Injured in an Office Accident? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Work Injury Claim in the UK

When people think of workplace accidents, they often imagine construction sites or warehouses. But office environments can pose real risks too — from slips on wet floors to repetitive strain injuries caused by poor workstation setups.

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we regularly help office workers who have suffered injuries due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or faulty equipment. If you’ve been injured at work in an office, you may be entitled to compensation – and understanding your rights is the first step

The Myth of the ‘Safe’ Office

It’s easy to assume an office is a low-risk environment, but accidents happen every day. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), thousands of office workers suffer injuries each year, often from preventable hazards.

Common examples include:

• Slips and trips caused by cables, clutter, or wet floors
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) from poor desk posture or excessive typing
• Manual handling injuries when lifting files, boxes, or office furniture
• Faulty chairs or equipment failures
• Stress-related or psychological injuries due to overwork or poor management

Even what seems like a “minor” incident can lead to long-term pain, financial loss, or reduced quality of life.

Your Legal Rights After an Office Injury

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, your employer has a legal duty to ensure your workplace is safe. This includes carrying out regular risk assessments, maintaining equipment, and providing proper training.

If your employer failed to take reasonable care and you were injured as a result, you have the right to bring a personal injury claim.

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we’ve seen many clients worry about how making a claim might affect their job. It’s important to know that the law protects employees from being dismissed or treated unfairly for pursuing a legitimate claim.

What to Do After an Office Accident

If you’ve suffered an office injury, take these steps right away:

1) Report the accident – Tell your manager or HR department and ensure it’s recorded in the accident book.
2) Seek medical attention – Visit your GP or A&E. Keep all medical notes and receipts.
3) Collect evidence – Take photos, note witnesses, and preserve any damaged equipment.
4) Keep a record – Track your symptoms, time off work, and any financial losses.
5) Speak to a solicitor – Legal advice early on can make a big difference to your case.

Making an Office Injury Claim

You generally have three years from the date of your injury to make a claim. To succeed, you’ll need to show that:

1) Your employer owed you a duty of care.
2) They breached that duty (e.g., failed to fix a known hazard).
3) That breach caused your injury.

Many office accident claims can be pursued on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim succeeds.

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact.

Compensation usually covers:

• General damages – for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
• Special damages – for financial losses such as lost earnings, treatment, travel costs, or specialist ergonomic equipment.

Our solicitors can assess your individual case and estimate the likely compensation range based on previous awards and medical evidence.

Expert Insight: Ayoub Khan on the Challenges of Office Injury Claims

“Office injury claims can be deceptively complex,” says Ayoub Khan, Managing Director of Aston Knight Solicitors.

“Because offices appear safe, employers and insurers often dispute liability or downplay the seriousness of injuries like repetitive strain or back pain. Proving that a company’s negligence caused the problem requires detailed evidence – from ergonomic assessments to medical reports. That’s why having specialist legal representation is so important. We make sure our clients’ cases are properly documented and their voices are heard.”

Get Help From Aston Knight Solicitors

If you’ve been injured in an office accident, whether from a fall, faulty chair, or long-term strain, our expert team at Aston Knight Solicitors can help you claim the compensation you deserve.

We’re proud to offer clear, compassionate advice and to handle most claims on a no win, no fee basis.

Contact Aston Knight Solicitors today on 0161 399 1231 for a free, no-obligation consultation about your office injury claim.