Uncategorised News - The Compensation Experts

If you’ve suffered an injury from a rear end collision, no doubt it will be a distressing time for you and your family. You may be unsure about what to do next, or you might have questions about whether you can make a claim for your injuries. If you’re involved in a road traffic accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights, so that you can seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve.

Claiming compensation after a road traffic accident can help ensure you and your family are financially secure if you need to take time off work and can allow you to take the time you need to properly recover from your accident. Compensation can also help cover any losses you’ve experienced and can enable you to seek extra medical or rehabilitative treatment to further aid your recovery.

What is a rear-end collision?

A rear-end collision is a road traffic accident where a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. Rear-end crashes might occur when the vehicle in front stops unexpectedly or when the driver or rider behind isn’t paying full attention to the road in front.

What typically causes rear-end collisions?

There are various factors that could contribute to a rear end crash. In some cases, there may be multiple factors at play. Here are some of the common reasons for rear-end collisions:

Tailgating. Tailgating, where the driver or rider is travelling too close to the vehicle in front can lead to a rear end collision.

According to Rule 126 of The Highway Code, drivers and riders should “leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops.”

Distraction/Inattention. Distraction might lead to a rear end collision, where the driver or rider isn’t paying enough attention to what is happening on the road.

Distractions might include loud music, passengers, eating and drinking, or adjusting a radio. Rule 144 of The Highway Code states that you must not drive without due care and attention and Rule 148 outlines some of the distractions you should avoid when driving or riding.

In addition, it is a criminal offence to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that sends or receives data while driving or riding a motorcycle. There are a small number of exceptions to this rule, for example, if you need to call the emergency services and you cannot safely stop.

Speeding. Speed can be a contributing factor in rear end collisions. If the vehicle behind is speeding, it can make it harder for them to stop in time. Where the vehicle behind is travelling at speed at the time of the impact, this can result in more serious collisions, often causing injuries to those in both vehicles.

While speed limits vary according to the road, The Highway Code makes it clear that you should ensure you adjust your speed according to conditions and what is going on around you (Rule 125). You should also ensure you keep a safe stopping distance.

Poor or hazardous conditions. Poor weather may play a role in rear end collisions. Fog, for example, can reduce visibility and wet, icy, and snowy conditions can make it harder for you to control your vehicle.

If driving in adverse conditions, it’s important to understand the effects this can have on your journey and adapt accordingly. The Highway Code (Rules 226 to 237) outlines the rules surrounding travelling in adverse weather conditions, including guidance on increased stopping distances.

Am I eligible to make a rear-end collision claim?

By law, all road users have a duty of care to others, and they should also understand and apply the rules laid out in The Highway Code. If you’ve suffered an injury from a rear end collision due to the negligence of another road user, you could be entitled to make a claim.

In rear-end collisions, it is often the vehicle behind that is liable for the crash, although every accident has its own unique set of circumstances and liability can be split between the parties. Even if you think you could be partly responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible to claim. In cases of split liability, your compensation will be adjusted accordingly.

We would always advise that you seek legal advice as soon as possible after a rear end collision. Our experts can quickly tell you if you have a valid claim and can provide an estimate of how much compensation you could receive. To speak to our friendly UK-based team, contact us online or call us on 0800 182 2187.

Typical injuries

Injuries from rear end collisions will vary depending on the circumstances and the severity of the impact. Below are some of the injuries most commonly associated with rear-end collisions:

Whiplash – Whiplash is a common rear end collision injury, due to the sudden movement caused by the impact. The NHS describe whiplash as a neck injury caused by sudden movement to the head. It is characterised by neck pain, stiffness in the neck, headaches, and pain and spasms in the shoulders and arms.

Concussion – Concussion is a temporary loss of mental function caused by a blow or an injury to the head. Symptoms of concussion can include a brief loss of consciousness, memory loss, visual disturbances, and confusion.

Spinal injuries – Spinal injuries are among the most traumatic injuries someone can experience. A spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in a loss of sensation and movement, as well as a loss of control of some bodily functions.

Evidence to support your claim

If your rear end collision injuries were a result of someone else’s negligence, your solicitor will help prove this. They will do this by gathering evidence, which might include:

CCTV of the accident happening or dashcam footage
Witness testimonials
Evidence of your injury, including medical records
Police reports
Photos of the accident scene
Any costs associated with medical treatment and travel

You can help build your case by providing as much evidence as possible to your solicitor, as the more evidence you can supply, the stronger your case will be. If possible, take photos of the scene, gather witness details, and keep records of your injuries, as well as any treatment (including costs) you receive.

Steps to Take After an Accident

You should take the following steps after a rear end collision:

After a rear-end crash, your initial steps should be to ensure the safety of you and others and to seek medical help where necessary.

Where an injury is involved, you should also report the accident to the police. If urgent medical assistance isn’t required, you can report the accident using 101. Otherwise, the emergency services should be contacted. The police report may form part of your claim for compensation.

Swap contact details with the other party or parties if there are injuries or damage. It is a legal requirement to do this. You’ll also need to swap insurance details with the driver of the other vehicle.

As discussed earlier, gather evidence if you’re able to and if it’s safe to do so, including witness details, photographs of the scene, and dashcam footage if available.

Seek legal advice. It’s important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible after your rear end collision.

Seeking legal advice

Seeking legal advice after a road traffic accident is important to ensure your rights are protected and to give you the best possible chance of a successful claim. We work with a network of some of the very best personal injury solicitors in the UK who have extensive experience in rear end collisions. We’ll put you in touch with a legal team who has the expertise and knowledge to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

While it might feel overwhelming right now, we make it as easy as possible to start your personal injury claim. Simply get in touch on 0800 182 2192 or contact us online and our friendly team of experts will guide you through the compensation process.

It’s worth noting that if you have a minor injury and your claim is valued under £5000, you may be able to make a personal injury claim without legal representation, using the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal.

Claiming for a rear-end collision with The Compensation Experts

In this article, we’ve looked at rear end collisions, including some of the common causes of these types of accidents and typical rear end collision injuries. We’ve also examined eligibility criteria for making a claim, explored the evidence that is needed, and shared what steps should be taken after a collision. For help navigating a rear-end collision claim, get in touch today. You can contact us by filling in our contact form, or by calling us on 0800 182 2188.

No matter your place of work, there are a variety of workplace hazards that you should be aware of. In this article, we explore the different types of workplace hazard and explain how risks in the workplace should be managed to ensure the safety of employees.

What is a hazard in the workplace?

Some workplace hazards may be dangers that crop up in your workplace environment, while others might be injuries you could suffer as a result of poor work posture and habits. Workplace hazards can be categorised into different types. These can include:

Safety hazards
Physical hazards
Ergonomic hazards
Organisational hazards (harassment, bullying, and psychosocial hazards)
Chemical hazards
Biological hazards

Source: https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/

Workplace hazards can cause injury, ranging from minor injuries to serious harm, and in some cases, a workplace accident can be fatal. It’s important to be vigilant and be aware of common workplace hazards, as well as some of the ways of preventing them. However, it is the responsibility of your employer to mitigate workplace hazards where possible, and in many cases, workplace accidents can be avoided if the correct safety measures are put in place.

Safety hazards 

Even in an office environment, it’s really important to look out for potential hazards in the workplace that might cause injury. But in busy spaces, it’s even more important.

With warehouse work, for example, forklifts, equipment on the go, blocked entrances, and obstructed pathways all create various workplace safety hazards that can pose a risk to you.

Common injuries from safety hazards 

Injuries from safety hazards can take many forms depending on the circumstances of the accident. Injuries might include a fractured arm from a trip, slip or fall, a head injury from a falling object, or a crush injury from a piece of machinery.

Common causes 

Trips, slips, and falls are some of the most widely encompassing workplace hazards, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reporting that in 2022/23, 32% of non-fatal workplace injuries reported under RIDDOR were due to slips, trips or falls. Another common safety hazard in the workplace is being struck by a moving object, and these types of accidents were responsible for 11% of non-fatal injuries for the same period.

Further statistics from HSE showed that falls from height are the most common cause of fatal accidents at work.

