If you’ve been injured at work in Lancaster, you may feel overwhelmed by the idea of pursuing compensation, especially if you are worried about legal costs. The good news is that a no win, no fee agreement may allow you to make a claim without paying any upfront fees. This blog will guide you through what no win, no fee means, your legal options after a workplace injury, and how Marley Solicitors can help.
What does no win, no fee mean?
No win, no fee is a common term for what is legally known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA). This type of agreement permits you to seek compensation without the financial risk of paying solicitor fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
In simple terms:
- If you win your case, your solicitor’s fees will be paid from your compensation
- If you lose, you typically do not pay your solicitor’s legal fees
No win, no fee arrangements are designed to make legal support more accessible to individuals who may otherwise be discouraged from making a claim due to cost concerns.
Common types of workplace injuries in Lancaster
Accidents at work can happen in any environment; from offices and shops to construction sites and factories. Some of the most common types of workplace injuries include:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Manual handling injuries (such as lifting heavy objects)
- Machinery accidents
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Falls from height
- Repetitive strain injuries
No matter the industry, employers have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. If they fail in this duty and you suffer as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Who can make a workplace injury claim?
If you’ve been injured at work in the past three years and the accident was at least partly due to your employer’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim.
You can also make a claim if:
- You are a full-time, part-time or agency worker
- You are self-employed but working under another business’s supervision
- You developed a work-related illness over time, such as industrial deafness or asbestosis
It’s important to speak with a solicitor as soon as possible to assess the strength of your claim.
What compensation can you claim for?
Workplace injury compensation is designed to help you recover from the impact of your injury and any financial losses you’ve incurred. You may be able to make a claim for:
- Pain and suffering (general damages)
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Loss of future earnings if your injury affects your ability to work long-term
The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the accident, and its long-term impact on your life.
What responsibilities do employers have?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to protect their staff from injury or harm. This includes:
- Providing appropriate training and supervision
- Carrying out regular risk assessments
- Maintaining a safe and clean working environment
- Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed
- Ensuring machinery and equipment are in safe working condition
If your employer fails in these duties and it leads to an injury, they may be held liable.
How to start a no win, no fee workplace injury claim
Starting a claim with Marley Solicitors is straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:
- Free initial consultation
We’ll start with a no-obligation consultation to understand the circumstances of your accident, assess your case, and answer your questions.
- Evidence gathering
If we believe your claim has a strong chance of success, we’ll begin gathering evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, CCTV footage, and medical records.
- Medical assessment
You may be asked to attend an independent medical assessment so we can fully understand the extent of your injuries.
- Claim submission
We’ll submit your claim to the responsible party (usually your employer’s insurance company) and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Resolution
Most cases are resolved without needing to go to court. If your case does go to court, we’ll represent you throughout the process.
What are the time limits for making a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident (or from the date you became aware of your injury or illness) to make a claim. There are exceptions, such as:
- For children under 18, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday
- For individuals lacking mental capacity, there may be no time limit unless capacity is regained
Acting early ensures your solicitor has plenty of time to build a strong case.
Will you have to go to court?
Most workplace injury claims are settled out of court. Going to court is usually a last resort if the responsible party disputes the claim or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement. If that happens, Marley Solicitors will provide expert representation to ensure your case is presented effectively.
Why choose Marley Solicitors if you’ve been injured at work in Lancaster?
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with an injury while facing financial uncertainty. Our team of personal injury specialists are here to support clients in Lancaster with compassionate, professional advice and expert legal representation.
When you choose us, you benefit from:
- Transparent, jargon-free communication
- Decades of experience in workplace injury claims
- No win, no fee representation
- A dedicated solicitor managing your case from start to finish
- Local knowledge of Lancaster and surrounding areas
We’re proud to represent clients in Lancaster and across the North West. We’ll work hard to secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
Final thoughts: your legal rights after an accident at work
If you’ve been injured at work in Lancaster, you may be entitled to compensation. Thanks to no win, no fee agreements, you can access legal support without worrying about upfront costs or financial risk.
Whether your injury was caused by faulty equipment, a lack of training, or unsafe working conditions, you have legal rights, and we’re here to help you assert them.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step towards justice and recovery.
