Your rights after a workplace accident in Glasgow
If you have been injured at work in Glasgow, you have the right to seek compensation from your employer. Scots law places a clear legal duty on employers to keep their staff safe. When that duty is breached and you are hurt as a result, you should not be left out of pocket for medical costs, lost earnings, or the pain and suffering you have endured.
A personal injury claim will not cost your employer directly in most cases. Employers are required by law to hold employers' liability insurance, so it is the insurer, not your employer personally, that meets the cost of a successful claim.
Most Scottish firms deduct up to 20% of your compensation as a success fee. We charge 0%. That means you keep 100% of whatever you are awarded, not 80% of it.
Common workplace injuries we help with in Glasgow
We handle claims arising from a wide range of workplace accidents, including:
- Slips, trips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
- Falls from height, including from ladders or scaffolding
- Manual handling injuries, such as back strains from lifting
- Being struck by falling or moving objects
- Injuries from faulty or poorly maintained machinery and equipment
- Repetitive strain injuries caused by poor workstation setup
- Accidents in warehouses, construction sites, kitchens and offices
- Injuries caused by inadequate training or supervision
If your injury is not listed here, do not assume you cannot claim. If someone else's negligence caused or contributed to your accident, there may well be a valid claim to pursue.
What your employer is legally required to do
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must take reasonably practicable steps to protect employees from harm. Specific duties include:
- Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments
- Providing adequate training for all tasks
- Maintaining machinery and equipment in safe working order
- Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment free of charge
- Ensuring safe systems of work are followed
Where an employer fails on any of these points and you are injured as a result, that failure can form the basis of a personal injury claim in Scotland.
How the claims process works in Scotland
Workplace injury claims in Scotland follow a structured process. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Free initial assessment: You explain what happened and we advise whether you have a viable claim.
- Gathering evidence: This includes your employer's accident book, medical records, witness statements and any photographs of the scene or hazard.
- Letter of claim: A formal letter is sent to your employer (or their insurer) setting out the circumstances and the injuries suffered.
- Medical evidence: An independent medical report is usually required to assess your injuries, recovery time and long-term impact.
- Negotiation or court proceedings: The majority of claims settle without going to court. If necessary, proceedings can be raised in the Glasgow Sheriff Court or, for higher-value claims, the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
- Compensation paid: If your claim succeeds, you receive your full award. We deduct nothing.
What compensation can cover
A successful claim typically includes two categories of damages:
- General damages: These cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity. The figures are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines, which Scottish courts use as a starting point.
- Special damages: These are your financial losses, including lost wages, travel costs to medical appointments, physiotherapy fees, prescription charges and the cost of care provided by a family member.
Keeping records of every expense and every day of work missed will help to maximise your special damages claim.
The time limit for making a claim in Scotland
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to raise court proceedings. If you miss this deadline, your claim is likely to be time-barred and you will lose the right to compensation. Do not delay in taking advice, even if you think your injury is minor, as some conditions take time to fully develop or be diagnosed.
How our 0% success fee works
Most personal injury firms in Scotland operate on a no win no fee basis but still deduct a success fee of up to 20% from your compensation if you win. That means on a £10,000 award, you could receive as little as £8,000.
We believe that is not fair. Your compensation is calculated to reflect your actual losses and your suffering. Reducing it by a fifth defeats that purpose.
We operate on a no win no fee basis with a 0% success fee. If your claim succeeds, you keep the full amount awarded. If your claim does not succeed, you pay nothing.
| Compensation awarded |
You receive (most firms, 20% deducted) |
You receive (our 0% success fee) |
| £5,000 |
£4,000 |
£5,000 |
| £10,000 |
£8,000 |
£10,000 |
| £25,000 |
£20,000 |
£25,000 |
| £50,000 |
£40,000 |
£50,000 |
Will making a claim affect my job?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from people injured at work in Glasgow. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss you or treat you unfavourably because you have made a personal injury claim. If they do, you may have a separate claim for unfair dismissal or victimisation. Most employers and their insurers deal with claims in a straightforward and professional manner.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to make a claim if I was injured at work in Glasgow?
In Scotland, the time limit is generally three years from the date of your accident, as set out in the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. There are limited exceptions, for example where an injury develops gradually or where the injured person is a child. It is always best to seek advice as soon as possible so no deadline is missed.
Can I claim if the accident was partly my own fault?
Yes, you may still be able to claim. Scots law allows for what is known as contributory negligence, meaning your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame rather than cancelled entirely. For example, if you were found 25% at fault, your award would be reduced by 25%.
What if I am worried about claiming against my employer?
This is a very understandable concern. However, your employer is required by law to hold employers' liability insurance, so it is the insurer that deals with the claim in practice. It is also unlawful for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly for pursuing a legitimate personal injury claim.
What does no win no fee actually mean?
No win no fee means you pay nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, some firms deduct a success fee of up to 20% from your compensation. We charge a 0% success fee, so you receive 100% of the compensation you are awarded, with nothing taken off the top.
What evidence do I need for a workplace injury claim in Glasgow?
Useful evidence includes a record in your employer's accident book, photographs of the hazard or scene, witness contact details, medical records and any correspondence with your employer about the incident. We can help you identify and gather what is needed, so do not worry if you do not have everything to hand at the outset.
What types of workplace injuries can I claim for?
You can potentially claim for any injury caused by your employer's negligence or breach of duty. This includes physical injuries such as fractures, back injuries and lacerations, as well as conditions that develop over time such as repetitive strain injury or industrial deafness. Psychological injuries, such as trauma caused by a serious accident, can also be included in a claim.