If you’ve been injured at work, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next. Many people worry about their job, their income, and whether they’re even allowed to report what happened. The good news is that UK law gives workers strong protections, and if you’re thinking, “I had an accident at work, what are my rights?”, this guide will help you understand exactly where you stand.
After a workplace accident, you have clear legal rights, financial protections, and (if employer negligence played a part) the right to make a compensation claim. You cannot be punished or dismissed for reporting an accident, and your employer must follow strict health and safety rules to keep you safe.
Before we go any further, here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:
This blog is designed to give you calm, clear, and practical guidance so you can move forward with confidence. You don’t have to navigaate this alone - you have rights, and support is available.
After an accident at work, you have more rights than many people realise. UK law is there to protect you, not your employer. These rights usually apply whether you are full-time, part-time, temporary, or agency staff.
You have the right to:
These rights are not “optional extras” - they are legal protections. You do not need to feel guilty or worried about using them.
Knowing what to do straight after a workplace accident can protect both your health and your legal position. Try to follow these steps, as calmly as you can:
Each of these steps helps protect your health, your income, and your legal rights. You don’t have to do everything perfectly, but doing as many as you can will put you in a stronger position if you need to take things further.
If your employer failed to meet these duties and this contributed to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Their responsibilities exist to protect you, not to protect themselves.
This fear is incredibly common, but the law is clear:
You cannot be punished for standing up for your health, your safety, or your legal rights. A good employer will want to understand what went wrong — not retaliate against you. If you ever feel intimidated or pressured, a solicitor can guide you and protect your position.
If you’re unable to work because of your injury, you may be entitled to sick pay. The type and amount you receive will depend on your employment contract and the hours you normally work.
Most workers who earn at least the minimum required amount and have been off sick for four or more days in a row qualify for Statutory Sick Pay. SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks at a fixed weekly rate set by the government.
You can receive SSP even if the accident was partly your fault.
Some employers offer a more generous sick pay scheme. This might include receiving your full pay or a higher percentage of your wage for a set period. Check your employment contract or staff handbook to see whether enhanced sick pay applies to you.
Yes. If the accident at work caused you to lose income, you can claim loss of earnings as part of a personal injury compensation claim.
This is separate from sick pay and can cover:
Sick pay helps with short-term income, but compensation ensures you’re not financially disadvantaged because of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Yes - you can usually claim compensation after an accident at work if your injury was caused by unsafe conditions, poor training, or employer negligence. The process is designed to support injured workers, not to punish employers.
You may be able to claim compensation if:
Compensation is there to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. It can cover:
The aim is to put you back in the position you would have been in if the accident had not happened. The process is supportive, confidential, and handled through your employer’s insurance - not their personal finances.
Examples of situations where contributory negligence may apply include:
These things happen in busy workplaces, and many successful claims involve shared responsibility. The key question is whether your employer also contributed to the accident through poor training, unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or lack of supervision. The law recognises that accidents are rarely black and white - and your rights remain protected.
Strong evidence helps show what happened and how your injury has affected you. You don’t need to gather everything at once, but the following items can significantly strengthen your claim:
Consistent medical evidence is particularly important. Seeing your GP regularly, attending follow-up appointments, and keeping a record of symptoms all help show the ongoing impact of your injury.
This evidence helps paint a clear, factual picture of the accident and supports your right to compensation.
Here is what you need to know:
In other words, a denial is not the end of the process - it is simply part of it.
You still have the right to make a claim even if your employer disputes what happened. We can help you challenge the denial, request evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
You have the right to report the accident, receive medical treatment, have the incident recorded in the accident book, and work in a safe environment. You also have the right to Statutory Sick Pay, protection from unfair treatment, and (if negligence played a part) the right to make a workplace accident compensation claim.
Yes. You should report your accident as soon as possible. This protects your health and your legal rights. Reporting the accident ensures it is entered into the accident book and creates a record that supports any future claim. You cannot be disciplined for reporting an injury.
Yes. You can still make a claim even if your employer did not know about the hazard. Employers have a legal duty to carry out risk assessments, maintain safe working conditions, and identify dangers before accidents happen. If they failed in that duty, you may still be entitled to compensation.
You can still make a claim. While an accident book entry is helpful, it is not essential. Medical records, witness statements, photos, emails, and workplace CCTV can all support your version of events. We can help gather evidence if the accident was not recorded immediately.
Yes. Agency workers, temporary staff, part-time employees, contractors, and even some self-employed workers often have the same rights as permanent staff. If you were injured because of unsafe conditions or employer negligence, you can usually make a claim for an accident at work.
If your employer refuses, you should make your own written record of the incident and email it to them so there is a timestamped trail. You can also ask a colleague or union representative to witness your account. Your solicitor can request workplace records later if needed.
Not always. Most workers are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), and some employers offer enhanced contractual sick pay. If the accident was caused by negligence, you may also claim loss of earnings as part of your compensation. Sick pay and compensation are separate.
Yes. Many people successfully claim even if they played a small part in the accident. This is known as contributory negligence. Your compensation may be reduced based on your share of responsibility, but your right to claim remains. The law recognises that accidents are rarely one-sided.
Here’s how we help:
Our goal is simple: to make the process as stress-free as possible while protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured at work and want clear, supportive advice based on your situation, contact TBI Law today. Our specialist solicitors are here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you take the next step with confidence.