Health implications 

Slip, trip and fall injuries can have serious health implications. A knee injury for example, can leave you in a lot of pain and can cause mobility problems. Falls from height can cause significant injuries, such as spinal injury or brain injuries, sometimes with life-changing implications. As discussed earlier, falls from height are also responsible for most fatalities at work.

How to prevent safety hazards at work

Although slips and trips aren’t the only workplace accident caused by safety hazards, they are a common cause of injury and can often be prevented. The HSE give practical steps in preventing slip and trip accidents:

Stop floors becoming contaminated: Examples include using entrance matting, fixing leaks, and ensuring equipment is well-maintained.
Use the right cleaning methods: Advice includes considering whether the cleaning method is effective for the floor type, removing spillages quickly, and ensuring people don’t enter an area until the floor is dry.
Consider the flooring and work environment: This includes checking for damaged flooring, ensuring sufficient lighting, and keeping walkways clear.
Get the right footwear: Use slip-resistant footwear where floors cannot be kept clean and dry, trial footwear before use, and provide footwear free of charge if it is to be worn as PPE.
Think about people and organisational factors: Consider how the workplace is managed, to avoid rushing, overcrowding, and trailing cables. Also, ensure that staff are involved in decisions, e.g. regarding PPE or a change in cleaning methods.

Physical hazards

According to Safety Culture, physical hazards refer to environmental factors that can cause physical harm to someone, without necessarily touching the hazard itself.

Common causes 

Safety Culture go on to outline some of the types of physical hazards, which include:

Radiation
Prolonged exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays;
Temperature extremes
Constant loud noise

Source: https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/

Health implications of physical hazards

The health implications of physical hazards can vary depending on the cause, but in some cases, employees can suffer long-term health implications, for example in cases of industrial deafness. Industrial deafness can occur due to prolonged exposure to loud noise. This might be where someone is working with power tools and they haven’t been given adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), or maybe they weren’t informed of the risks associated with this kind of work.

There are laws in place to protect employees from physical hazards like these, so it’s important you seek legal advice if you believe your employer has been negligent.

Ergonomic hazards

Ergonomic hazards refer to strain put on the body and often relate to repetitive movement or positioning due to workplace tasks.

Common injuries from ergonomic hazards 

Ergonomic workplace injuries include:

Musculoskeletal disorders
Repetitive Strain Injury
Vibration white finger
Hand arm vibration syndrome

Common causes 

Musculoskeletal disorders can often be caused by manual handling accidents, where inadequate training has been given on how to lift correctly.

Repetitive strain injury, or RSI, is usually the result of a poor workstation which isn’t suited to the employee’s needs. RSI can also be caused by regular heavy lifting, or from repetitive movement, for example, if operating machinery on a production line.

Vibration white finger and hand arm vibration syndrome are both typically caused by continuous use of vibrating machinery.

How to prevent ergonomic hazards at work

While the risks associated with ergonomic hazards can’t always be eliminated completely, there are steps an employer can take to mitigate these workplace risks. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are properly carried out.

For those working with display screen equipment, the employer must carry out a DSE workstation assessment to help manage the risk of injury.

For organisations where staff are exposed to vibration, there are additional regulations which must be followed. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 highlight the steps an organisation must take to reduce the risk of working with vibration, such as eliminating unnecessary vibrating tasks, and other measures.

Harassment, bullying, and psychosocial hazards 

This is perhaps one of the most overlooked workplace hazards, but linking mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing is an important piece of assessing hazardous workplace conditions.

Nowadays, we’re far more aware of the effects of harassment, sexual misconduct, and bullying in the workplace. If an action can alter an employee’s mental wellbeing, that action needs to be addressed as a damaging hazard.

Common injuries from organisational hazards 

Harassment and bullying in the workplace can be extremely detrimental to the health of the person involved. Stress at work can lead to mental health conditions and can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches and nausea.

Common causes 

The advisory service, ACAS outline some examples of bullying in the workplace, which might include constantly criticising someone’s work, deliberately giving an employee a heavier workload than others, or putting someone down in meetings.

Harassment and sexual harassment are also forms of psychosocial hazard which can take place at work.

Health implications 

While the health implications of organisational or psychosocial hazards are not always physical, this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. The mental health implications of harassment or bullying can be devastating for those affected and can lead to long-term health conditions and stress related illness.

At The Compensation Experts, we work with personal injury solicitors experienced in successfully obtaining compensation for stress at work claims, and we can help you get justice.

How to prevent psychological workplace hazards

ACAS outline some of the steps organisations can take in preventing work-related stress. Employers should:

have a clear policy on mental health and stress
address the causes of stress through risk assessments and employee surveys
encourage people to raise their concerns – for example, if a person feels they are being discriminated against
provide training for managers – for example, on managing conflict, change and work-related stress
support their employees – for example, listening to concerns and acting on them quickly
promote a work-life balance – for example, encouraging employees to use their breaks and take holiday
provide employees with access to support – for example, an employee assistance programme (EAP) or training on stress management techniques

Source: https://www.acas.org.uk/managing-work-related-stress/preventing-work-related-stress

Chemical hazards 

Chemical hazards are defined as any “hazardous substance that can cause harm to your employees.”

Chemical hazards at work can be incredibly hard to spot in some scenarios. Too often, the risk of chemical hazards increases simply because they go for a long stretch of time without being used. Thus, an atmosphere of ignorance and underappreciation can set in.

Common injuries from chemical hazards 

Health problems caused by chemical hazards can include skin irritation, burns, dizziness, headaches, eye injuries, occupational asthma, pleural thickening, and mesothelioma.

Common causes 

Chemical burns are commonly found in industries such as farming, manufacturing, construction, cleaning, and beauty and might be the result of inadequate PPE, poor working procedures, or lack of training.

Mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.

Because handling chemicals brings with it a substantial risk, it’s crucial that strict safety protocols accompany the use of harmful substances.

Health implications 

While in some cases, workers can recover from chemical injuries, some injuries caused by chemical exposure can cause serious health conditions. Mesothelioma, for example, is an aggressive form of cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma often goes undetected for a long time and according to the NHS, there are around 2,500 deaths from the condition each year in the UK.

How to prevent chemical hazard accidents

The HSE explain that when it comes to using chemicals in the workplace, you should always try to prevent exposure at source by asking the following questions:

Can you avoid using a hazardous substance or use a safer process – preventing exposure, eg using water-based rather than solvent-based products, applying by brush rather than spraying?
Can you substitute it for something safer – eg swap an irritant cleaning product for something milder, or using a vacuum cleaner rather than a brush?
Can you use a safer form, eg can you use a solid rather than liquid to avoid splashes or a waxy solid instead of a dry powder to avoid dust?

(Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/whatdo.htm)

When exposure can’t be prevented, HSE advise that you should apply the principles of good control practice.

Employers will need to ensure that they meet their legal obligations in relation to controlling exposure to harmful substances, including the rules set out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). Some substances, such as asbestos, lead and radioactive substances have their own set of regulations.

Biological hazards 

Biological hazards, as defined by Safety Culture, include exposure to things such as blood, mould, bacteria and viruses, insect bites, and animal droppings.

Common causes 

HSE explain that employees can come into contact with harmful micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, either due to intentional work while employed in a microbiological laboratory for example, or due to incidental exposure from your line of work, for example, while working in healthcare or agriculture.

An example of a biohazard in a healthcare setting might be a needlestick injury, which can lead to exposure to blood-borne viruses. If you’ve been injured due to a biohazard at work, our network of solicitors can help you make a claim for compensation.

Preventing biohazard accidents

As with any workplace hazard, your employer is responsible for protecting you from biohazards while at work. Employers have various responsibilities under law, which include carrying out risk assessments, listening to employee concerns, maintaining equipment, and providing adequate training.

HSE outline the specific legal responsibilities that employers have in relation to working with blood-borne viruses.

Legal and financial implications of workplace hazards 

The repercussions for employers who fail to comply with health and safety regulations can be extremely serious. The most obvious risk for those organisations that neglect workplace hazards is that it can lead to illness and injury for their workers and others.

There are also legal implications for those who fail to protect their employees, as well as financial and reputational implications to consider.

