Accidents in the Workplace: All You Need to Know

May 18, 2021/in /by
What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries

Whether you work in the construction industry or in a 9am to 5pm office job, accidents are unpredictable and can happen anywhere, at any time.

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, we understand you might feel hesitant to make a claim for compensation due to concerns over your job security. However, your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your working environment is as safe as it possibly can be, so to prevent any accidents as a result of negligence, that could be entirely avoided otherwise.

Whilst nobody can ever predict when an accident will happen, accidents at work remain one of the most common reasons for compensation claims every year; the Labour Force Survey reported that 693,000 workers in the UK sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2019/20.

In this blog, we explore all you need to know about making a claim for compensation, following an accident at work.

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries?

  • Slips, trips or falls
  • Faulty lifting and manual handling practices brought on by lack of training
  • Being struck by a falling object
  • Falling from a height
  • Workplace violence
  • Contact with moving machinery
  • Dangerous working practices
  • Poor or non-existent personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Weak risk assessments or poorly enforced safety procedures
  • Preventable spillages
  • Poorly maintained equipment

Can I claim for my accident at work?

If your employer fails to provide a safe working environment and you are injured as a result, you can and should make a claim for compensation both for the injury as well as any loss of work or earnings. In some instances, you may be able to claim even if you caused the accident, for example if your injuries were made worse due to a faulty piece of equipment or if a workplace accident made an existing injury or condition worse.

Whether the accident happened in your workplace or if you were carrying out work for your employer in a different location, whether you’re employed full or part time, and no matter the size of the business, none of these factors affect your eligibility to make a claim. Even if your accident was caused by a visiting member of the public or the actions of a colleague, your employer is ultimately responsible for keeping you from harm in your workplace.

Typically, in the UK you have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim. There are exceptions to this rule however, we recommend if you have been injured in an accident at work, that you get in touch with us as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed well within the time limits.

 

If I make a claim against my employer, will I lose my job?

Employers by law, are required to have employers liability insurance that covers employees who make a claim following an accident at work. This mean that it will be an insurance company you would be dealing with and who would award you the compensation if your claim were to be successful. Additionally, it is illegal for your employer to fire you purely on the basis that you made a claim for an injury at work. If this were to happen, you may then have a further case against your employer for unfair dismissal and could pursue legal action against them.

 

How do I make a claim for a workplace accident?

If you are injured in a workplace accident that wasn’t your fault, any supporting evidence you can gather at that time can go a long way in strengthening your claim for compensation. If you are able to gather any photographic evidence or any witness statements of the accident, these can help to prove your employers’ negligence which is key to a workplace accident claim. Keeping a record of your injuries, any hospital treatment and any financial loss can further assist your case.

 

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we understand the concerns you’ll have following a workplace accident. We’ll take your case on a No Win No Fee basis, covering all the upfront costs to ensure that your claim the best chance of success. We will also deal directly with your employers’ insurance company so you don’t have to worry and can focus on your recovery.

Our lawyers specialise in an accident at work claims and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet or pay for long-term care and rehabilitation.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

Can I Make a Claim for Asbestos Exposure

Can I Make a Claim for Asbestos Exposure

April 29, 2021/in /by

Can I Make a Claim for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used extensively throughout the 20th century across the UK. Its strength, resilience and natural occurrence made it a popular manufacturing material for many years, and it was most commonly utilised in the shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction industries.

It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that a link between asbestos use and lung problems was identified and it took until 1999 before it was completely banned in the UK.

Scarily enough, the number of people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases continues to rise year on year. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often take many years and in some cases decades, to develop.

In this blog, we will explore who’s the most at risk, the key diseases that asbestos exposure can cause, and all of the details you need to know about making a claim for compensation.

Who’re the Most at Risk?

Exposure to asbestos occurs when a product containing asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres are released into the air. If this is breathed in, it can cause a number of lung-related health issues. As such, the greater the exposure to asbestos the higher chance you have of developing an asbestos-related disease later in life.

