Accidents that are Eligible for Compensation

When an accident occurs that leaves someone injured, the injured party could be eligible for compensation. Accident compensation claims are the most common claims made in the UK and account for a large proportion of the claims made each year. In particular accidents at work and on the road are the most common causes of accident compensation claims.

From motorists, to cyclists, pedestrians, HGV drivers, taxi passengers and any other road user in between, compensation is due when an injury is sustained through no personal fault. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries and is included in approximately 80% of all compensation claims in the UK. Other types of injury that can be eligible for compensation are brain damage, nerve damage, mental anguish as well as broken bones and lacerations.

Had an Accident, want to make a claim?

Work related accidents also account for a great deal of claims made each year. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just warehouse staff, those handling heavy machinery or factory workers who are likely to be involved in an accident in the work place either, despite being exposed to a more hazardous environment each day. Office workers account for a large number of claims too - from trips and falls on slippery services to accidents involving falling objects.

Here is a guide to some of the most common work related accidents that are eligible for compensation:

• Acoustic Shocks - very loud noise can be extremely harmful to the ears. Ear protectors are necessary when prolonged or sudden noise is expected.
   
• Agricultural Accidents 
   
• Asbestos Claims
   
• Back Injuries - particularly likely in the event of a fall, prolonged seating in an inadequate chair or when lifting a load that is too heavy.
   
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - another name for repetitive strain injury
   
• Chemical Leaks
   
• Defective Products 
   
• Electric Shocks
   
• Eye Related Accidents - this includes strain caused by poor lighting or staring at a computer screen for too long.
   
• Forklift Truck Accidents
   
• Heat Stress
   
• Industrial Deafness
   
• Tinnitus
   
• Kitchen Accidents - particularly applicable to chefs and restaurant workers
   
• Knee Injuries - often sustained through trips or falls
   
• Military Accidents
   
• Repetitive Strain Injury - sustained work in a badly designed workspace causes RSI.
   
• Vibration White Finger - caused by continued use or vibrating machinery and equipment
   
• Accident Claims - Trips, Slips, Falls
   
• Warehouse Accidents

It would be difficult to list every single type of injury or accident that could result in compensation for the injured party as there are so many. Whether at home, at work, in a shop or on the road, an accident could occur at any time. It is important however to understand that if the blame of the accident clearly lies with someone else, compensation could be due to cover medical expenses and compensate for any pain and suffering caused.

Read more on claiming Compensation

• Compensation for Car Accidents
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Application
• Travel advice How to claim holiday compensation