Employers have a legal duty to undertake regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, an employer should assess the risks to health and safety that employees and others are exposed to while they are at work.  

The HSE outline the minimum legal requirements when managing risks. An employer should:

identify what could cause injury or illness in your business (hazards) 
decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk) 
take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk

Resources and tools for hazard identification and reporting 

HSE explain how you can identify hazards to health in the workplace and how to record your findings. They also provide risk assessment templates and examples based on different types of business. Some organisations might choose to use software for their hazard management and reporting.

How The Compensation Experts can help if you’ve had a workplace injury 

If you’ve suffered an accident at work due to a hazard in the workplace, you may be eligible to make a claim. At The Compensation Experts we’re committed to helping those injured at work get the compensation they deserve; we have a network of some of the UK’s leading personal injury lawyers who can provide legal advice on a No Win No Fee basis.

Get in touch with the team at The Compensation Experts today to see what your claim might be worth.

Workplace accident claims we’ve handled

We helped a fuel delivery driver who suffered a soft tissue injury to his back after he lifted an 80-kilogram fuel hose on his own.

Compensation figure: £6,200

We supported a farm worker who slipped and fell into a divot at work, causing a partial tear in his left knee. It was found that his employer should have packed the ground regularly to keep it more even.

Compensation figure: £25,000

Our lawyers helped an employee who sustained a broken leg after falling down a staircase at work. It was found that the steps were slippery and had no thread on them.

Compensation figure: £10,000

About the Compensation Experts and Common Workplace Hazards

This post is part of our ongoing series covering the issues to understand a workplace injury or work-induced psychiatric illness. Our goal is to keep you informed on the latest issues and risks involved with workplace injury claims.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, whether that’s an accident at work, a road traffic accident, or an accident in a private or public place, what you do in the immediate aftermath can not only help protect your health but can also help protect your legal rights. Here we share what to do after an accident and the steps you can take to ensure that you are in the best position should you choose to make a claim for compensation.

Seeking immediate medical attention

Your main priority after any accident should be to ensure that you and others are out of immediate danger. Check for hazards and do what you can to ensure that you and those around you are safe.

Once the situation is safe, the NHS advise that you should assess the injured person and contact 999 if necessary. The NHS gives guidance on how to assess someone who is injured, as well as guidance on common first aid situations.

It’s important to seek medical attention after an accident, even for injuries that are seemingly minor. Some injuries aren’t always immediately obvious, and your medical records can be included as evidence if you decide to make a claim for compensation.

Reporting the incident properly

Keeping good records and having a paper trail of what happened is crucial to protect the rights of those involved. If a claim is brought, then these records can be used as evidence in a compensation claim.

If you’ve had an accident at work, then the incident should be recorded in the accident book as soon as possible. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explain that organisations with more than 10 employees must keep an accident book by law. Keeping a record of incidents or near-misses can help identify patterns and precent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Furthermore, certain accidents at work should be reported under RIDDOR – the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. Incidents that must be reported include deaths, serious injuries, incidents where someone is unable to work for seven days, occupational diseases, near misses, incidents involving gas, and injuries to non-workers. To find full details of reportable incidents, including which injuries must be reported, visit the HSE website.

For road traffic accidents, where an injury is involved, the incident will need to be reported to the police. If urgent medical assistance isn’t required, you can report the accident using 101. The police report may form part of your evidence for any compensation claim.

Record evidence

Collating evidence is crucial when making a claim for personal injury compensation. Keeping all correspondence relating to the accident can help corroborate your version of events and will provide good foundations for your case. If you can, you should gather evidence as soon as possible after an accident.

The type of information and records available will depend on the type of accident and the specific circumstances of your case, but we have listed below some examples of evidence commonly used in personal injury cases:

Names and contact details of anyone involved in the accident, including witnesses

The type and location of the accident

Details of injuries sustained due to the accident

Date and time of the accident

Details of immediate treatment received for your injuries, including names and wards of medical staff treating you. You may also need an independent medical assessment to help support your claim.

Dates and times of subsequent medical visits and treatment

Photographs of your injuries

Photographs of the scene of the accident

Diagrams explaining how the accident occurred (e.g. showing position and direction of travel in an RTA)

Police reports or reports from emergency services if applicable. Or a copy of the RIDDOR report from your employer.

A diary recording any appointments you had relating to your injury, as well as details of your physical and mental condition. Keep details of any support you need with day-to-day activities.

Receipts for any expenses incurred because of the accident, e.g. travel expenses if you are unable to drive due to your injuries.

Keep track of losses

As part of the evidence you provide, you should also ensure you keep records and receipts for any financial losses you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. These records will help your legal team put together an accurate picture of your losses, which will then be used, alongside other information, to negotiate your compensation settlement. Examples of losses and expenses you should record and keep receipts for include:

Medical costs if you’ve had to pay for any treatment yourself

Travel costs if you’ve been unable to drive or you’ve had to travel to medical appointments

Loss of income if you’ve been unable to work, or had to reduce your hours or change roles due to your injuries

Care costs

Details of damage to your belongings, e.g. vehicles, clothing or equipment

Speak to a personal injury solicitor

Knowing what to do after an accident can be overwhelming, but seeking legal advice is a crucial step. If you’re unsure on what to do after an accident that is not your fault, consulting with a specialist personal injury solicitor will help you to fully understand and protect your rights. Your solicitor will help you navigate the claims process and will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

For expert advice and to receive an indication of how much your claim could be worth, speak to The Compensation Experts today. We can put you in touch with a solicitor who specialises in claims like yours. Get in touch on 0800 182 2188 or request a callback now.

If you’ve suffered a foot injury, it can have a serious impact on your day-to-day life, causing pain and discomfort, as well as affecting your mobility. While some injuries might occur due to personal choices such as wearing unsuitable footwear or from participating in sport, some foot injuries can occur or become exacerbated due to the negligence of someone else. If your foot injury was caused by a road traffic accident, an accident at work or in a public place, or because of medical negligence, you could be eligible to make a foot injury claim.

A foot injury could occur at work where protective footwear is inadequate or hasn’t been provided at all. Therefore, it’s crucial that the correct safety protocols are followed by employers, to help prevent these types of accidents.

In this article, we explore some common foot injuries and their causes, as well as some ways that foot injury can be prevented. We’ll also share the eligibility criteria for making a foot injury claim and how you can recover the compensation you deserve if you’ve experienced a foot injury that wasn’t your fault.

Common foot injuries

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine share the most common injuries to the foot, which include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures in the foot, ankle sprains, bunions and Morton’s neuroma.

Foot injuries can arise from a range of circumstances, including negligence. Inadequate safety measures at work or poorly maintained public spaces for example, can lead to accidents causing some of these common foot injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a foot condition, which the NHS say is characterised by pain on the bottom of the foot, around the heel and arch. Caused by straining your plantar fascia – the area of the foot connecting the heel bone and tones, the NHS explain that the reasons for plantar fasciitis occurring are not always clear, but that you’re more likely to develop the foot problem if you:

are 40 to 60 years of age
recently started exercising on hard surfaces
exercise with a tight calf or heel
overstretch the sole of your foot during exercise
recently started doing a lot more walking, running, or standing up
wear shoes with poor cushioning or support
are very overweight

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis refers to a condition where the tendon that connects the back of the leg to the heel becomes inflamed. According to Penn Medicine, symptoms include:

Heel pain and pain along the tendon when walking or running
Pain and stiffness in the area in the morning
Pain in the Achilles tendon when touched or moved
Swelling and warmth in the heel area or along the tendon
Difficulty standing up on one toe

Penn Medicine explain that Achilles tendonitis can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes, and that the condition is most common in younger people due to overuse, while tendonitis from arthritis is more common in older people.

Stress fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack or break in the bone, typically caused by overuse. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust explain that the most common stress fractures seen in A&E are stress fractures in the foot. The main symptom of a stress fracture is pain, which will usually worsen when doing impact activities such as running or jumping.

