However, like in all legal cases, you will need to present evidence that you were injured because of an accident at work. You can cull the evidence from eyewitness accounts of witnesses to the accident, evidence of previous accidents at the same workplace and ambulance attendance at the accident scene among other sources.



If you already have the evidence, you will then have to prove your employer's liability, but this is the job of your solicitor that is part of the claims process. Although it may seem like you're going against your employer, it is not as bad as it sounds. As there is more awareness on health and safety in the workplace, employers would, in general, welcome cases that can help them avoid larger lawsuits and bigger claims in the future.

So do not worry if it would seem like you're going against your boss by filing a claim. Employers, who are not willing to accept liability for the injuries of their employees, or much less change their practices, are bound to face stiffer penalties. It would be prudent, however, to freely discuss with your solicitor the possible repercussions should you decide on filing a claim or not. The most common injuries that can happen in the work place are injuries involving the hand or the back. Claims for common injuries are fairly easy to settle because the compensation levels would already have been known and accepted by both the employer and the employee. It is only when one of the parties disagrees to the compensation that the claim runs into delays.

Injuries at the work place are not very common. This is because employers are very keen on accident prevention. The reason is obvious – to have an employee file an accident claim is far more expensive than to prevent an accident itself. Claiming for injuries that happened in the workplace is a relatively new concept. With more protective legislation, everyone's income has to be protected from all sorts of injuries, whether they happen on the road or in the work place. Not surprisingly, the number of work injury claims has soared too. This has put a lot of pressure on employers. The costs of insurance are higher, and they have to be constantly on their toes to provide a very safe environment for their employees.

If you did have an accident at work, just follow these steps and you can make it easier for you to make a claim:

•Seek medical attention and advice. Under Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, your workplace should have adequate personnel and equipment for administering first aid.

•Report and document the accident. All companies are obliged under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations 1995, all employers are required to have an accident logbook.

•Gather all witnesses and other evidence.

•Seek your solicitor's advice.