Those who previously worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used such as shipbuilding construction and maintenance are identified as the most at risk. Even though asbestos became illegal in 1999, those who work in those industries today are still considered high risk for exposure as the material can still be found in many older buildings.

As well as those that worked or work directly with asbestos, it is possible for people to become unwell through ‘secondary exposure’. This occurs when people inhale fibres from the work clothes of a family member, or inhalation from living near a site where asbestos was regularly used.

What Diseases Can Asbestos Exposure Cause?

Most asbestos-related diseases are very slow to develop, and it can take years for symptoms to start showing. There are four main diseases associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres:

  1. Asbestosis

A long term uncurable condition, caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos which causes scarring of the lungs.

  1. Mesothelioma

A rare and fatal cancer that frequently starts in the lining of the lungs. Most cases aren’t diagnosed until the cancer is at an advanced stage as symptoms often don’t appear until later in the development of the disease.

  1. Asbestos-related lung cancer

A form of cancer that originates in the lung tissue. It can be difficult to tell the origin of lung cancer, whether it was caused by asbestos or by other factors such as smoking but it is estimated to have a higher survival rate than mesothelioma.

  1. Non-malignant pleural disease

Diffuse pleural thickening is a non-cancerous lung disease that affects the outer lining of the lung. It causes extensive scarring and thickens the lining of the lungs, reducing lung capacity in the process. Pleural plaques on the other hand are smaller areas of thickened lung tissue, which are commonly benign and don’t cause any symptoms but are still evidence of exposure to asbestos.

 

How to Claim

Compensation for exposure to asbestos is only available to those who have gone on to develop and be formally diagnosed with one of the 4 asbestos-related diseases listed above.

Often people will contact us after finding out that they may have been exposed to asbestos in a previous job, or if their doctor has identified ‘traces of asbestos’ on their lungs. Unfortunately, without a firm diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, you are unable to make a claim.

If you have been told that you may have an asbestos-related condition or if you are unsure of your diagnosis, get in touch with our of our No Win No Fee solicitors today. If you’ve made a claim previously that was unsuccessful, but your condition has since worsened, we may also be able to help

In Scotland, you have three years to file for compensation for asbestos-related diseases. This three-year period can start either from the date of your medical diagnosis, or from when you were made aware, or should have been made aware, that your asbestos disease-related symptoms were related to previous employment. As such, if you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it’s important that you seek advice as soon as possible.

If you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased family member, the claim must also be filed within three years of the date of death, or the date of diagnosis if this was discovered sooner.

 

How We Can Help

We understand that making a compensation claim for an asbestos-related disease can be a distressing process, given the serious implications of the medical diagnosis which forms the basis of the claim. We will investigate your claim on a No Win No Fee basis and will ensure that your case is dealt with promptly and sympathetically.

Once you have provided proof of your diagnosed asbestos-related disease, any information you have that could help us link your asbestos exposure to a specific workplace as well as any evidence you may have that proves your employer was aware of the risks and failed to take reasonable steps to protect the workforce from exposure can help your claim tremendously.

However, we understand that asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop and it’s very common in these situations that your former employer may have ceased trading, or that you can’t quite remember when you were exposed. Not to worry, we can still help. We have extensive experience investigating these types of claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best financial settlement possible.

If you or a loved one need advice on filing a compensation claim for an industrial disease caused by exposure to asbestos, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

Top 5 Most Common Myths about Personal Injury Claims: Debunked

April 20, 2021/in /by

Top 5 Most Common Myths about Personal Injury Claims

 

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we understand that you might feel hesitant to file a personal injury claim, even if you are entitled to compensation. Sadly, many people decide not to make a claim because of the many misconceptions that are fuelled by the so-called ‘compensation culture.

In fact, in a recent study commissioned by the National Accident Helpline, it was found that almost a third of British people would be reluctant to file a personal injury claim for compensation, after an accident that wasn’t their fault. Even though an overwhelming 85% felt it would be fair to do so.

