FAQ's
If you are thinking of making a work-related compensation claim, you probably have a lot of questions. Hopefully these frequently asked questions and answers can help.
- Will my work colleagues think less of me if I make a claim?
- What if I get sacked for claiming against my employer?
- Should I go back to work as soon as I can to prevent lost earnings?
- What if I don’t have enough knowledge of the law to put forward my case?
- What are the costs?
Will my work colleagues think less of me if I make a claim?
You may be worried that making a compensation claim will affect your working relationships. Remember, if you’ve been injured at work, then you are entitled to receive proper compensation for that injury, potentially including treatment costs, lost earnings and compensation for your pain and suffering. Also, if your working environment was so unsafe that you were injured just trying to do your job, then others may also be in danger due to your employer’s negligence. Making a claim could prevent the same type of accident from happening to someone else.
What if I get sacked for claiming against my employer?
It is against the law to sack an employee because they have made a compensation claim, so fear of losing your job should not put you off making a claim. Remember, your employer will not be the one paying the compensation to you, in fact, it will be their insurer. All companies are legally required to have indemnity insurance to cover them against personal injury claims.
Should I go back to work as soon as I can to prevent lost earnings?
Many people return to work too quickly after an injury and this can lead to the injury getting worse. If you are in a situation where taking time off work could lead to lost earnings then, despite this, your health should be your main concern. The compensation you receive will cover you for lost earnings so try to make sure you really are well enough before going back to work.
What if I don’t have enough knowledge of the law to put forward my case?
You don’t need to have personal knowledge of the law to make a claim. This is because the solicitor working on your claim will be a highly trained personal injury specialist, and they will put forward your case on your behalf, and deal with any complex paperwork. They will explain what will happen with your case and answer any questions you have, doing the legal work while you take time to recover and get your life back in order.
What are the costs?
Your solicitor will take a fee if you win your case, but this will almost always be recovered from the other side, so you will keep all of your compensation. However, if you lose your case, there will be nothing to pay as the solicitor will be working on a no win no fee basis, so if the case is lost they will not get paid. Either way, you should not have to pay a penny in costs or fees.
