Being involved in an accident at work can be a worrying and unsettling experience. As well as dealing with injury and pain, many people are left unsure about what to do next, who to speak to, and whether they have any legal rights.
This guide explains, step by step, what to do following a workplace accident and how to protect your position should you later decide to make a claim.
If you have been injured in an accident at work and are unsure what to do next, our specialist solicitors are here to help.
We offer clear, practical advice from the outset to protect your position and guide you through your options. Call 0800 988 8082 or complete our online contact form to speak with our team today.
Step 1: Get medical attention
Your health should always be the priority. If your injury is serious, seek medical attention immediately by calling 999 or attending A&E. For less serious injuries, ensure you receive appropriate first aid and arrange to see your GP or another healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Medical records play an important role in confirming the nature and extent of your injuries, as well as linking them to the accident at work.
Step 2: Report the accident to your employer
All workplace accidents should be reported, regardless of how minor they may initially seem. Your employer should record the incident in the accident book, noting how and when the accident occurred and the injuries sustained.
If possible, check that the details recorded are accurate.
If no accident book is available, report the incident in writing (for example, by email) and keep a copy for your records.
Step 3: Preserve evidence and gather information
Preservation of evidence is extremely important following an accident at work. Where it is safe and practical to do so, you should try to gather information as soon as possible, including:
- photographs of the accident location
- images of any equipment, substances or hazards involved
- names and contact details of any witnesses
- copies of any relevant documents already available to you
Evidence can quickly be lost, altered or forgotten, particularly in a busy working environment. Early steps to preserve it can make a significant difference to the strength of a potential claim.
As part of a workplace accident investigation, risk assessments, training records, maintenance schedules and safety policies are often crucial.
While you may not always have direct access to these documents, a specialist personal injury solicitor can formally request them from your employer or their insurers as part of the claims process.
Step 4: Keep a record of your injuries and losses
In the days and weeks following an accident at work, keep a note of how your injuries affect your day to day life. This might include pain levels, difficulty sleeping, time off work, or tasks you are no longer able to carry out.
You should also keep receipts for any expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as travel costs, medication, or treatment fees. These losses may form part of any future claim.
Step 5: Understand your employer’s responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep employees safe at work. This includes providing a safe working environment, suitable equipment, proper training, and adequate supervision.
If your injury was caused by your employer failing to meet these obligations, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Importantly, making a claim is not about blaming colleagues and should not affect your employment rights.
Step 6: How a specialist personal injury solicitor can help
If you have been injured at work, obtaining advice from a specialist personal injury solicitor at an early stage can be invaluable.
Your solicitor can assist by:
- preserving and securing evidence before it is lost
- obtaining accident reports, CCTV footage and witness statements
- requesting risk assessments, training records and health and safety documentation
- assessing whether legal duties have been breached
- handling correspondence with insurers and employers on your behalf
Early legal assistance allows your solicitor to build the strongest possible case and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity and confidence.
Most accidents at work claims are pursued on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk in seeking advice.
Step 7: Be aware of time limits
In Scotland, accidents at work claims are subject to strict time limits. In most cases, court proceedings must be raised within three years of the date of the accident (or the date you became aware of your injury).
Delays can make claims more difficult, so it is advisable to seek advice as soon as possible.
Why choose Calio
At Calio, we combine technical legal expertise with a straightforward, client focused approach. We act quickly to secure evidence, provide clear advice at every stage, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim with minimal stress.
What should I do immediately after an accident at work?
Seek medical attention, report the accident, and ensure it is recorded accurately by your employer.
Do I need to report a minor workplace accident?
Yes. Even minor incidents should be recorded in case symptoms develop later.
What evidence is important for a claim?
Photos, witness details, accident reports, and medical records all help support your case.
Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, you may still claim, although compensation could be reduced.
Will making a claim affect my job?
No. Claims are made against insurers and should not impact your employment rights.
What is the time limit for an accident at work claim?
Usually three years from the date of the accident or when you became aware of your injury.
Contact our accidents at work lawyers in Scotland
If you have been injured at work, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference. Our team will guide you through each step, from preserving evidence to pursuing compensation, with clear and practical support.
Contact our Accidents at Work Lawyers in Scotland today on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online contact form and we will be in touch promptly.
