Workplace accident solicitors

Solicitors for workplace accidents in Scotland.

Austin Lafferty employees

At Austin Lafferty Solicitors, our solicitors regularly support employees who have been injured at work.

We have extensive experience handling claims arising from unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or failures in health and safety procedures. If you were injured because your employer, or another responsible party, did not take proper care, we can give you clear advice on your options. We will assess the circumstances of your accident and explain whether your claim is likely to succeed, along with the level of compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. When that duty is not met, the consequences can be serious. Workplace accidents can result in fractures, back injuries, burns, head injuries, or long-term conditions that affect your ability to work and carry out everyday tasks.

Common workplace accidents include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls caused by unsafe flooring or spillages
  • Injuries from faulty machinery or poorly maintained equipment
  • Accidents involving lifting, handling, or repetitive tasks
  • Incidents caused by inadequate supervision or lack of training

Employees working in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality, healthcare, and other physically demanding roles may face particular risks, especially where proper safety procedures are not followed.

We offer a complimentary first consultation with an experienced lawyer, where one of our workplace accident solicitors will discuss your circumstances and outline your fee options.

Types of claim

If you have been injured at work due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation for a range of losses. This includes damages for physical pain and suffering, as well as the emotional impact of an accident, such as stress, anxiety, or loss of confidence in returning to work.

You may also be entitled to recover the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation. This can include physiotherapy, counselling, and any associated travel expenses required during your recovery.

In addition, a workplace accident claim can cover lost earnings, overtime, bonuses, and any impact on your future earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to return to your previous role. Compensation may also take into account any care needs or other assistance required while you recover.

Why choose us as your workplace accident solicitors?

At Austin Lafferty Solicitors, we combine legal expertise with a practical understanding of how a workplace injury can disrupt your life. An accident at work can affect not only your health, but also your income, job security, and family responsibilities.

We understand how worrying it can be to consider making a claim against an employer, and our aim is to guide you through the process clearly and confidently while protecting your position throughout.

Frequently asked questions about accidents in the workplace

<p>Yes. You can usually return to the same job after making a workplace accident claim. Employers are not allowed to dismiss or penalise you for bringing a legitimate claim, regardless of whether it succeeds.</p>

You can still claim. Your length of service or probation status does not remove your right to a safe workplace. Employers owe the same duty of care to new and long-standing employees alike.

You may still be entitled to claim compensation. Your right to pursue a workplace accident claim does not end because you have resigned or are due to leave the company.

It is usually wise to seek legal advice before accepting any offer. An employer’s initial proposal may not reflect the full value of your injury, particularly if there are potential future losses or ongoing treatment needs.

You may still be able to claim. Contractors, agency workers, and subcontractors are often owed duties of care by the business responsible for controlling the workplace or site.

Yes. A missing accident book entry does not automatically prevent a claim. Other evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, or CCTV footage, can still support your case.

You may be entitled to compensation. Employers are responsible for providing safe, properly maintained equipment and for ensuring staff are trained to use it correctly.

You may still be able to claim. Even if you were partly responsible, your employer may still share liability. In these cases, compensation can be reduced to reflect shared fault rather than refused altogether.

The claims process

Broadly speaking, you have three years from the incident or from when you reasonably became aware of your condition (such as after a stay in hospital) to make a claim. After this point, the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit has passed.

During the case, you must present evidence including medical reports, witness statements, wage confirmations and expense receipts. Medical evidence from your GP and relevant specialists is also essential for injury claims. Our personal injury solicitors will explain what is needed for your specific case and support you in compiling the relevant information.

Court cases typically take months or years to complete. If settled out of court, the opponent's insurer pays legal fees and outlays, though some costs may be deducted from your award. When cases proceed to court and you win, the losing party usually pays your costs. Your solicitor will explain all fee and financial arrangements at the outset and put everything you need to know in writing.