Accident at Work

May 2026

What to Do After an Accident at Work in Lancashire — A Step-by-Step Guide

Being injured at work is a stressful and often frightening experience. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, knowing what steps to take can feel overwhelming — particularly when you are in pain or in shock. However, the actions you take in the hours and days following a workplace accident can make a significant difference to your health, your wellbeing and your legal position.

At Goldman & Co Solicitors, we speak to people across Lancashire every day who have been injured at work. This guide sets out exactly what you should do, step by step, to protect yourself and preserve your right to claim compensation if you are entitled to do so.

Step 1 — Get Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. Even if your injury seems minor at first, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a workplace accident. Some injuries — particularly head injuries, back injuries and soft tissue damage — may not show their full severity immediately.

Visit your GP, A&E or an urgent treatment centre as soon as possible. Make sure the injury is recorded in your medical notes, as these records will be important evidence if you decide to make a claim.

Step 2 — Report the Accident to Your Employer

Regardless of whether your employer is legally required to report your accident, you should ensure it is recorded in your employer's accident book. Ask your employer or HR department to record the incident in writing and make sure you receive a copy — or at least take a photograph of it on your phone. This creates a formal record that the accident took place.

Step 3 — Gather Evidence

Evidence is crucial to a successful workplace accident claim. If you are able to do so safely, gather the following as soon as possible:

• Photographs of the hazard that caused your accident — wet floor, broken equipment, unguarded machinery, inadequate scaffolding
• Photographs of your injuries
• Names and contact details of any witnesses
• Details of any CCTV cameras in the area — request that your employer preserves the footage
• Any correspondence with your employer about the accident or your injury

Step 4 — Keep a Record of Your Losses

From the date of your accident, keep a record of all losses you suffer as a result of your injury — including lost earnings, medical expenses, travel costs and any costs of care at home. Keep receipts wherever possible.

Step 5 — Be Careful What You Say to Your Employer

After a workplace accident, you may be asked to provide a statement to your employer or their insurance company. Be cautious — anything you say may be used to reduce or deny your compensation claim. We strongly recommend speaking to a solicitor before you commit to anything in writing.

Step 6 — Be Aware of the Time Limit

Personal injury claims in England and Wales must generally be made within 3 years of the date of your accident. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Step 7 — Speak to a Specialist Solicitor

Goldman & Co Solicitors are based in Lancashire and handle accident at work claims across Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster and the whole of England and Wales. We offer a free, no-obligation initial assessment.

Personal Injury

April 2026

How Long Do I Have to Make a Personal Injury Claim in England and Wales?

One of the most common questions we receive at Goldman & Co Solicitors is: how long do I have to make a personal injury claim? It is an important question — miss the deadline and you may lose your right to claim compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.

The short answer is that most personal injury claims in England and Wales must be made within 3 years of the date of your accident or injury. However, there are important exceptions to this rule, and understanding which applies to your situation is essential.

The Standard 3-Year Time Limit

The Limitation Act 1980 sets out the time limits for bringing personal injury claims in England and Wales. In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of your accident to issue court proceedings. The 3-year period begins from the date of the accident itself — not from when you instructed a solicitor or when you decided to make a claim.

Exceptions to the 3-Year Rule

Claims Involving Children

If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the 3-year limitation period does not begin to run until their 18th birthday. This means a child injured in an accident could have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. However, a parent or guardian can make a claim on behalf of a child at any point before they turn 18.

Industrial Disease and Occupational Illness

For industrial disease claims — such as asbestos-related conditions, industrial deafness or vibration white finger — the 3-year period begins from the date of knowledge rather than the date of exposure. This is particularly important for conditions like mesothelioma, which may not become apparent until decades after exposure.

Mental Incapacity

If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the limitation period does not run at all until they regain capacity. If they never regain capacity, there is no time limit for their claim.

Why You Should Act Sooner Rather Than Later

Even though you may have up to 3 years to make a claim, it is always better to act as soon as possible. Evidence is fresher, witnesses are easier to trace, and your solicitor has more time to build the strongest possible case.

What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the limitation period, your claim will generally be statute-barred — meaning you will lose the right to claim compensation. If you are concerned that you may be approaching the limitation period, contact Goldman & Co Solicitors immediately.

Accident at Work

March 2026

Can I Claim Compensation If the Accident at Work Was Partly My Fault?

One of the most common reasons people decide not to make a personal injury claim is the belief that they cannot claim because the accident was partly their own fault. This belief is understandable — but in many cases, it is wrong.

The law in England and Wales recognises that accidents are rarely black and white. In many cases, more than one party may bear some responsibility for what happened. This is where the legal doctrine of contributory negligence comes in.

What Is Contributory Negligence?

Contributory negligence is a legal principle that allows a court to reduce the amount of compensation you receive to reflect your share of responsibility for the accident. It does not prevent you from claiming at all — it simply means your compensation may be reduced by a percentage that reflects your contribution to the accident.

For example, if a court finds that you were 25% responsible for your accident and the defendant was 75% responsible, you would receive 75% of the full value of your claim.

