BACK INJURY AT WORK CLAIMS
Back injuries and back pain are common causes of work-related absence in the UK, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that musculoskeletal problems accounted for 27.8 million days of sick leave in 2018. According to the Health and Safety Executive, of the 498,000 workers suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2018/19, 40% were back injuries.
All manner of workers can suffer from work related back injuries, including those who work in offices, on production lines and in warehouses, on construction sites, and in health and social care settings.
Work related back injuries are typically caused by lifting heavy items, repetitive activities, or prolonged periods in one position and can lead to discomfort and stiffness in the lower back, muscle spasms, and even long-term mobility issues.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN BACK INJURY AT WORK CLAIMS
Your employer is responsible for your health and wellbeing in the workplace, and this includes preventing or minimising the risk of back pain and injury. If you’ve injured your back at work and think your employer was at fault, our specialist accident at work solicitors will be able to offer you no obligation advice on how to make a back injury at work claim.
We help clients from all professions to secure compensation for back injuries at work. People like David, who made a claim after injuring his lower back in a trip at work.
We only ever act for the injured person, and never represent employers or insurers. We know whose side we are on. Learn more about why we’re the law firm #ForEveryWorker.
To start your back injury at work claim, call 0800 0 224 224, complete our free online Start a Claim form or request a callback.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BACK INJURY AT WORK CLAIMS
1. What is a back injury at work claim?
A back injury at work claim is a legal process brought against an employer by someone who has injured their back in the workplace, and believes their employer was responsible.
2. What causes back injuries at work?
Back injuries at work can be caused by heavy lifting, by a lack of manual handling training, due to a lack of equipment or inadequate equipment being provided, or because of repetitive activities. Back injuries can occur in most workplaces if the correct health and safety guidance isn’t followed by employers.
3. How much compensation will I get for a back injury claim?
The amount of compensation you are awarded for your back injury at work claim will depend on the severity of the injury, and the impact it has had on your life. Our specialist accident at work lawyers can advise you on the likely value of your claim.
4. How do I prove my back injury claim?
Employees must prove that their employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimise the risk of a back injury.
Where possible, if you are complaining to your employer about, say, a lack of equipment or risk of injury, try to keep a written record of the complaint as your employer’s failure to respond can be evidence of the negligence if someone is subsequently injured.
After the injury, where possible, complete a workplace accident report form, take photos and ask for the details of any witnesses. Keep a record of any doctors visited and treatments received and keep receipts for any injury-related expenses.
5. Is there a time limit for making a back injury at work claim?
Any claim against your employer for a back injury must be brought within three years of you understanding you have suffered a work-related injury. In the case of an accident, that time will usually start to run from the date of the incident. If you have sustained a sprain or strain to your back over a more prolonged period of time, for instance through stretching or carrying at work, the time will start to run from when you began to suffer significant symptoms.
6. How do I start my claim for compensation for a back injury at work?
If you’ve injured your back at work and believe your employer is at fault, contact Thompsons Solicitors on 0800 0 224 224 or complete our free online Start a Claim form.
Our teams will gather evidence to establish whether your employer failed in its duties towards you and will work with you to build a solid case for back injury at work compensation.