Ankle sprains

The NHS explain the sprains and strains are common injuries, which affect the muscles or ligaments. A sprain refers to a torn or twisted ligament and usually occur in wrists, ankles, thumbs, and knees, while a strain is an overstretched or torn muscle and commonly affects the knees, feet, legs or back.

The NHS advise that sprains and strains cannot always be prevented but that failing to warm up prior to exercise, fatigued muscles and taking part in sport are common causes of these types of injuries.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony lump that develops on the side of the foot, by the big toe. If you have a bunion, you may experience pain on the side or bottom of your feet, which often worsens when wearing shoes and walking. The NHS explain that although the cause of bunions isn’t always clear, you might be more likely to develop a bunion if you wear ill-fitting shoes. To try and prevent the condition, it might be helpful to ensure that shoes have room for the toes and to avoid pointed-toe shoes or high heels.

Morton’s neuroma

As explained by the NHS, Morton’s Neuroma is a condition involving a thickening of the tissue in the foot that’s been damaged or irritated. Symptoms can include a shooting, stabbing, or burning pain, or you might feel like there is a lump under your foot. For some, the condition causes tingling or numbness in the affected foot. Often worsening over time, symptoms can be exacerbated by wearing tight or high-heeled shoes and you may feel worse when you move your foot.

In terms of causes of the condition, the NHS go on to explain that Morton’s Neuroma has been linked to wearing pointed, tight, or high-heeled shoes. It may also affect those who take part in sporting activities that put a lot of pressure on the feet, e.g. running. Having foot problems such as bunions, flat feet, high arches, or hammer toes has also been linked to Morton’s Neuroma.

The impact of negligence on foot injuries

As we’ve explored above, some common injuries to the foot can be caused by leisure activities and high impact sports, or from wearing certain footwear. In cases like this where there is no negligence, there is likely no claim to be made for a foot injury. However, where a foot injury has happened due to the negligence of another party, be that a public body, a medical professional, or an employer, you have a right to make a foot injury claim.

In the workplace, providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which might include protective footwear, is an obligation of the employer. According to HSE (Health and Safety Executive), guidance states that “Employers should, therefore, provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in its usage to their employees wherever there is a risk to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means.” If you’ve suffered a foot injury at work due to a lack of PPE, or because your employer has neglected their health and safety obligations, you could be eligible to make an accident at work claim.

In public spaces, foot injuries might occur due to trips on pavements or due to supermarket accidents. Whatever the circumstances of your foot injury, if you believe that your injury happened due to negligence, then it’s important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Preventing and treating foot injuries

Employers, businesses, and other public bodies should take their responsibilities around health and safety seriously to try and prevent negligence-related foot injuries from happening.

Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment to prevent injuries to employees and others. Among their responsibilities, they should provide adequate training, maintain equipment, and carry out risk assessments to mitigate hazards in the workplace.

In terms of public bodies, councils also have a responsibility to help prevent injury to the public. They should take reasonable steps to make council property safe. Areas that they are responsible for might include council buildings like schools and parks, council-owned homes, roads, pavements, and street lighting.

Compensation claims for negligence-related foot injuries

As discussed earlier, if your foot injury or condition is linked to a personal choice, such as wearing a certain type of footwear or playing sports, you are unlikely to qualify for a personal injury claim. However, if you believe the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be eligible to make a foot injury claim.

If your injury was down to negligence, you will need to prove that the other party was liable or partially liable for your injury. We work with a network of personal injury solicitors who have expertise in accident at work claims, medical negligence cases, and claims against the council. We’ll match you with a solicitor who has suitable experience to help you prove your case.

Seeking legal advice as early as possible is crucial when making a foot injury claim. There are strict time limits when making a personal injury claim, so it’s important that you get in touch to ensure you don’t miss out on the compensation you’re entitled to. Our expert team will listen carefully to what happened to you and explain how we can help – we’ll also give an indication of how much compensation you could potentially receive.

Starting your foot injury claim is easy:

Step 1: Simply call our friendly agents on 0800 182 2188 or request a callback. We have a network of the best personal injury solicitors who have years of experience handling foot injury claims. They will work hard to get you the maximum compensation available.

Step 2: Once we’ve confirmed that we can proceed with your personal injury claim, our friendly UK customer care team will listen to and understand your situation before putting you in touch with an expert personal injury solicitor to progress your claim.   

Step 3: Your solicitor will gather evidence and will notify the negligent party that you wish to begin claim proceedings. With your solicitor negotiating on your behalf, you will either win the compensation you deserve, or you’ll pay nothing as per our No Win No Fee guarantee. *

*Conditions apply

There can be several ways in which different ankle injuries can occur, from landing badly while playing sports, stepping on uneven surfaces, or from trauma to the ankle area from an RTA or an accident at work.

However your ankle injury occurred, it’s likely that it will impact your day-to-day activities, and you might need time off work while your injury heals. If your ankle injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help you make an ankle injury claim, so that you can take the time you need to recover fully.

Anatomy of the ankle

The ankle or talocrural joint is comprised of three bones: the talus, the tibia, and the fibula. The joint is supported by a strong ligament known as the deltoid ligament, which can be found on the inner ankle, and by weaker ligaments on the outside, including the talo-fibular ligament. In cases of a twisted ankle, it is likely to be this talo-fibular ligament that is affected.

Types of common ankle injuries

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ankle injuries, including their symptoms and the effects different types of ankle injuries can have on your day-to-day life.

Sprains

A sprained ankle can happen when you move your ankle in an awkward way, leading to a stretch or tear to the ankle ligaments. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a sprained ankle can include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, restricted movement, instability and a popping sensation or sound when the injury occurs.

Fractures

The ankle is one of the most commonly broken bones. According to OrthoInfo, there are three main types of ankle fracture. These are:

Nondisplaced fracture – where the ankle bones are not out of place. These fractures do not usually need surgery.

Displaced fracture – this is where the broken bone fragments are separated. There may be fractures in multiple areas, and the ankle joint might be dislocated. Where there is an ankle fracture with a dislocation, in most cases, surgery is needed.

Open fracture – also known as a compound fracture, this is where the broken bones break through the skin. An injury like this should be treated as an emergency.

Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendon injuries can include tendonitis, when the tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain to the back of the leg and the heel area. Another Achilles tendon injury is a rupture, where there is a complete or partial break of the tendon.

An injury to the Achilles tendon can cause significant pain and may lead to difficulties with mobility and staying active.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when a tendon swells due to an injury. According to the NHS, symptoms include:

tendon pain that gets worse when you move
difficulty moving the joint
experiencing a grating or crackling sensation when moving the tendon
swelling, sometimes with heat or redness

Instability

Ankle instability describes when the ankle joint is too loose, which can lead to problems, including ankle injuries. In some cases, the ankle ‘gives out’ despite the ligaments being stable – known as functional instability.

Causes of ankle injuries

These common ankle injuries can be caused by various factors. Here, we look at some of these causes in more detail.

Trauma

Road accidents (including car, motorbike and cycling accidents) can cause trauma to the ankle area, leading to injury.

Slips, trips and falls, which might occur on pavements or in supermarkets, are another common cause of ankle injuries.

Overuse

In some cases, an ankle injury may be the result of overuse, causing weakness to the area. Ankle strains are an overuse injury; in cases of a chronic ankle strain, it often occurs when the ankle is being overused over an extended period. This might be seen in sportspeople, such as footballers or marathon runners.

Sports injuries

Sports injuries can result in some of these common ankle injuries, due to the twisting movement and repeated impact on the ankle joint in some activities.

Acute ankle sprains for example, are the most common lower limb injury in athletes, accounting for up to 40% of all sports-related injuries according to the National Library of Medicine.

Walking or running on uneven ground may also increase your risk of ankle injury.

Poor footwear

Footcare MD explain that wearing high heels can lead to ankle injuries such as ankle sprains and fractures. Because the foot is pointed down in high heeled shoes, this makes it easy to sprain the ankle. There is also the obvious risk of losing your balance when wearing high heels, which can lead to injury.

Ankle weakness or instability

Ankle instability can occur due to repeated ankle sprains or due to a sprain that hasn’t properly healed or been fully rehabilitated. Chronic ankle instability can cause repeated turning of the ankle, particularly on uneven surfaces or during sports.

