Work Accidents – A Step by Step Guide
Employers have a duty to ensure that their employees are able to work in a safe environment. This is true across all occupations, although in higher risk jobs such as a machine operator for example the duty of care owed to employees will be heightened. Unfortunately, employers sometimes breach this duty, this increases the risk of injury to workers and can lead to serious workplace injuries.
Employers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have similar duties of care to their employees. These include providing a safe working environment, appropriate risk assessments must be carried out on a regular basis, appropriate protective clothing and equipment must be provided and employers must ensure their workers are up to date with health and safety training.
At PA Duffy and Company our solicitors have first hand experience of the consequences of employers letting their standards drop. We have represented clients who have suffered amputations, paralysis, broken bones and many other life-threatening injuries.
If you are unfortunate enough to have been involved in an accident at work these are the steps you should take:
1.) Seek medical attention – depending on the severity of your injuries you may need urgent medical attention. It is important to assess your health before taking any further steps.
2) Report the accident to a superior – It is important to ensure that accurate details are given regarding the date, time and nature of the accident.
3.) Do Not admit liability – Though you may believe your injury was caused by human error, this may not be the case. You may have unknowingly been subjected to an unsafe system of work or been given a task which you have not received appropriate training for. You should remain silent on liability until you speak to a solicitor.
4.) Contact Solicitor – Get in contact with our expert accident at work solicitors. We will take your instructions and advise you on where liability may lie.
5.) Keep a diary of important details – After an accident occurs it is good practice to keep a note of any expenses you have incurred as a result of your accident, this will be vital for making a claim for special damages. You should also take a note of any witnesses to your accident and record their details.
Of course, not all accidents at work are the fault of employers. The High Court in Ireland in the case of O’Connor v Wexford County Council recently reaffirmed the fact that employees are under a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety. Indeed, a similar stance is taken in Northern Ireland, where employees must exercise common sense in assuring their own safety.
Our personal injury solicitors have a wealth of knowledge in dealing with accidents at work in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We can advise on where fault lies for your injury and will fight your case for you.
If your employer accepts liability we can help to recover:
• General Damages – This will include non-financial loss such as physical and emotional pain and suffering as a result of your accident.
• Special Damages – This will include financial loss incurred as a result of the accident, such as loss of earnings and medical costs.
If liability is denied and we believe you have a viable case, we will issue proceedings and attempt to recover these damages through court proceedings.
Suffering an accident at work can have a serious impact on your physical and emotional well-being and in some circumstances can have long lasting or permanent effects. This can also place an overwhelming financial burden on individuals and their families. At PA Duffy solicitors based in Belfast and Dungannon we can help you get the compensation you deserve if you have been involved in an accident at work as a result of your employers’ negligence.