup
Workplace injuries can happen in any environment. Whether you were working in a busy café in East Finchley or at a distribution centre in Colindale, many incidents could have been prevented with basic safety measures.
What kinds of injuries are covered by accident at work claims?
Workplace injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing trauma. Some of the most commonly claimed injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI) from typing, lifting, or using vibrating tools
- Fractures or dislocations from slips, trips, or manual handling
- Head injuries from falling objects or impact accidents
- Burns, lacerations, or chemical exposure injuries
- Stress or anxiety caused by unsafe working conditions or traumatic incidents
In Barnet, industries like care work, education, and trades often see injuries linked to physical exertion, understaffing, or poor risk assessment procedures. For example, care workers lifting patients without proper equipment can suffer back damage, while teachers and support staff may experience slips on poorly maintained school premises.
Does it matter if I’m an agency worker or on a zero-hours contract?
You may still be eligible to make a claim even if you are not a permanent, full-time employee. Many workers in Barnet are on flexible or temporary contracts, particularly in retail, catering, and construction roles.
The key factor is whether the employer owed you a duty of care and whether their negligence caused your injury. Agency workers, freelancers, and subcontractors often face blurred lines of responsibility, but UK law still provides protection in most of these situations.
If you’re unsure whether your employment status affects your right to claim, Marley Solicitors can review your circumstances and clarify your legal position during a free consultation.
What should I do after an accident at work?
If you’ve had an accident at work in Barnet, follow these steps:
- Report the incident to your employer and ensure it’s written in the workplace accident book
- Seek medical treatment from your GP or a local hospital like Barnet Hospital or Finchley Memorial
- Collect evidence such as photographs of the accident site, contact details of witnesses, and medical reports
- Speak to a solicitor who can advise you on how to move forward
Taking these actions helps protect your health and strengthens your case.
What evidence will help my claim?
To strengthen your case, the more evidence you can gather, the better. Useful documentation includes:
- Photographs of the accident location and any hazards involved
- CCTV footage if available (many workplaces in Barnet have surveillance systems)
- Medical records and appointment letters
- A copy of the entry in the workplace accident book
- Statements from colleagues or witnesses
- Any communication with your employer about the incident
Even if you didn’t gather evidence immediately, don’t worry. Our team can help recover CCTV footage, request medical documents, and reconstruct events using your testimony and other records.
Common types of workplace accidents in Barnet
Workplace injuries can vary in severity, and even minor incidents can have lasting effects. Some of the most common types of accidents we see in Barnet include:
- Slips, trips, and falls caused by poor lighting, wet floors, or cluttered walkways
- Falls from height can occur when using ladders or scaffolding that lack safety rails
- Manual handling injuries resulting from lifting or carrying heavy items
- Machinery accidents caused by faulty equipment or inadequate training
- Exposure to hazardous substances, especially in cleaning or healthcare settings
Incidents like these occur in shops, schools, warehouses, and construction sites across Barnet.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your work, and your future care needs. Some typical compensation amounts include:
- Minor shoulder injuries: £3,000 to £7,500
- Moderate back injuries: £12,000 to £26,000
- Severe wrist or hand injuries: £25,000 or more
You may also be able to make a claim for:
- Lost income
- Medical costs and prescription charges
- Travel to medical appointments
- Rehabilitation or long-term support
Every case is different, and Marley Solicitors will provide a clear estimate during your free consultation.
How long does an accident at work claim take to settle?
The time it takes to resolve a claim depends on how complex the case is and whether the employer admits liability. On average, straightforward claims may settle within 6 to 9 months. More complicated cases, such as those involving long-term rehabilitation or detailed medical reports, can take over a year.
At Marley Solicitors, we aim to progress every case as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of your compensation. We also keep you updated at every stage so you know exactly where things stand.
Will I need to go to court?
Most accident at work claims are settled out of court through negotiation between your solicitor and the employer’s insurer. Going to court is usually only necessary if the other party denies responsibility or disputes the compensation amount.
If your case does go to court, Marley Solicitors will support you throughout the process. We will prepare all the evidence, represent your interests clearly, and guide you through each step so you feel confident and informed.
Local services in Barnet for accident recovery and support
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you may need more than just legal help. Here are some local services in Barnet that may support your recovery:
- Barnet Hospital (Wellhouse Lane, EN5 3DJ) — Main local A&E and trauma care
- Finchley Memorial Hospital — Outpatient and physiotherapy services
- East Barnet Health Centre — Access to NHS GPs and referrals
- Barnet Jobcentre Plus — For advice on Statutory Sick Pay and employment support
- Mind in Barnet — Local mental health support for anxiety, trauma, or stress following an injury
Marley Solicitors can also refer you to rehabilitation experts and independent medical assessors as part of your claim. Our goal is to help you not only receive compensation but also get back on your feet.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
At Marley Solicitors, we bring both legal expertise and local knowledge to your case. We’ve worked with clients across Barnet, including areas like Edgware, Golders Green, and Totteridge. Many people worry about taking legal action against their employer, but your right to a safe workplace is protected by law.
We handle the process, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery. Our no win, no fee model means you will never pay upfront, and we only get paid if your case is successful. We are committed to clear communication, practical advice, and results.
FAQs
What is the time limit for making an accident at work claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident or from when you became aware of the injury to begin a claim.
Can I claim if I was partly responsible for the accident?
Yes, you can. If your employer was also at fault, you may still be able to claim. The compensation amount may be adjusted to reflect shared responsibility.
Contact Marley Solicitors for your workplace injury claim in Barnet
If you’ve been injured at work in Barnet, whether in a school, hospital, shop, warehouse, or construction site, we are ready to help. Our solicitors understand both your legal rights and the local services available to support you.
We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk in speaking to us.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to start your accident at work claim in Barnet.
