A back injury can affect you in a variety of ways, emotionally, physically and financially. Back injuries at work are relatively common in the UK,…
Claim compensation for a slipped disc at work
If you’ve suffered a slipped disc injury as a result of an accident at work, you may be eligible to make a slipped disc at work compensation claim.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Slipped Disc at Work Claims
If you suffered a slipped disc in the workplace, you may be eligible to make a slipped disc at work claim. Employers must take reasonable steps to protect employees from such injuries, and they may be liable for compensation if they fail to do so.
A slipped disc can result from a single accident or may develop over time due to repetitive movements or exposure to vibrations. It can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, reduced mobility, and muscle weakness, which can significantly impact your daily life.
To find out if you are entitled to start a slipped disc at work claim, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back. Our legal team will offer you a free case assessment and guide you through the claims process.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Table of Contents
What is the duty of care of employers to prevent workplace injuries?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty of care to keep their employees safe from injuries, including those related to slipped discs. This includes:
- Carry out regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
- Provide appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ensure a safe working environment.
- Addressing hazards promptly.
- Ensure work equipment is safe for use and properly maintained.
- Avoid manual handling operations and provide lifting aids.
If your employer’s failure to uphold their duty of care led to your slipped disc injury, you may have grounds for a personal injury compensation claim.
Am I eligible to make a slipped disc at work claim?
You are generally eligible to proceed with a slipped disc at work compensation claim if you can prove the following:
- Your employer had a legal duty of care to ensure your safety.
- They breached this duty by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent your injury.
- This breach has directly caused your slipped disc at work, leading to pain, suffering and financial losses.
- You are within the legal time limit to claim compensation (typically three years).
Our team of personal injury solicitors will be happy to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case and determine if you can proceed with a slipped disc at work claim.
What steps should I take after suffering a slipped disc at work?
If you’ve sustained a slipped disc injury at work, it is essential to take the correct steps. These will help protect your health and support a future accident at work claim:
- Report the incident to your supervisor or manager and ensure that it is recorded in the accident book.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment.
- Gather evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, unsafe conditions or defective equipment.
- Take the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident.
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury has affected your life.
- Keep all financial documents to prove your losses, including receipts and payslips.
- Contact an accident at work solicitor for legal advice.
How do I make a slipped disc at work compensation claim?
If you want to claim compensation for a slipped disc at work, the first thing you should do is contact a specialist solicitor. You can do this right now by calling 0800 470 0474 or using our contact form to request a call back.
You will be offered a free consultation to discuss your accident and injury. If you are entitled to compensation, one of the solicitors we partner with will provide you with a no win no fee agreement and proceed with the claim. They will:
- Help you collect supporting evidence.
- Arrange a free medical exam to assess the full extent of your injury and your long-term prognosis.
- Send a letter of claim to your employer outlining the details of your claim and the compensation you seek.
- Negotiate your settlement if the defendant admits liability.
- Issue court proceedings if your employer denies fault for your injury.
- Go to court to argue your case (this is rarely necessary, as more than 96% of all cases are settled without going to court).
What evidence do I need to support a slipped disc injury at work claim?
If you slipped a disc at work and you want to claim compensation, you need various pieces of evidence to prove how the injury occurred and how it has affected your life. This could include:
- A copy of the accident report filed with your employer.
- Medical records confirming your injury, ongoing symptoms and the treatments received.
- Imaging results, such as X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans.
- Statements from witnesses, such as colleagues who saw what happened or can confirm unsafe conditions at work.
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, the specific hazard that caused it and any visible injuries.
- CCTV footage, if available, which you should request as soon as possible.
- Workplace documents, such as training records and maintenance logs.
- Your detailed statement, including how the accident happened, your symptoms and the impact on your life.
- Testimony from expert witnesses, such as medical specialists or accident reconstruction experts.
- Proof of financial losses, including receipts, invoices and payslips.
What workplace accidents could cause slipped disc injuries?
Slipped disc injuries in the workplace are typically caused by sudden trauma, repetitive strain, or poor ergonomic practices that place excessive stress on the spine. Examples include:
- Moving heavy objects without proper training or lifting aids.
- Falls from heights, such as ladders, scaffolding or elevated platforms.
- Slips, trips and falls due to hazards such as wet floors.
- Being struck by objects like vehicles, moving machinery or falling items.
- Prolonged exposure to vibrations from heavy machinery or vehicles.
- Performing repetitive tasks that involve bending, twisting or awkward postures.
If you suffer a slipped disc due to your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.
What occupations are at higher risk of suffering a herniated disc?
While a slipped disc can occur in any occupation following an accident or poor work practices, some jobs carry a higher risk, including:
- Manual labourers and construction workers
- Healthcare workers such as nurses and carers
- Truck, lorry, bus and delivery drivers
- Warehouse and factory workers
- Cleaners
- Agricultural workers
- Athletes and sports professionals
People working in these industries are regularly exposed to risk factors such as heavy lifting, manual handling, prolonged sitting, awkward postures, repetitive movements, or vibrating machinery.
Could I lose my job if I make a slipped disc compensation claim against my employer?
No, it is illegal for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly simply for making a legitimate slipped disc compensation claim.
You are protected from unfair dismissal by the Employment Rights Act 1996. If you claim slipped disc compensation and your employer retaliates by dismissing you, you could pursue an additional claim at an employment tribunal.
Furthermore, all employers are required to have insurance to cover workplace injuries. It is the insurance company that will pay the compensation if you make a successful claim, and not your employer.
How could a slipped disc injury affect my life, and how can it be treated?
Slipped disc injuries can be painful and debilitating. You may experience:
- Chronic back or neck pain.
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs.
- Muscle weakness and reduced strength.
- Difficulty standing, walking, or working.
- Time off work and financial strain.
- Reduced quality of life.
The treatment for a slipped disc in your spine typically involves rest and pain medication. More severe cases may need epidural steroid injections and even surgery. Physical therapy can also be of help.
Personal injury compensation can help you access private medical treatment, recover lost income during recovery and give you peace of mind.
What is the time limit to claim compensation for a slipped disc at work?
The Limitation Act 1980 imposes a general three-year time limit for starting a personal injury claim, including for a slipped disc injury at work. This starts from either of the following:
- The date on which an accident takes place.
- The date on which an injury is diagnosed and linked to negligence (date of knowledge).
While three years seems like plenty of time, it is best to start your claim as soon as possible. This will help your solicitor gather evidence and ensure you have the best chance of receiving compensation for your slipped disc injury.
You can read more about the time limits here: How long do I have to make a claim for compensation?
How much compensation is awarded for a herniated disc at work?
The amount of compensation awarded for a personal injury, including slipped discs, is typically split into two parts:
- General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
- Special damages for financial losses such as medical costs, travel expenses, and lost wages.
The compensation amount for special damages is calculated based on financial documents, such as receipts, bank statements and invoices.
General damages depend on the type and severity of your injury and the guidelines published by the Judicial College, according to which you could receive:
- £9,630 to £15,260 for relatively minor spinal disc injuries.
- £15,260 to £47,320 for a moderately severe disc hernia.
- £47,320 to £159,770 for severe injuries to the cervical discs.
Can I make a claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
If you are eligible to claim compensation for a prolapsed disc at work, our team of solicitors will help you make a no win no fee claim. This means that:
- There are no upfront fees to pay.
- There are no legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful.
- If you win, a success fee is deducted by your solicitor from your compensation award (up to a maximum of 25%).
To learn more about making a claim for a slipped disc at work on a no win no fee basis, call us today on 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. You will receive a free consultation with no obligation to proceed, and a friendly legal adviser will answer all your questions.