Risk factors

According to Mayo Clinic, risk factors that increase your likelihood of a sprained ankle include:

Participating in sports
Walking or running on uneven surfaces
Previous ankle injury
Poor ankle strength or flexibility
Improper shoes

How to prevent an ankle injury

Preventing some of these common ankle injuries is not always possible, but UCSF Health explain there are some measures that might reduce your chance of foot or ankle injury, particularly in sports:

Warm up before participating in sports
Gradually increase activity to build strength
Choose the right footwear for your foot type
Replace worn out shoes
Avoid uneven surfaces if possible
Be careful when running up and down hills and build this up
Consider a brace or tape for previous injuries
Listen to your body

Treatment options

Treatment options for ankle injuries will depend on the type of ankle injury and the severity of the individual injury. Ankle sprains and strains can often be treated at home using the RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate. The NHS recommends following these 4 steps for the first couple of days after a sprain or strain.

The treatment for an ankle fracture differs depending on the severity. In very minor cases, there might not be a need for treatment but in more serious fractures, treatment options include: a special boot to support the ankle, a plaster cast, manipulation of the bones by a doctor, or in some cases surgery.

Treatment for tendonitis involves resting, as well as putting ice on the area, and supporting the tendon using a tube bandage or soft brace that should be removed before bed. A pharmacist can also give advice on painkillers to help ease your discomfort.

Treatment for ankle instability can be surgical or non-surgical according to FootCare MD. Non-surgical treatments include bracing the ankle for certain activities such as sports, and rehabilitation. If surgery is needed, this might involve tightening the ligaments or undertaking an ankle ligament reconstruction.

Are you eligible to make a claim?

You could be eligible to make a claim for an ankle injury if the injury was not your fault. For example, if your injury was caused by an accident at work, a road traffic accident, or a slip, trip or fall in a public place such as a supermarket or on the pavement, you could be entitled to compensation.

The key to determining whether you have a valid claim is understanding whether your injury was down to someone else’s negligence. However, even if you were partly to blame for your accident, you could still be eligible to claim, so it’s important that you seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Our expert team will talk you through the claims process and give you an estimate of how much compensation you could be entitled to.

Making a claim with The Compensation Experts

At The Compensation Experts, we work with a network of solicitors who regularly handle ankle injury compensation claims. They can help you recover compensation for your accident so that you have the breathing space you need to recover fully from your ankle injury. The solicitors we work have experience with various types of ankle injuries and have the expertise to deliver the best possible outcome for you.

To start your claim, contact us today and speak to one of our friendly agents. You can contact us by filling in our contact form, or by calling us on 0800 182 2188.

Ankle injury claims we’ve handled

The solicitors we work with supported a milk wagon driver who sustained injuries to his foot and ankle when the load of a trolley and the cage toppled over onto his foot while at work. Compensation figure: £32,000

Our network of solicitors helped a courier who suffered a soft tissue injury to his ankle after stepping into a large pothole while at work. Compensation figure: £4,449

If your employer is making life difficult after an accident at work or they’re threatening to terminate your employment, this can create even more turmoil during an already stressful time.

In situations like this, it’s important that you understand your legal rights, including what your employer’s responsibilities are, what your employment rights are, and what support is available. Being armed with this information can help you access financial support and put you in the best possible position to take action against your employer if necessary.

What is the accident at work procedure – can you be dismissed? 

Following an accident at work, there are certain responsibilities that your employer must fulfil. This includes providing first aid, recording the accident, creating a RIDDOR report in certain circumstances, and carrying out an investigation. Learn more about the correct accident at work procedure and employer responsibilities in case of an accident.

Generally speaking, if you’ve had an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, you can’t be dismissed for it. Similarly, you can’t be fired for making a personal injury claim at work. Citizens Advice outline the five legal reasons for dismissal, which are:

you’re not capable of doing your job – for example because your performance is poor or you’ve been off sick a lot
you’ve behaved badly – which is called misconduct or, for things like violence or criminal activity, gross misconduct
there’s a legal reason why your employer can’t keep you on – usually this means you’ve lost the right to work in the UK
your role is redundant – you’ll need to look at different rules to check if it’s fair
of ‘some other substantial reason’ – this isn’t set out in law, but it means your employer has to show they had a good reason for dismissing you

Source: Citizens Advice

Dismissing an employee simply because they’ve had an accident at work that wasn’t their fault, or because they’re pursuing a personal injury claim, could be classed as unfair dismissal. You are also protected if you feel that your employer is treating you in a way that gives you no choice but to leave your job. This is known as constructive dismissal.

In cases like this, you may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal, as well as a personal injury claim for your accident at work.

Was it your fault? 

Liability in accident at work cases can be complex and we would always recommend that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. However, if you have had an accident at work that was clearly your fault, it is unlikely that you will be eligible to make a claim for compensation.

Furthermore, where it has been shown that you aren’t capable of doing your job, or where you have behaved badly (misconduct), your employment could be fairly terminated, as highlighted above.

If the accident was partly your fault, you could still have a claim for compensation. Personal injury claims allow for contributory negligence, which is where the injured party has been negligent in some way, but some blame still lies with the other party. In cases like this, you could still be eligible to make a claim for an accident at work, but your compensation settlement would be adjusted to reflect your part in the accident.

Was it the fault of the employer? 

All employees have a right to be safe while at work and are protected under several workplace health and safety laws, including The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Under these laws, your employer must provide a safe work environment. They must assess possible risks, listen to employee concerns, maintain equipment, provide proper training, and provide safe facilities.

Some examples of workplace accidents where employer negligence could be a factor might include:

where an individual has been injured due to a lack of training in using equipment or machinery where an individual has become injured as they weren’t provided with adequate PPE
where an individual has fallen from scaffolding due to inadequate safety railings
where an individual has been injured due to defective machinery, which wasn’t maintained properly

If you’ve had an accident at work and it was your employer’s fault, they shouldn’t be able to sack you due to the accident, and it is your right to make a claim for your workplace injury.

What if you’ve crashed a company car? 

If you’ve been involved in crashing a company car or another company vehicle, your legal position will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and who was at fault. Liability in car accidents can be complicated and if it is a company vehicle, this adds another layer of complexity.

Under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must consider the risks to employees and others while at work, which includes driving activity. Your employer may be liable or partly liable for your car accident if they are found to have failed in their legal responsibilities.

Examples where an employer could be liable for a crash include where the accident was due to inadequate training, or perhaps the accident happened because of a fault and the vehicle wasn’t properly maintained. In cases where your employer is liable for the accident, they shouldn’t dismiss you because of it, and you could be eligible to make an accident at work compensation claim.

If, on the other hand, the car accident was your fault entirely, it is unlikely that you would be eligible to make a personal injury claim, and your employer may be able to take action against you.

Were you on long-term sick leave when you were dismissed? 

According to Citizens Advice, your employer can legally dismiss someone when they are on long-term sick leave. However, if the employee has been employed for two or more years, they are required to follow the correct process. Citizens Advice outline employer obligations. Your employer should:

discuss with you that they might dismiss you 
show you details of medical evidence
give you the opportunity to respond to medical evidence and their assessment

Before they dismiss you, they should try to work out if and when you might be able to work again by looking into your medical condition.

They should:

check how long you were absent and if they have an accurate record of your sick leave
gather information about your condition
find out what any medical evidence says about your condition, including whether you can do alternative work or when you might return
see if you’re due to have any further treatment that could improve your chance of returning to work

Source: Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice go on to advise that your long-term sickness might count as a disability under the Equality Act, and that if you believe you were discriminated against, you could be protected by law.

Can you claim benefits if you’ve been dismissed due to an accident? 

If you’ve been sacked, you might be able to claim benefits, such as Universal Credit. For those who have been dismissed due to misconduct, Citizens Advice explain that there can be a delay in receiving benefits, known as a benefit sanction.

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, there are specific benefits available to help you. These include: 

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) – you could be eligible for IIDB if you become ill or disabled after an accident at work or while on an approved employment training scheme or course.  
Constant Attendance Allowance – this is for people who get IIDB or a War Disablement Pension and need daily care and attention because of a disability.

