Most offices have a number of dangerous features which can lead to many different office accidents, particularly compensation claims for office accidents that happened due to the negligence of an employer.
In addition to this, temporary visitors to an office, delivery staff and maintenance cleaners may also be in a position to pursue office accidents compensation when the employer, office owner or lease holder of the premises has failed in their “duty of care” and an injury has been experienced due to this.
Claims for office accidents can be taken against an employer for injuries experienced due to trips, slips or falls when the employer has been negligent and has not maintained a safe working environment to a necessary level. Injuries inflicted by electrical faults and short circuits from aging or out of date equipment, or from avoidable manual handling accidents, are commonly seen examples of office accidents claims.
Office Workers and an Employer´s Duty of Care
By law, an employer must provide a clean and safe environment for all workers. This incorporates regular cleaning, keeping walkways safe from trip hazards, the maintenance of electrical equipment and training staff to spot and report any dangers which present a risk of injury. For example – cabling must always be tidy, worn carpet on stairs needs to be mended or replaced and manual handling within the office should be minimal.
When met with the financial pressures in the current economic climate, maintenance standards can often drop, cleaning frequency reduced and health and safety equipment may not be updated. Even taking this into account, working conditions must be kept at the necessary standard and employees should not have to tackle health and safety risks. If an accident happens which is due to an employer´s breach in his duty of care, the injured victim may pursue make a claim for office accidents compensation.
Submitting a Claim for Office Accidents Compensation
Submitting a compensation claim for office accidents against an existing employer can be a worrying and potentially stressful process. Many people are discouraged from making a claim for fear of losing their role, being treated badly by an employer or co-workers, or that it will affect future promotion chances. However, most employers are concerned that they are responsible for one of their staff suffering an injury and office accident compensation settlements are usually paid for by the employer’s liability insurance firm.
An office accidents compensation claim should be filed with the Injuries Board Ireland for assessment after it has been overlooked by an experienced personal claims solicitor. Many office accident claims are straightforward but should your accident affect your ability to carry out everyday tasks or stop you from enjoying regular leisure and social pursuits, there is little chance to explain this “loss of amenity” on the official application form to the Injuries Board. If you submit your application for assessment without stating that you wish to claim compensation for the deterioration in your quality of life could lead to you being undercompensated for your office accident injury.
Office Accident Compensation Claims and Third Party Capture
Another reason for speaking to an experienced personal injury solicitor is “third party capture”. This is when an insurance company makes a direct approach to you not long after your office accident with an offer of office accidents compensation. After your accident you will still be suffering some pain and have a lot on your mind so you may not be able to appreciate the full consequences of settling an offer of office accidents compensation without first having a legal expert review the assessment of your claim.
If it happens that you accept an office accident compensation settlement from an insurance company which you later find is inadequate to pay your medical bills, support your family or substitute the income you have lost by being unable to attend work, you will not be in a position to return to the insurance company and seek more. Due to the fact that an approach by an insurance company can be seen as an admission of their client´s liability for causing your injuries, if you are facing short-term financial problems, a solicitor will be able to apply for interim payments of office accidents compensation until your compensation claim is completely resolved to your satisfaction.
As insurance companies can try and tempt you with third party capture within days of you suffering an office accidents injury which was not your fault, you should consult with an experienced personal injuries claim solicitor as soon as you can.