In this blog, we have debunked five of the most common myths with an aim to highlight the realities of making a genuine personal injury claim.

 

  1. If I make a claim against my employer, I could lose my job

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, don’t be afraid to make a claim. Employers by law, have to have insurance that covers employees making a claim following an accident at work so it will be an insurance company that you are likely to be dealing with. Additionally, it is actually illegal for your employer to fire you purely on the basis that you made a claim for an injury at work. If this were to happen, you may then have a further case against your employer for unfair dismissal and could pursue legal action against them.

 

  1. I’ll have to go to court to settle my claim

The vast majority of personal injury claims will never see the inside of a courtroom. If your insurance company rejects your claim, if liability is genuinely in the dispute or if the value of the settlement claim cannot be agreed upon, then at that point court proceedings could be raised. We understand this may seem daunting however, your appointed solicitor will be on hand every step of the way.

 

  1. I can’t afford to make a claim

Many people worry that if their claim isn’t successful, they’ll be left with extortionate solicitor fees. We can assure you that is absolutely not the case, and as the name suggests, we work on a No Win No Fee basis which means we cover all the upfront costs associated with your case, giving your claim the best chance of success. Should we lose, you don’t have to pay a penny.

 

  1. Personal injury claims are complicated and can take years to settle

The process to claim for compensation is relatively straightforward and if we take on your case you can be assured that our solicitors have the expertise and experience to guide you through the claims process step by step. In some cases, if your claim does go to court or for claims involving serious injuries, the process can take longer however, this is so your solicitor can ensure that you receive the maximum level of compensation possible.

 

  1. Most people who claim are just making it up for the money

It’s unfortunate that within the UK there is a ‘claims culture’ that perpetuates this idea that people who claim for compensation are doing so as an easy way to make money. Regrettably, this can create the impression that it’s wrong to seek compensation and can make people with genuine cases feel guilty about making a claim. At Bonnar Accident Law, we don’t believe this to be true and the vast majority of people who contact us have genuine claims. Just remember, that compensation is there to help people who’ve been in an accident that wasn’t their fault, to put them back in the position they were in, prior to the accident. Compensation can help cover the costs of bills, lost savings, treatment, care and medical equipment.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

 

 

Making a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers

March 25, 2021/in /by
Making a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers

Making a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers

 

It is estimated that every year there are over 1 million uninsured drivers on the roads in the UK. Even more shocking, is the fact that uninsured drivers are involved in more than 25,000 road traffic accidents each year.

Car insurance is there to protect people who are involved in road traffic accidents, as insurance makes sure that the driver at fault is able (through their insurance company) to cover the cost of any damage, loss or injury and help put the victims back in the position they were in, prior to the accident.

Valid car insurance is a mandatory requirement for motorists in the UK, it is illegal to drive without it. Yet sadly, thousands of drivers continue to take to the roads each year without insurance, putting others and themselves at risk.

It’s important to know that regardless of whether or not the driver at fault has insurance, you may still be eligible for compensation. Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we have significant experience handling these types of claims and can help you every step of the way.

How do I know if I’ve been hit by an uninsured driver?

It may happen that the other driver is upfront and honest with you. However, as driving without insurance is illegal, it’s, unfortunately, more likely that they will be reluctant or outright refuse to pass on their insurance information.

If the other party does refuse to give you any information, or you’re sceptical about the insurance information they have provided, you can check for yourself at the time of the accident by using the Motor Insurance Database (MID). There’s a small charge for a one-off search, but all you need from the other driver is their registration number and the MID will tell you instantly whether a vehicle is insured or not.

What should I do if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s vitally important that you gather as much information and evidence as possible at the time. This includes

  • The registration, make and model of the vehicle
  • The date, time and location of the accident
  • The other driver’s name, address, contact details
  • Videos or photographs of the scene if possible, to back up your claim

We understand that, regrettably, uninsured drivers are less likely than most to stick around in the event of a road traffic accident. In this case, still take as much information as you can as this will help your case.