You can learn more about the full range of government benefits available and how to apply via GOV.UK. 

Finally, as explained earlier, if you’ve been dismissed unfairly, you might be able to make a claim for unfair dismissal against your employer.

How to bring legal action against your former employer 

If you believe you were unfairly dismissed due to an accident at work, you could be eligible to make a legal claim for unfair dismissal and a personal injury claim.

To make a claim for unfair dismissal, you usually have three months from the end of your employment to start your claim. Find out more about making a claim to an employment tribunal.
To make a personal injury claim, you typically have three years from the date of the injury, although there are some exceptions. We’d recommend you seek legal advice as soon as possible to confirm your eligibility.

Submitting an accident at work claim via The Compensation Experts is easy.

Step 1: Simply call our friendly agents on 0800 182 2189 or request a callback. We have a network of the best accident at work solicitors who have years of experience handling claims likes. They can help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to.

Step 2: Once we’ve confirmed that we can proceed with your claim, our compassionate UK customer care team will listen to and understand your situation before putting you in touch with an expert personal injury solicitor to progress your case.   

Making a claim against your former employer can be daunting, especially if you’ve been fired, but with the right support, you can recover the compensation you deserve. We work with some of the UK’s leading employer liability solicitors, who can provide personalised legal advice and support through what can be a distressing time.

Get the compensation you deserve if you’ve been let go 

In this article we’ve highlighted the importance of understanding your legal rights when it comes to an accident at work. We’ve outlined employer responsibilities in terms of health and safety, looked at the complexities of liability in workplace accidents, and asked whether you can be fired for crashing a company car. We’ve examined what your employment rights are if you’ve been dismissed after an accident at work, and shared information around whether you can claim benefits if you’ve been sacked. Finally, we have explained what your options are if you think you were treated unfairly and how to bring legal action against your employer.

Seeking legal representation as soon as possible after an accident is key to ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. For no obligation advice, speak to The Compensation Experts on 0800 182 2192, or contact us online.

Tips on how to live stress at work

Stress awareness month has been going since 1992, raising awareness for causes and solutions is essential for mental health and overall happiness. The past 2 years have been a real challenge for us all, loneliness and isolation has left a lot of us struggling. However, one of the positives to emerge from this unparalleled situation has been the community spirit and support shown by so many to so many. Now we can finally ease back into our old routines and focus our efforts into improving our mental health and do what we can to ease our stresses. Deteriorating mental health can lead to health problems and work absence, so we’ve come up with some solutions to get you through stress awareness month.

What can we do during Stress Awareness Month?

Talk about your stress with friends and family and colleagues, how it affects you and what you do to relieve your stresses, recognising it is half of the problem!
Share your coping mechanisms, techniques that help you to relax, it could benefit someone’s life massively, whether this be meditation, or a hobby, or a good book you’ve read. Helping someone else is also a serotonin booster and may take your mind off your own stresses in the meantime.
Be aware of those around you who look stressed and anxious, we are all undoubtedly going to experience stress and anxiety again in the future, so why not help those who need it, your empathy and compassion may be returned when you need it too.
Take care of yourself – self care is so important for your stress levels; we all have a social battery. Take time out of your busy schedule to chill out or do something that makes you happy and forget about your stresses.
Eat, sleep, exercise. The three most important influences on stress levels, if you eat healthily, sleep routinely at least 7 hours per night, and take time to do a small amount of exercise per day, including just walking, you can feel your mental health and stress levels improve dramatically. Make sure to try as many of these steps as you can, and keep an awareness of your stress levels.
Tell your employer to research mental health for employees in order to reduce stress at work in the office. You can suggest mental health training. Click here

There are some health warnings for high stress levels, not looking after yourself can lead to even serious issues, such as:

Cardiovascular disease. The heart experiences stress before any other organ. Heart disease is the planets number 1 killer, to reduce your risk, reduce your stress.
High blood pressure. The main cause for haemorrhagic stroke is high blood pressure. Stress levels can be directly linked to HBP.
Mental health issues can include depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
Obesity and other eating disorders.
Menstrual problems.
Sexual issues such as dysfunction, impotence, and overall loss of sexual desire in men and women.
Skin and hair problems like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and permanent hair loss.
Gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable colon.

If you have any of these issues from work related stress, click here to fill out a form to see if you’re eligible for compensation.

Other short term work-stress related symptoms include:

On your mood	On your body	On your behaviour
Headache	Anxiety	Overeating or undereating
Muscle tension or pain	Restlessness	Angry outbursts
Chest pain	Lack of motivation or focus	Drug or alcohol misuse
Fatigue	Feeling overwhelmed	Tobacco use
Change in sex drive	Irritability or anger	Social withdrawal
Stomach upset	Sadness or depression	Exercising less often
Insomnia	All above	All above

What can you do to reduce your stress levels and prevent symptoms of stress?

Eat and drink to optimize your health. Reduce stress by drinking less alcohol or eating too much. These actions may seem to help in the moment but may add to stress in the long run. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet can help to combat stress.
Exercise regularly, in addition to having physical health benefits, exercise has been shown to be a powerful stress reliever.
Stop using tobacco and nicotine products. People who use nicotine often refer to it as a stress reliever, however, nicotine actually places more stress on the body by increasing physical arousal and reducing blood flow and breathing.
Study and practice relaxation techniques. Taking the time to relax every day helps to protect the body from the effects of stress. You can choose from a variety of techniques, such as deep breathing, imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. There are many online and smart phone apps that provide guidance on these techniques. Or use apps/sites to help, like this one: click here.
Reduce triggers of stress. If you are like most people, your life may be filled with too many demands and too little time. For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. You can free up time by practicing time-management skills like asking for help when it’s appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and reserving time to take care of yourself – Not just during Stress Awareness Month.
Assert yourself. It’s okay to say “No” to demands on your time and energy that will place too much stress on you. You don’t have always have to meet the expectations of others.
Set realistic goals and expectations. It’s okay—and healthy—to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything all at once. Be mind ful of the things you can control and can’t control.

Causes of stress at work-related illness

Bullying and harassment. This is defined by the government as behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. This can include unfair treatment, being picked on, undermined, or blocked for progression, whether face-to-face, by letter, email or phone. Similarly, abuse, threats or excessive demands will lead to a stressful environment.
Lack of support. If an employee is not given adequate support, assistance, or guidance, they may well lack confidence, feel overwhelmed and under too much pressure.
Workload. There is only so much work that any one person can undertake. If an employer is placing unrealistic demands on an employee, forcing them to work long hours, for example, stress-related illness is a likely outcome.
Denial of employee rights. The rights of workers in the United Kingdom are enshrined in law, such as the right to rest periods, breaks and annual leave. If an employer denies these rights to their workers, they can be stressed and have low morale. Employee rights: Click here.

Can you claim compensation for stress at work?

The short answer to this question is yes, you can claim personal injury compensation for stress at work. More precisely, for the health problems it causes, however, you can only do so if the stress-related illness is severe enough to warrant making a claim and a medical diagnosis has been made. Get expert advice now to see if you can take legal action and claim compensation.

How can we help?

At The Compensation Experts we speak with people on a regular basis who suffer from high levels of stress especially related to their occupation. Although it isn’t straight forward to bring a claim for work related stress there is still the possibility of receiving compensation successfully. If you would like to find out more or speak with one of our team, fill in one of our contact forms here or call us directly on 0161 413 8765.

When we think of home, our first thoughts are often of safety, security, and warmth. Many of us see our homes as our personal safe space in the world, a place where we can relax and unwind away from the stresses of life. Rarely, if ever, do we consider how we might potentially injure ourselves during daily activities around the house.

However, studies continuously show that the home is one of the most common places for accidents to occur; unfortunately, we Brits can be a rather accident-prone lot. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that in the last 12 months alone, the average adult in the UK injured themselves at least twice while at home.

An accident at home can range from something as simple as a cut or bruise to potentially life-changing accident. Many of us have pulled a muscle while manually handling boxes or tending to the garden, but injuries can happen anywhere in the home.

