Suffering a personal injury at work can be both physically painful and emotionally overwhelming. Whether you work in an office, factory, warehouse or on a construction site in Macclesfield, knowing how to respond after an accident is crucial. Your next steps can affect your health, financial well-being and any legal claim you might make.
In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to take after a workplace injury, including your legal rights and how Marley Solicitors can support you in Macclesfield.
- Prioritise your safety and seek medical attention
The first and most important step is to ensure your immediate safety. If you have suffered an injury, stop what you are doing and seek medical attention straight away.
Even if the injury appears minor, it is essential to get it checked by a medical professional. Some symptoms may not appear until hours or days later. An official medical record also serves as a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to make a compensation claim.
In Macclesfield, this may involve visiting your local GP, attending the minor injuries unit at Macclesfield District General Hospital or calling 111 for advice.
- Report the incident to your employer
Under UK law, it is your employer’s responsibility to maintain a safe working environment. All accidents at work should be reported and logged, even if you do not plan to make a claim.
Inform your manager or supervisor as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Request that the incident is recorded in the company’s accident book. This record is not just a formality; it can be a vital part of the evidence needed if a legal claim follows.
If your employer does not have an accident book, keep your own written record of what happened, including the time, date, location and circumstances surrounding the injury.
- Gather evidence of the accident
Strong evidence is key to building a successful personal injury claim. As soon as it is safe to do so, try to collect as much relevant information as possible. This may include:
- Photographs of the accident scene, including any hazards
- Images of your injuries
- Names and contact details of witnesses
- Copies of any written reports or emails about the incident
- Your medical records and GP or hospital visit details
If CCTV is in operation in your workplace, request that your employer retains the footage as it may be automatically deleted after a certain number of days.
- Keep a personal injury diary
A personal injury diary can help you keep track of your symptoms, recovery, and how the injury affects your daily life. This can be a useful tool both for medical treatment and for legal proceedings.
Include details such as:
- Dates of medical appointments and treatments
- Changes in your physical or emotional condition
- Days missed from work
- The impact on your ability to carry out normal activities
This ongoing record will support your claim for compensation by showing how the injury has affected your quality of life.
- Check your employment rights and sick pay
As a worker in the UK, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), contractual sick pay or additional compensation depending on your employment contract. You may also be eligible for industrial injuries benefits in some cases.
If the injury was caused by employer negligence, you may have grounds to claim for loss of earnings, future loss of income, medical expenses and more. Consulting a specialist solicitor can help you understand your rights clearly.
- Consult a personal injury solicitor in Macclesfield
Not all workplace injuries lead to legal action, but if your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may have a strong case for compensation.
A local solicitor with experience in personal injury cases will guide you through the claims process. At Marley Solicitors in Macclesfield, we understand how confusing and stressful this time can be. We offer clear, practical advice and represent clients with compassion and determination.
We often work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk in pursuing a claim. Our team will assess your case, explain your options and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
- Understand time limits for making a claim
There is a time limit for starting a personal injury claim in the UK. Generally, you must begin legal proceedings within three years of the date of the injury.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if you only became aware of the injury or its cause at a later date, the time limit may begin from the point of knowledge. For claims involving children or those with diminished mental capacity, the time limits may be extended.
It is always best to seek legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.
- Cooperate with any internal investigations
After you report your accident, your employer may carry out an internal investigation to determine what went wrong and how to prevent future incidents. You may be asked to give a statement or participate in the review process.
Always be honest and provide accurate information. Remember that the investigation is also an opportunity to highlight unsafe practices that may have caused harm to others.
Your solicitor can advise you on how to approach this process without jeopardising your claim.
- Take care of your mental well-being
A personal injury at work can have more than just physical consequences. Many people experience emotional distress, anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress following a workplace accident.
Do not hesitate to seek support from your GP, mental health services or support groups. At Marley Solicitors, we also help connect clients with trusted support services in the Macclesfield area as part of our holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation.
- Plan for your return to work
If you are ready to return to work after your injury, it is important that your employer puts reasonable adjustments in place to support you. This could include a phased return, changes to duties, additional equipment or altered working hours.
You are entitled to a safe working environment. If you feel that your employer is not supporting your recovery or is treating you unfairly due to your injury, legal advice may be necessary.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Macclesfield?
At Marley Solicitors, we are proud to serve the Macclesfield community with expert legal support for personal injury claims. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges faced by injured workers and is committed to helping you secure justice.
We offer:
- No win, no fee representation in most cases
- Clear, jargon-free legal advice
- Personalised service from our Macclesfield-based team
- Proven experience in workplace injury claims
Whether your injury was caused by a slip, trip or fall, faulty equipment, poor training or another hazard, we are here to help you move forward.
Get in touch with Marley Solicitors Macclesfield
If you have suffered a personal injury at work in Macclesfield and are unsure what to do next, contact Marley Solicitors today. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your case and explain your options.
You can call us, or fill in the contact form on our website. Let us help you take the next step towards justice and recovery.
