Justice For The Workers with Nowinnofee.co.uk

Nowinnofee.co.uk, the UK’s first independent resource website for people looking to pursue compensation claims, has released its five-point guide for employees that have suffered an accident in the workplace.

Established in November 2009 by Internet entrepreneur Tom Johnson after he suffered whiplash in a car accident, Nowinnofee.co.uk aims to dispel the myths surrounding "no win no fee" claims and also guide site users into how they can move things forward without incurring major legal fees.

1) Who is at Fault?
If you find yourself victim of an accident at work and want to make a compensation claim you must first prove that your employer is at fault. Damaged equipment, dangerous or untidy conditions, failure to supply adequate safety wear and lack of heavy lifting training are all classed as negligence. You will need to have recorded the incident in the company accident book and any claim must be made within three years of the date of the accident.

2) Representation
In many cases, a complex relationship will exist between employer and employee, so dealing with the effects of an accident at work can disrupt the balance between a healthy career and the pursuit of justice. For this reason, the process can be made easier and less stressful for the victim with the use of legal representation. Specialist personal injury companies will be able to assess your situation and advise on your eligibility to claim before passing your case over to a relevant solicitor. If you belong to a trade union, you may be able to use their legal services.

3) Preparation
The more information you can provide to your solicitor, the quicker your claim will be resolved. Keep detailed notes of the date, time and conditions at the time of the incident and take photographs if necessary. Write down exactly what happened as soon as possible after the event including as much information as possible. Take the names and contact numbers of any witnesses and seek medical attention, keeping and making copies of any doctors notes or paperwork.

4) Keep it Amicable
Workplace compensation claims are often more difficult than other types of claims as the incident has the potential to disrupt your career and damage your relationship with your employer. Ensure that your solicitor keeps your company informed at all times and endevour to keep the process as simple as possible for all concerned. Remember, the aim of legal damages is to put you in the position you would be in had the accident not happened – it is not about getting hold of some 'free' money.

5) Patience
Although many claims are resolved in a matter of weeks, some can go on for up to three years, especially if disputed by the employer. This can be disheartening and leave the victim wanting to give up on their pursuit of justice. Nevertheless, workplace accidents are subject to the law and under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act employers cannot escape their obligations to provide a safe and clean working environment, so have patience - if your claim is legitimate satisfactory compensation will be awarded.

Nowinnofee.co.uk provides information and advice on personal injury claims, accidents at work and whiplash injuries, as well as producing consumer guides for dealing with claims and solicitors.