Work should be a place where you feel safe, supported, and protected. But accidents can and do happen in every kind of job. If you’ve been injured at work in Northern Ireland, you might be wondering: Can I actually make a claim?
At My Personal Injury Claim, we hear this question often. And the truth is, most people don’t realise just how many rights and protections they already have when it comes to workplace accidents. This guide explains what you need to know, clears up common myths, and shows you what steps to take if you’ve been hurt on the job.
What the law says about workplace accidents
In Northern Ireland, your employer is legally responsible for your safety. That means they must:
- Train you properly for the work you’re doing.
- Provide safe equipment and maintain it.
- Keep the workplace free from hazards (like blocked fire exits or uneven flooring).
- Carry out risk assessments and act on the findings.
If they fail in any of these duties and you’re injured as a result, you may have a strong claim. You can find official guidance on employer duties from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
Accidents you might not realise you can claim for
Many workers assume only dramatic accidents count, but that’s not the case. Some overlooked examples include:
- Warehouse worker injures back while lifting boxes without proper training or lifting aids.
- A nurse slips on a wet hospital floor because no warning signs were in place.
- An office worker develops carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive typing without ergonomic equipment.
- A delivery driver was hit while unloading because of unsafe loading bays.
- A construction worker falls from scaffolding due to missing guardrails.
- A factory worker develops asthma from exposure to dust without proper masks.
If any of these sound familiar, you may have a valid claim. Even if you partly blame yourself, the law may still support you.
Common Myths that Stop People from Claiming
We’ve noticed the same misconceptions again and again:
“I don’t want to get my employer in trouble.”
Claims are covered by your employer’s insurance, not directly from their pocket. That’s why employers are required to have liability insurance.
“My accident wasn’t that serious.”
Even “small” injuries can cause pain, lost income, or long-term issues. If it’s impacted your life, it’s worth exploring a claim.
“I’ll lose my job if I make a claim.”
It’s illegal for an employer to dismiss or penalise you for a genuine claim. If they do, that can lead to an unfair dismissal case.
“It’s too late now.”
You usually have three years from the date of the accident (or from when you discovered the injury) to bring a claim.
What Compensation Can Cover
When people think of a workplace injury claim, they often imagine it only covers the immediate medical bills. In reality, compensation in Northern Ireland is designed to reflect the full impact an accident has on your life — both now and in the future. It usually breaks down into two main categories: general damages and special damages.
1. General damages
These cover the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life caused by your injury. For example:
- Physical pain and discomfort.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, stress, or depression, following the accident.
- Loss of quality of life — for instance, if you can no longer take part in hobbies, sports, or family activities you once enjoyed.
- Long-term or permanent disability.
2. Special damages
These are your financial losses caused by the accident. They’re specific to your case and supported by receipts, payslips, or expert evidence. Special damages can include:
- Loss of earnings: wages you missed while off work, including overtime, bonuses, and even lost pension contributions.
- Future loss of income: if your injury prevents you from returning to your job or forces you into lower-paid work.
- Medical and rehabilitation costs: private physiotherapy, counselling, surgery, or specialist equipment like braces or wheelchairs.
- Travel expenses: fuel, bus fares, or taxis to medical appointments or treatment centres.
- Care and support needs: if family members have had to provide care, or if you need paid carers or home adaptations.
3. Out-of-pocket expenses you may not think of
A lot of people forget to claim for smaller, day-to-day costs, but they add up quickly. For example:
- Prescription charges.
- Parking fees at hospitals.
- Costs of home help, gardening, or childcare while you recover.
- Phone or internet costs for managing appointments.
5 steps to take right after an accident at work
Here’s a quick checklist you can follow:
- Report the accident to your employer. Make sure it’s written in the accident book.
- Get medical attention and keep all records of treatment.
- Gather evidence such as photos, unsafe equipment, and accident location.
- Get witness details from colleagues who saw what happened.
- Seek legal advice quickly so your solicitor can protect your rights and start gathering evidence.
Your employer also has legal obligations to report certain accidents to HSENI.
How My Personal Injury Claim Can Help
We understand how overwhelming it can be to be injured at work. You may be in pain, worried about money, and unsure how your employer will react. At My Personal Injury Claim, our role is to take that stress off your shoulders.
Here’s how we support workers across Belfast and Northern Ireland:
- Straightforward advice from the start - no jargon, just clarity.
- Full case management - we handle the paperwork, experts, and negotiations.
- Local knowledge — our solicitors understand NI courts, judges, and insurers.
- No deductions - you keep 100% of your compensation.
We’ve successfully represented workers across every sector, from nurses and builders to drivers and office staff. Whatever your situation, we’re here to fight for the best outcome.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
Too many people in Northern Ireland suffer in silence after a workplace accident. They worry about their employer, doubt their rights, or assume nothing can be done. But the law is on your side.
Compensation isn’t about punishment. It’s about ensuring you’re not left to struggle with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term health issues.
At My Personal Injury Claim, we’ll guide you every step of the way. From your first phone call to making your claim, we’ll fight to make sure you get the justice and support you deserve.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait. Get in touch today and let’s talk about your options. You focus on healing, and we’ll handle the rest.
