Marley Solicitors Explain Your Rights and Options
If you’ve been injured at work, one of the first questions you may ask is whether you’ll continue to receive your full wages while you recover. It’s a fair concern, especially when bills don’t stop coming in. The answer, however, depends on your employment contract and whether your employer offers any additional benefits.
Will I get paid if i’m injured at work?
By law in the UK, employers are not required to pay your full wages if you are off work due to an injury. Most employees will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which is currently £118.75 per week) and can be paid for up to 28 weeks. However, this is often significantly lower than your regular income.
You may receive more than SSP if your contract includes an occupational sick pay scheme. This is a benefit offered by some employers that can top up your sick pay to a higher amount or even cover your full wages for a set period. You’ll need to check your employment contract or speak to your HR department to confirm what you’re entitled to.
Can I claim compensation for a work injury?
Yes. If the accident was not your fault and happened due to unsafe working conditions, a lack of training, faulty equipment, or negligence, you may be able to make a workplace injury compensation claim. This can help cover:
- Loss of earnings (including future loss if you can’t return to work)
- Medical expenses
- Travel costs related to treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological injury
At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in workplace injury claims and can guide you through the process of making a claim on a no-win, no-fee basis.
What should i do after an injury at work?
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to:
- Report the injury to your employer and ensure it’s recorded in the accident book.
- Seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor at first.
- Gather evidence, such as photos, witness details, and copies of any medical reports.
- Get legal advice to understand your rights and whether you could be entitled to compensation.
Can i be dismissed for making a claim?
No. It is unlawful for an employer to fire or treat you unfairly for making a legitimate injury at work claim. If this happens, you may have grounds for an unfair dismissal or victimisation case.
What if i’m self-employed or on a zero-hours contract?
If you’re self-employed, you are not entitled to SSP, but you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or other benefits depending on your circumstances. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence (such as a site manager or company hiring you), you may still be able to make a claim.
Zero-hours contract workers may qualify for SSP if they meet the eligibility criteria. Again, you could also have a claim if the injury was not your fault.
Talk to us today!
If you’ve been injured at work and want to understand your rights, Marley Solicitors are here to help. We offer free initial advice and can take on your case on a no-win, no-fee basis. Whether you’re unsure about your pay or want to pursue compensation, our experienced team will support you every step of the way.
Call us now or start your claim today to see how we can help!