Work Accident Compensation

Forms of reward for the inequitably stricken

There are a number of types of loss that you can claim back as compensation after suffering an accident at work.

1. Firstly you can be compensated for a loss of income. If your injuries from work have meant that you have not been able to work for a certain amount of time, you are entitled to claim back the money you could have made. You can claim it as a net amount when income after tax and national insurance is deducted. It is advised that you read over your contract because it may contain a clause whereby your employer should keep paying you a specified amount of income while you are absent.
2. Another type of loss you can be compensated for is travel expenses. Money you have spent for treatment, going to and from hospitals and your GP for example, can be claimed back. If you travelled by car you can also claim a mileage rate which will approximately be 40p per mile.
3. Medical expenses are another type of loss you can claim back. These are the expenses you have paid to get your injuries treated as well as private medical expenses and prescription expenses. However you can only claim private medical expenses if you had a good reason to choose private care over the NHS.
4. In the extreme case that you need professional nursing assistance as a result of your injury you can claim back the money you paid to get the assistance. If your family member cared for you in your recovery period you can also claim back compensation for them based on an hourly rate.
5. If you lose out on the chance to go on holiday or could not enjoy a holiday as a result of your injuries, you can claim back the cost of it or claim for the loss of your enjoyment.
6. You are also entitled to claim back interest on your general and special damages. If the pain and suffering of your injury was worth over £1000 you can also claim back the legal costs.

Share your experiences

Please note: The views expressed in community areas of this site do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of Law on the Web, its owners, its staff or contributors.