Workplace Injury Claims

Workplace Injury Claims Solicitors in Manchester

If you have been injured at work in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At MCR Solicitors, our Manchester-based personal injury team helps employees across England and Wales pursue workplace injury claims against employers who have failed to keep them safe. We handle each case with care, keep you informed at every stage, and work to secure the compensation and rehabilitation support you need to recover.

Every employer in England and Wales owes its staff a legal duty of care. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and supporting regulations, employers must take reasonable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workforce. When that duty is breached and someone is hurt, the injured worker may have a valid claim. Bringing a genuine injury claim should not, in itself, be a reason for dismissal, and if you were dismissed or victimised for doing so you may have grounds for a separate employment claim, although specific rules and qualifying conditions apply.

What Workplace Injury Claims Cover

Workplace accidents take many forms, from a single serious incident to injuries that develop over time. Our team advises on claims including, but not limited to:

• Slips, trips and falls caused by wet floors, poor housekeeping, trailing cables or inadequate lighting.
• Manual handling injuries, such as back, neck and shoulder damage from lifting, carrying or repetitive tasks.
• Falls from height on scaffolding, ladders or unguarded platforms.
• Machinery and equipment accidents, including injuries from unguarded, poorly maintained or faulty equipment.
• Injuries caused by inadequate or missing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Being struck by falling or moving objects, including vehicles on site.
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and other conditions that build up over months or years.
• Exposure to hazardous substances and industrial diseases where a link to your work can be established.

Whatever the circumstances, the key question is whether your employer failed to take reasonable care and whether that failure caused your injury. If you are unsure, we are happy to review the facts with you.

How MCR Solicitors Helps

Our role is to take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on recovering. When you instruct us, we will:

• Listen to what happened and give you a clear, honest assessment of whether you may have a claim.
• Gather the evidence needed to build your case, including accident book entries, witness accounts, workplace records and photographs.
• Arrange for independent medical evidence to assess your injuries and their impact on your life and work.
• Calculate the value of your claim, taking into account pain and suffering, lost earnings, care needs, medical costs and other financial losses.
• Handle correspondence and negotiations with your employer and their insurers on your behalf.
• Where appropriate, help you access rehabilitation and treatment to support your recovery.
• Advise you on any offers made and, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, prepare your case for court.

No Win No Fee Explained

Most workplace injury claims can be pursued under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), commonly known as "no win no fee". This means that if your claim is not successful, you will not have to pay our legal fees. If your claim succeeds, a "success fee" may be deducted from your compensation, and there may be other costs such as insurance to cover disbursements.

We will explain exactly how a CFA works in your case, what deductions may apply and any other funding options before you commit to anything, so there are no surprises. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any claim, but we will always give you a realistic and straightforward view of your prospects.

The Claims Process Step by Step

1. Free initial enquiry. Contact us to discuss what happened. We will let you know whether we think you may have a claim and how we can help.
2. Investigation and evidence. We collect the documents, records and witness information needed to establish what went wrong and who was responsible.
3. Medical assessment. An independent medical expert examines your injuries and reports on their severity and likely recovery time.
4. Valuing and presenting the claim. We calculate a fair figure for your compensation and formally set out your claim to your employer's insurers.
5. Negotiation. We negotiate to try to secure the best possible settlement for you.
6. Court proceedings if necessary. If a fair settlement cannot be agreed, we can issue court proceedings. Many claims still settle before a hearing, but we will prepare your case thoroughly either way.

The time a claim takes varies considerably depending on its complexity, the severity of the injury and whether liability is disputed. We will keep you updated throughout and give you realistic expectations as your case develops.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

In most personal injury cases in England and Wales, there is a strict time limit of three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first became aware that your injury was linked to your work, in which to start court proceedings. Different rules can apply to certain situations, including claims involving children or people who lack mental capacity. Because these limits are strict and evidence is easier to gather early, we strongly recommend seeking advice as soon as possible.

Why Choose MCR Solicitors

MCR Solicitors is a Manchester law firm offering a broad range of legal services, including personal injury and workplace accident claims. Our approach is practical, client-focused and clear. We understand that a workplace injury can affect your health, your income and your confidence, and we treat every client with the respect and attention they deserve.

• Local and accessible. We are based in Manchester and act for clients across England and Wales.
• Clear communication. We explain the law in plain English and keep you informed at every stage.
• Client-centred service. We take the time to understand your situation and tailor our advice to your needs.
• Regulated and accountable. As a firm of solicitors, we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and held to professional standards you can rely on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be dismissed for making a claim against my employer?

Bringing a genuine personal injury claim should not, in itself, be a reason for dismissal, and if you were dismissed or treated unfairly for doing so you may have grounds for a separate employment claim, though specific rules and qualifying conditions apply. In practice, claims are usually met by your employer's insurance rather than paid by the employer directly. If you have concerns about how you are being treated at work, let us know and we can advise you.

How much compensation could I receive?

Every claim is different. Compensation typically reflects the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injury, together with financial losses such as lost earnings, care and medical expenses. We cannot promise a specific figure, but once we have medical evidence we will give you a realistic assessment of what your claim may be worth.

How long do I have to make a workplace injury claim?

Usually three years from the date of the accident or from when you realised your injury was connected to your work, though exceptions apply in some circumstances. It is best to seek advice early so that important evidence is not lost.

What will it cost me to make a claim?

Many workplace injury claims are handled on a no win no fee (Conditional Fee Agreement) basis, meaning you pay no legal fees if the claim is unsuccessful. We will explain all funding options and any deductions clearly before you proceed.

Do I need to have reported the accident to claim?

Reporting an accident, for example in your workplace accident book, helps support a claim, but it is not always essential. Even if the accident was not formally recorded at the time, contact us and we will assess what evidence is available.

For further impartial guidance on health and safety at work and your rights, you may also wish to visit gov.uk and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.