Common Examples in Workplace Accident Claims

Contributory negligence issues arise frequently in workplace accident claims. Some common examples include:

• Not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that was provided
• Rushing or taking a shortcut that you knew to be against safety procedures
• Not reporting a hazard that you were aware of before your accident
• Ignoring safety briefing or training that you had received

Even in these circumstances, your employer may still bear the majority of responsibility — particularly if they failed to properly supervise you, enforce safety rules or provide adequate training.

Don't Assume — Get Advice

Many people who come to us having already decided not to claim — because they thought the accident was partly their fault — go on to receive significant compensation. The only way to know for certain whether you have a viable claim is to speak to an expert.

Accident at Work

February 2026

Will Making a Personal Injury Claim Affect My Job? Know Your Rights

Fear of losing their job is one of the main reasons people hesitate to make a personal injury claim against their employer. It is a completely understandable concern — particularly if you rely on your income to support your family, or if you enjoy your work and want to continue in your role.

However, the law in England and Wales provides strong protections for employees who make personal injury claims.

Your Legal Right to Make a Claim

You have a legal right to make a personal injury claim against your employer if you have been injured due to their negligence. Your employer cannot lawfully dismiss you, demote you, reduce your pay, change your working conditions or treat you in any other unfavourable way because you have made or are considering making a personal injury claim. To do so would be unlawful under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Who Actually Pays the Compensation?

Your compensation is almost always paid by your employer's insurance company — not by your employer personally. UK law requires all employers to hold employers' liability insurance for exactly this purpose. Your employer's business finances are not affected.

What If My Employer Threatens Me?

If your employer threatens to dismiss you, reduces your hours or salary, or treats you negatively as a result of your claim, this could constitute automatic unfair dismissal under employment law. Goldman & Co Solicitors can advise you on your rights and refer you to an employment law specialist if required.

Get Free, Confidential Advice

If you have been injured at work and are worried about the implications of making a claim, speak to Goldman & Co Solicitors in complete confidence. We will give you honest, clear advice on your rights and options — with no pressure and no obligation.

Personal Injury · Lancashire

January 2026

Personal Injury Solicitors in Lancashire — How to Choose the Right One

If you have been injured in Lancashire — whether in Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster or anywhere else in the county — finding the right personal injury solicitor is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right solicitor can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim, the speed at which it is resolved, and your overall experience of the legal process.

1. Look for a Specialist, Not a Generalist

Personal injury law is a specialist area. While many high street law firms offer personal injury services alongside wills, conveyancing and family law, the firms that consistently achieve the best results are those that specialise exclusively in personal injury and accident claims.

2. Choose a Qualified Solicitor — Not a Claims Management Company

Not all companies that advertise personal injury services are actually solicitors. Claims management companies are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Always check that your chosen firm is SRA regulated. You can verify any firm's status at sra.org.uk. Goldman & Co Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the SRA (No. 643535).

3. Understand How Fees Work

Most personal injury solicitors in Lancashire handle cases under a Conditional Fee Agreement — meaning you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. Before instructing any firm, make sure you fully understand the fee arrangement. At Goldman & Co Solicitors, we explain our fee arrangements clearly before you agree to anything.

4. Look for a Dedicated Case Handler

One of the most common complaints about larger firms is that clients are passed between different handlers throughout their case. When choosing a solicitor in Lancashire, ask whether you will have a dedicated case handler. At Goldman & Co Solicitors, every client is assigned to one solicitor who handles their case personally from start to finish.

Why Choose Goldman & Co Solicitors in Lancashire?

Goldman & Co Solicitors are based in Preston and serve clients across the whole of Lancashire. We are a specialist personal injury firm, every case is handled personally by a qualified solicitor, and we are SRA regulated and transparent about our fees.

Road Traffic Accidents · Preston

December 2025

Road Traffic Accident Claims in Preston — What You Need to Know

Road traffic accidents are among the most common causes of serious personal injury in Preston and across Lancashire. Whether you were involved in a car accident on the M6 or M55, a motorcycle collision on a rural road, or a cycling accident in Preston city centre — if the accident was caused by another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

What to Do at the Scene

Where it is safe to do so, you should:

• Call 999 if anyone is injured
• Exchange details with the other driver — name, address, vehicle registration and insurance details
• Take photographs of the scene, vehicle positions, damage and road conditions
• Gather witness names and contact details
• Seek medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine initially
• Contact Goldman & Co Solicitors as soon as possible

Types of Road Traffic Claims We Handle

• Car accident claims — rear-end collisions, junction accidents, motorway accidents
• Motorcycle accident claims
• Cycling accident claims
• Pedestrian accident claims
• Whiplash and soft tissue injury claims
• Uninsured driver claims through the Motor Insurers' Bureau

Whiplash Claims — The New Rules

Changes to the whiplash claims process introduced in May 2021 means that minor whiplash claims are now handled through an online portal with fixed compensation tariffs. However, more serious injuries are not subject to these tariffs and may attract significantly higher compensation. Our solicitors will advise you on which process applies to your claim.

Act Quickly — Time Limits Apply

Personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents must generally be made within 3 years of the date of the accident. Contact Goldman & Co Solicitors as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and your claim is handled in time.