To find out which areas of a typical UK household see the most accidents, and help you avoid injuring yourself in the future, we polled 2,000 Brits to find out whether they’d been injured in the last twelve months, where they suffered this injury, and what it was that injured them.

The top 5 most dangerous areas of the home

Perhaps it should come as little surprise that the most accident-heavy room in any household is the kitchen. While everyone knows they need to be careful when cooking, the use of knives, boiling water, and hot ovens makes accidents almost inevitable. As a result, 46.1% of all injuries from those we spoke to happened in the kitchen.

The next most accident-prone area of the home is the garden, following closely behind the kitchen with 35.6% of accidents occurring here. Again, with the numerous tools and gadgets we use while tending to our backyard, it shouldn’t come as a huge shock that many people end up suffering some form of gardening injury.

What might be more surprising is that 17.8% of person injuries in the home seem to occur in the living room. You might be wondering how someone could injure themselves while sitting on the sofa, but furniture-related injuries are far more common than you might think. Whether it’s missing the edge of your seat or trapping your hand behind the cushions in search of your phone, the humble couch and coffee table are responsible for more than a few injuries.

For the fourth most dangerous room, we come to the bathroom, with 17% of injuries happening on its slick surfaces. In many ways, it might come as a surprise that the rate of injury here is lower than in the living room, especially considering how wet bathrooms can get, but it seems people take greater care to avoid slipping in the bath than when sitting down.

Last but not least, the fifth most dangerous place in the home is the stairs. While visions of tumbling head over heel down one or more flights can be the stuff of nightmares, stair injuries are thankfully far less common than is often portrayed in soaps and the modern media.

The five most common household items that cause injuries

So, now you know what rooms to be most careful in, let’s take a look at the five most common household items that are likely to cause you injury.

Unsurprisingly, with kitchens being the most likely place to suffer an injury in the home, knives and hobs are the top causes of injury in the average UK house. Kitchen knives make up for 19.4% of all injuries in our study, while hob burns contribute a further 9.6%.

General kitchen furniture also ranks highly for injuries around the home, responsible for 9.1% of those reported to us. With chairs and tables often being used as makeshift stools to reach high places, uncareful footing can potentially lead to falls.

Further trips, slips, and falls often happen due to wet floors, something 7.9% of those we asked had the misfortune of experiencing. As for our final culprit for injuries around the home, 7.3% of individuals asked had experienced an accident involving the use of various gardening equipment.

The UK cities with the worst home injuries

With those stats in mind, hopefully, you now know what to look out for to avoid potential injuries in the home. And as an added bonus, we’ve used the data gathered to estimate which cities are the most accident-prone in the UK.

At the top of the list is Manchester, with 81.7% of homeowners having suffered an accident around their house, closely followed by Norwich which saw 76.8% of adults admitting to at-home injuries. Other top cities include Bristol, Newcastle, and Glasgow, with 73.9%, 72.1%, and 71.2% of those we asked, respectively, having suffered an injury at home.

If you want to find out more about injuries around cities in the UK, you can take a look at our piece on the UK’s most accident-prone cities.

Many of the injuries we experience in life can be avoided if we pay just a little bit more attention. But sometimes, we suffer due to someone else’s negligence.

Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with personal solicitors who have experience in handling accident at home cases; if you were the victim of an accident at home that wasn’t your fault, get in touch to see what compensation you could be eligible for. In the meantime, check out all the latest from our team of experts!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year once again – the Christmas decorations are going up and everyone’s getting into the festive mood. But from troubles with the turkey to accidents on ice, sadly, the festive period gets its fair share of accidents to go along with the joy.

In order to find out just which accidents are most common over the Christmas period, and which British city is the most accident-prone with the tinsel, we decided to ask the nation what their most common accidents were over Christmas.

We asked 1,000 people of all ages, gender, ethnicity, and jobs across the UK to fill in a questionnaire asking them about the injuries they might have suffered over Christmas. With our data in hand, we were able to calculate the most common accidents that occurred and the percentage of people unlucky enough to experience them.

The most common Christmas accidents across the UK

To anyone who’s out and about on those frosty December mornings, one thing everyone keeps an eye out for is ice. Yet we can’t spot every patch, so it might come as little surprise that the top accident found on our survey was slipping on ice.

In fact, 23% of those we surveyed said that they’d suffered an injury due to icy conditions, especially in Belfast and Sheffield where 35% and 33% of those we asked have had some form of slip.

After ice came the accident that no doubt everyone expected, with 21% of those we asked burnt their hand while cooking the Christmas dinner. According to our survey, Londoners are most guilty of this, with a full 30% of them having to run their hand under a cold tap at some point in the day.

Putting up Christmas decorations is often a highlight for many people, but it’s also an activity that takes the third spot on our list. 15% of Brits we asked have suffered some sort of injury as a result of decking the halls. Manchester is the worst culprit for this with 27% of people suffering a decorating related injury in the home, compared to the 23% of Mancunians who slip on ice.

Moving down our list we find that even decorating the Christmas tree can be hazardous, as 12% of those we asked have found out. It would seem that Londoners are particularly prone to this with 20% of them bashing a bauble or tripping on tinsel.

Finally, the fifth most common UK accident to make the cut is injuring yourself in the kitchen while chopping food for Christmas dinner. 11% of those we asked have injured themselves in some way while prepping the veg, particularly in Newcastle and Nottingham where roughly 13% of residents end up accidentally nicking themselves.

Of course, while these might be the top 5 most common accidents suffered, they’re by no means the only ones. 15% of those we asked in Belfast and Birmingham have hurt themselves while wrapping gifts, while 10% of those in Bristol got caught up in the melee of last-minute Christmas shopping. We also saw injuries relating to dancing, attending Christmas parties, and even lighting candles.

Christmas might be fun, but it can also be incredibly stressful

In a lot of cases, accidents that happen at Christmas are just that – accidents. But accidents themselves can be caused by a variety of factors. While it’s important we relax and spend time with the family over the festive season, it’s also important to understand how stressful it can be.

Shockingly, 50% of those we surveyed said they feel much more stressed over Christmas, and 61% said they found themselves rushing to do things – something that only increases the chance of accidents occurring. People in Edinburgh are the most stressed at 64%, but Liverpool is where people are rushing around for those last-minute finishing touches with a staggering 75% of those we surveyed falling into this category.

Many people also find their house is much messier over Christmas. On the whole, 60% of those we asked said the clutter builds up, with 73% of those in Sheffield struggling to find time to tidy up properly. And no part of Christmas is more stressful than the cooking. 45% of those we asked said they feel the pressure of cooking a Christmas dinner and 22% said they burnt the turkey due to everything else going on around them.

Unfortunately, while many of these accidents might seem minor, sometimes they do lead to a trip to the emergency room. While not overly common, 20% of people have had to take a friend or family member to A&E over the Christmas period and 15% of people have been to A&E for one reason or another, with people in Sheffield finding themselves visiting A&E more than any other city.

Christmas is the time of festive celebration and goodwill to all, but we shouldn’t forget that our rush to get everything done can lead to us and those around us getting injured. So, when you’re getting together with the family this year, consider slowing things down and finding more time to unwind. After all, isn’t spending time with the family more important than rushing to make sure everything’s perfect?

Here at The Compensation Experts, we can help you get the compensation you deserve for any personal injuries you suffer. If you’ve been injured over Christmas, either at work or at home, due to someone else’s negligence, get in touch and we’ll see if you’re eligible to make a claim.

What Information do you need to make a Financial Claim?

If you think you may be able to make a financial claim, there is a variety of information and identification that will be necessary. This should include any information you can provide from when you made the investment, examples of which can include:

Any or all paperwork from the associated pension or investment
Evidence of when you were first contacted to discuss the pension or investment opportunity
Records of moving your pension or investment
Evidence of what your advisor recommended
A record of those you spoke to while making the pension or investment
A record of how much your pension you invested or moved

What if I don’t have all this information?

If you don’t have all this information to hand, that’s not a problem. Paperwork and detailed information are often not necessary, as we will gather the full details from the provider and assess this for you. We will then communicate the results to you in clear language. Having some evidence and records of the process can also be enough to begin the financial claims process.