If you discover the other driver is uninsured, or if they refuse to give you their details or leave straight after the accident, you must notify the police. Refusing to give insurance information is as much of an offence as driving uninsured is.

Can I claim against an uninsured driver?

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can claim through your insurance company only if you have fully comprehensive cover. Unfortunately, this means that if you only have a Third Party, Fire or Theft policy, you won’t be covered for claims against an uninsured driver regardless of whether it was your fault or not. Not to worry though, in this case, you can make a claim through The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

MIB was set up to help drivers in the event they’re involved in a road traffic accident with an uninsured driver. MIB will carry out investigations, like an insurer, to establish the facts and may access police reports and witness statements, before they issue their response. There are certain criteria you have to meet, such as how quickly after the accident you file a claim, but they can assist you and may be able to compensate you in the absence of an insurance company.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we can make a claim on your behalf via MIB and are well versed in dealing with claims against uninsured drivers.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

Think Motorbike: Safety on the Road (Part Two)

March 10, 2021/in /by

 

Think Motorbike Safety on the Road

In January, we brought you part one of our Safety on the Road series: Think Bike, which explored the increased risk to cyclists as an increasing number of people take to their bikes as a cost-effective, healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around. In the first part of the series, we provided our top tips for how to stay safe.

This month we are focusing on motorcycle safety. Although motorcyclists only account for 1% of road traffic, they account for a staggering 19% of road users involved in fatal accidents.

Motorbikes are a popular mode of transport for thousands of people across the UK who get great enjoyment from the sense of adventure riding a motorcycle brings, alongside the financial and environmental benefits.

However, motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users, as in comparison to cyclists, motorcyclists travel at the same high speeds as cars, yet without any of the protective features, a car offers such as seat belts and airbags. As such, it means that if you’re involved in a road traffic accident on a motorcycle, you’re at considerably more risk of serious injury.

In this blog, we’ll explore the steps that motorcyclists can take to stay safe on the roads, as well as the steps other road users can take to play their part in making the roads safer for those who are most vulnerable.

 

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

  • Suit up – the notorious motorcycle leathers are there not just to look stylish, but to protect riders as they can help to prevent serious injury. A DOT-approved helmet is also crucial.
  • Ride defensively by always staying as visible as possible. Make sure you avoid drivers’ blind spots, drive with your headlights on even during the day and wear high visibility clothing.
  • Look out for hazards on the road such as potholes so you can take the appropriate action to avoid these.
  • Avoid cycling in poor weather conditions these can seriously compromise your ride.
  • Obey traffic rules and speed limits, and always make sure to use your turn signals and hand signals.
  • Stay focused, as any lapses in concentration could have serious consequences. Likewise, make sure you aren’t driving impaired.

 

Safety Tips for Drivers

  • Look – failure to look is one of the top reasons for road traffic accidents between cars and motorcycles.
  • Pay particular attention to junctions and roundabouts.
  • Take extra care to check for motorcyclists when changing lanes, as a motorcycle may be in the space you’re moving into or be fast approaching it.
  • Leave plenty of space when overtaking a motorcyclist, as much space you would leave a car if not more, as motorcyclists often need to move suddenly to avoid dangers on the road such as potholes.
  • Be aware of Advanced Stop Lines. These allow increased visibility for vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists. You must stop at the first white line if the traffic light is amber or red and when the green light shows, allow the road user time and space to set off
  • The lower your speed, the less risk you are to a motorcyclist. As motorcyclists are more sensitive to changes on the road and can manoeuvre much quicker, if you’re behind or passing a motorcyclist, be sure to do so slowly and carefully.

 

If you do find yourself injured due to a motorcycle accident, you may be due compensation if the accident was caused by the actions of another road user, if the road was in poor condition, or if your injury was due to an equipment failure.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please feel free to get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors.