Accidents at work: New HSE statistics support the need for work accident solicitors
In November 2011 the Health and Safety Executive published updated statistics on the number of work fatalities in the UK. The good news is that fatalities at work have been on the decrease for some years now. However, work accident lawyers know only too well that they can and do happen, and in the very rare event that you lose a loved one to a workplace accident the impact can be utterly devastating. Not only are you left coping with grief, you may well have to think about the financial fallout for you and your family. This is where sensitive and ethical work accident solicitors can prove an invaluable source of support.
Unravelling the statistics: a work accident lawyer’s view
Our work accident solicitors have reviewed the new HSE data on fatalities in the workplace as well as accidents and work related illnesses. There is a key change this year in how the data has been presented. For the first time the HSE has changed its classification system for industry sectors, now using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2007 where previously the SIC 2003 system was in place. The final figures for workplace fatalities will therefore not be published until June 2012. This is because, as all work accident solicitors will agree, workplace accidents and fatalities can often involve a long and complex investigation process and final results may need to be adjusted accordingly.
That said, the summary of 2010/11 workplace fatalities essentially demonstrates that only a tiny percentage of the UK population will ever die in the workplace. In the period under review only 482 such incidences occurred throughout UK industry. Of much more concern to work accident lawyers and indeed employers and employees are the general HSE figures published in 2010 that give an overall picture of health and safety in the workplace.
When might I need a firm of work accident lawyers?
The honest answer is that at Universa we hope you never need need to be in contact with work accident solicitors! But the statistics do suggest that an accident or health related problem in the workplace could affect you at some point in your life. ‘When looking for the right firm of solicitors to deal with your claim, there are a couple of things you need to look out for. You need to make sure that you are approaching the solicitors directly, rather than a Claims Management Company, and you need to be sure that they are experts in accident at work. With Universa Law you will be speaking to the solicitors directly from day one – and Universa Law’s solicitors are recognised experts in this field.. If you are ever affected by an accident at work or ill health caused by working conditions, you need to know that you can rely on top quality work accident lawyers who are one hundred percent on your side.
How do I choose the right workplace solicitors to help me with my claim?
Modern compensation culture has led to a bewildering array of companies all claiming to get you the best compensation for your accident or illness. The reality is that when you’re choosing a firm of work accident lawyers you’re negotiating a potential minefield. But you can follow some key rules to make sure you don’t get caught out.
Never pay any fees upfront: Ethical work accident lawyers will never ask you to pay anything upfront or sign any form of credit agreement. If you are asked to do either of these things, we advise that you walk away.
Don’t accept cold calls: – Cold calling is against both the Solicitors Code of Conduct, and the Claims Management Regulations – so no profesional work accident solicitors should be cold calling you. If you receive a cold call or promotional text do not be swayed by promises of increased compensation.
Take references: Always look for work accident solicitors with specialist experience in your area and ask them to demonstrate previous successful cases and provide references. All credible work accident lawyers understand completely how crucial this decision is for your future, and will happily furnish you with the information you need.
Our article accidents at work: taking the next steps will tell you everything you need to know about what to do immediately after an accident and what to expect when claiming compensation. Universa are work accident solicitors accredited with both the Law Society and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Our people are meticulously trained in every aspect of personal injury cases, medical negligence claims and claims for accidents at work.
If you are ever unlucky enough to experience an accident that was not your fault simply contact us and we’ll be standing by to offer professional, impartial advice and sensitive support for your claim every step of the way.