Accidents at work can be a traumatic experience, and the last thing on your mind if you’ve been in injured as a result of one may be the prospect of making a compensation claim. However, if you have suffered an injury at work due to your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Many people are discouraged from filing a claim, even with a valid case. This is due to common misunderstandings about the claims process. In this article, we will try and ‘debunk’ 7 common misconceptions about making successful accident at work claims and explain why seeking the right legal representation can increase your chances of success.
Myth 1: Making a claim is a waste of time and money
One of the most common misconceptions about making a claim for compensation is that it is a waste of time and money. Some people believe the claims process is overly complicated and time-consuming, and the cost of legal representation will outweigh any potential compensation.
However, this is not the case. Many personal injury lawyers offer free no obligation consultations, meaning you can discuss your case with an experienced personal injury solicitor without any financial commitment. If they take your claim on, they may be able to offer you the benefit of a No Win No Fee agreement, which we discuss in more detail later on in this article.
Myth 2: Insurance companies will treat you fairly without legal representation
Another common misconception is that insurance companies will treat you fairly without the need for legal representation. However, insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to protect their interests. This means they may try to offer a lower settlement than you are entitled to or even deny your claim altogether. If you use a personal injury solicitor to handle your claim, they will protect your interests, know the true value of your claim and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Myth 3: You will feel guilty bringing a claim against your employer
Many people feel guilty about suing their employer. This is especially true if they have a good relationship or are concerned about the potential consequences. Perhaps bringing a claim will negatively affect their job?
However, it is essential to remember your employer owes you a duty of care and that they must, by law, provide you with a safe working environment.
Employers must by law have employers liability insurance in case their negligence results in employees getting injured or ill due to workplace accidents.
You can validly claim compensation if you have suffered an injury at work in an accident caused by your employer’s negligence. If you are successful, any compensation awarded will be paid by the employer’s insurance company.
Myth 4: You will have to pay upfront to make a claim
Another common misconception is that you must pay upfront to make a claim. Most personal injury solicitors operate on a no win no fee basis. This means that you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
Myth 5: You have to be seriously injured to make a claim
Many people believe that they have to be seriously injured to make a claim for compensation. However, this is not the case. You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered any type of injury at work, whether it is a sprain or a more serious injury.
It is always worth discussing your case with a personal injury solicitor to determine whether you have a valid claim.
Myth 6: Making a claim will make you feel guilty or disloyal
Some employees think making a claim will make them feel guilty or disloyal towards their employer.
However, it is essential to remember that making a claim is not a personal attack on the employer. It is not. It is a way of holding them accountable for their actions. Making a claim helps to protect other employees from similar experiences in the future. This benefits the whole company.
Myth 7: You will get fired if you claim against your employer
People worry that they will be fired if they make a claim against their employer. However, suppose you are unfairly dismissed for making a compensation claim. In that case, you can make a separate claim for unfair dismissal in addition to your personal injury claim.
The benefits of using a personal injury solicitor
Using a personal injury solicitor offers many benefits when making a claim for compensation.
Firstly, a solicitor will be able to provide you with expert advice. They will also guide you throughout the claims process, which they will also undertake on your behalf. By doing so, they will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve whilst relieving you of the stress and anxiety associated with making a claim.
The majority of personal injury claims are successful
The vast majority of personal injury claims taken on by experienced accident at work solicitors, on a No Win No Fee basis, are successful.
If your solicitor decides to offer you the benefit of a conditional fee agreement (No Win No Fee), they will have carefully assessed whether you have a valid claim. It’s in their interest to only take on claims they believe they will win – otherwise they won’t receive a fee for all the legal work they undertake on your behalf.
Don’t Be Put Off by Common Misconceptions About Accident at Work Claims
Making a claim for compensation after an accident at work can be daunting, especially if you are unsure about the claims process or are put off by common misconceptions.
However, with the help of an experienced personal injury solicitor at Mooneerams, you will increase your chances of success and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
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