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In the United Kingdom, and thus in Edinburgh, the health and welfare of workers are under strict regulations. Employers are required by law to provide a safe working environment and adequate protection to minimize the risk of injuries at work. Notably, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 lays down a general duty of care for all employers. Should an employer fail in this duty and an employee suffers an injury as a result, the injured worker may be entitled to claim compensation.
Legal assistance is often sought in work injury cases for various reasons. Most commonly, if you've been seriously injured at work or your employer denies your claim or you receive insufficient benefits. An attorney with expertise in work injury law can help you comprehend the complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, ensure correct calculation of benefits and represent your interests in appeals if a claim is denied.
The primary regulation dealing with work injuries in Edinburgh, just as in the entire UK, is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Under law, employers are obliged to report work-related deaths, injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences (RIDDOR) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Workmen's Compensation Act also provides workers (or their dependents in the case of a fatal injury) the right to compensation in case of an injury caused as a result of the employer's negligence.
In the UK, the limitation period for making a personal injury claim is usually three years from the date of the accident.
After a work injury, ensure to report the incident to your employer or supervisor, get prompt medical attention, collect evidence if possible and keep a record of everything pertaining to the injury and its aftereffects.
Benefits may include payment of medical expenses, compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenities, compensation for loss of earnings, and potentially other costs like travel and care costs.
UK law protects workers from unfair dismissal because of making a claim following a workplace injury.
Under contributory negligence, you may still be able to claim compensation if you were partially at fault for your injury, although the payout might be reduced.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Citizens Advice offer extensive resources relevant to work injury in the UK. The Employment Tribunal also deals with disputes between employers and employees, and could be a useful resource in some cases.
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s crucial to reach out to a solicitor who specializes in work injury, who can guide you through the claim process. It would be helpful to keep all relevant documents handy such as medical reports, photos of the injury site, details of witnesses etc, for evaluation by your solicitor. Remember, receiving the proper legal advice is key to receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve for a work injury.