Information do you need to make a Financial Claim

How to make a financial claim

If you’re a victim of financial mis-selling, we can help. Start your claim for financial services compensation by getting in touch with our team of expert advisors, who will discuss your case and determine your eligibility.

If your claim does warrant investigation, we will begin to gather information from the relevant investment providers, to assess both the extent of your financial loss and the quality of advice you were dealt at the point of sale.

After conducting our initial research, we will write a bespoke letter of complaint which will be sent on your behalf to the trading business (or Financial Services Compensation Scheme, if they’re no longer active). At this point, your case will follow one of two avenues:

Your complaint will be upheld and you will receive the compensation you deserve for your damages and financial loss.
Your complaint will be refuted, and we will advise you on the next steps. We will also let you know how we plan to escalate the case according to Financial Ombudsman compensation guidelines.

What is the Financial Services Compensation scheme?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is the UK’s statutory insurance body that protects consumers when firms and businesses fail to pay damages for financial malpractice. This is often because the trading firm has gone out of business. In these cases, the FSCS will pay your compensation.

How We Can Help

Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience with financial mis-selling claims. This means that they can help with any questions you have about the information you need to make a financial claim. If you think you may have a potential claim, contact us today by filling in or contact form. Or call us to speak to one of our friendly experts.

Are you looking to invest your money into an investment fund? Here is everything you need to know about unit trusts vs investment trusts, and the difference between a unit trust and an OEIC.

OEIC vs unit trusts: what’s the difference?

When looking to invest your money in funds, you want to be sure that you’re placing it in a fund that is both secure and reliable. The last thing you want to happen is to be mis-sold investment funds.

If you’re looking to invest your money into funds, the two of the most common types of investment funds are known as unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs). Both these funds share a variety of traits, but they also have some important differences.

There is also a third type of commonly used trust known as an investment trust that you may want to consider if a unit trust or OEIC doesn’t appeal to you.

What are OEICs and unit trusts?

At first glance, there appears to be little difference between OEICs and unit trusts.

Rather than being an individual fund, both OEICs and unit trusts are what’s known as mutual funds. A mutual fund contains money from multiple different investors and is managed by someone known as a fund manager.

The fund manager takes the invested money and uses it to create a portfolio of investments and assets by investing in bonds or shares from a variety of businesses on the stock market. The total value of these investments is then divided into units, hence the name unit trust, each one being given to one of the fund’s investors. Investors can then exit the fund at any time by selling their unit.

What is an investment trust?

Unlike an OEIC or unit trust, an investment trust is a company that operates as a closed-ended investment fund. While OEICs are fluid in the size of their funds and investments, investment trusts hold a fixed number of shares and will typically retain the same value between the investors when an investor withdraws from the fund.

Investment trusts are seen as longer term investments that require time to fully reap the benefits, being more suited to static investments rather than things such as bonds.

When it comes to the difference between a unit trust and investment trust, if you want an investment you can reach and withdraw easily, a unit trust should be your pick.

OEIC vs unit trusts: similarities

Due to the effectiveness of both open-ended companies and unit trusts as potential investment opportunities, both types of funds have proved to be increasingly popular in recent years.

A large reason for this, and one of the core similarities between the two, is the fact that they can offer a practical and affordable way for clients to diversify their fund portfolio. With shares spread across numerous different asset classes, all managed by a separate individual, there is no pressure to make routine calls on individual stocks and shares to check and monitor their value.

This is particularly true if investors do not have the expertise required to manage stocks and shares professionally. Allowing another individual to handle the buying of units or shares can also provide a much wider spread of investment than an investor could have otherwise achieved with the same amount of money on their own.

In many other respects, unit trusts and open-ended investment companies are the same types of funds. Despite the name difference, they’re both open-ended, and the price of each unit they provide is also dependent on the net asset value of the fund’s overall investment portfolio.

With open-ended investment companies and unit trusts, you can also generally choose to have dividends paid directly to you as income or have it reinvested in the fund if it’s performing well to increase future dividends.

On top of this, both fund vehicles can invest in a wide range of asset classes, geographies, and sectors. The collective nature of unit trusts and OEICs means that the invested money contributed by the number of investors can be pooled together for investment in the stock market.

So, with so many similar aspects between them, you might be wondering why there’s a debate between investing in an OEIC vs unit trust to begin with.

Well, while both fund types might have a lot in common, both also have some pretty major differences.

The difference between unit trusts and OEICs

Without a doubt, when deciding between a unit trust vs OEIC, the main factor that will likely influence your choice will be the pricing of your chosen fund.

Unit trusts have what’s known as an offer price, a price at which an investor can buy into them. But on top of this, they also have what’s known as a bid price. This bid price is the price at which an investor can then sell their unit.

OEICs, on the other hand, have a single price for everything. This often makes OEICs more stable to invest in than unit trusts, as the price gap between a unit trust’s offer and bid cost is typically a 6-7% difference. Charges for an OEIC are simply deducted from the total amount invested.

Essentially, unit trusts come with added cost weight that should be taken into account when deciding between an OEIC vs unit trust.

Investment in a unit trust also involves buying a proportion of the total fund, the unit you are given when you invest in the fund, while an OEIC involves buying an actual share in the investment company. This makes it much clearer as to what you’re investing in when you opt for an OEIC vs unit trusts.

A final, subtle difference between the two is that trust law governs a unit trust, whereas company law governs an OEIC. This means there will be a variety of regulations you’ll need to consider when deciding on which fund to invest in.

Deciding on whether to invest in an investment trust or a unit trust vs OEIC

Now that you know the similarities and differences between an OEIC, unit trust, and investment trust, it’ll be up to you to decide which is more suitable for your needs.

OEICS have substantially increased in popularity in recent years due to their simplified structure, and many unit trusts have converted into OEICS as a result. That being said, unit trusts are still a popular choice. And if you want a long-term investment option, you might want to consider an investment trust.

Regardless of whatever type of fund or trust you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to do your research into investment funds and asset classes so you know what you’re investing into. And if you’re ever unsure about the legality surrounding any type of trust or fund, it’s always a wise idea to approach a qualified solicitor for advice.

Of course, when investing in any type of fund, there is always the risk that you may be mis-sold the investment. Whether it’s mis-sold investment bonds or a stocks and shares ISA, if you believe you’ve been misled on a financial fund investment, you might be able to make a mis-sold investment claim.

Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience with financial miss-selling claims. They’ll be able to help you tell the difference between OEIC vs unit trusts, as well as walk you through the claims process if you want to make one.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – which regulates financial services and markets in the UK – states that an advisor must sell financial services in a way that is fair, clear, and not misleading. This means that if you have been advised to take out an investment product by a financial advisor in the last 30 years you may have been given poor or unsuitable financial advice. This means that, historically, there may be a lot of reasons investments are mis-sold.

Common Reasons Investments are Mis-Sold

There are a number of reasons that investments may have been mis-sold. Here are some of the common reasons why:

The risks associated with the financial product were not explained to you. The advisor should have assessed your attitude to risk and recommended a product that suits your own risk profile and your capacity to make a financial loss.

An advisor did not give you the correct information, or did not tell you how your money would be invested. They also did not tell you about the risk involved with that investment. So, you ended up with a product that is not right for you.

You were not made aware of additional charges and fees which you have incurred following advice. The advisor should provide you with illustrations detailing how the initial and ongoing charges may impact on your investment.

The advisor did not assess your personal circumstances. An advisor should consider your personal circumstances such as your income, future financial plans, existing investments, and previous investment experience; so that they can recommend the right product for you.

The advisor did not give you the full range of investment options or products. Some advisors were acting as ‘tied agents’ for their place of work. Consequently, they were only able to recommend products sold by the bank or financial institution they worked for. This means the advisor may not have given you your full range of investment options.

You experienced hard sales tactics and felt uncomfortable or pressured into an investment that you didn’t really need or want.

If you have experienced any of these, then you may have been mis-sold the investment and may be able to make a mis-sold investment claim.

How We Can Help

Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience with financial mis-selling claims. This means that they can help with the most commo reasons investments are mis-sold when making a claim. If you think you may have a potential claim, contact us today by filling in or contact form. Or call us to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.

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