Back Pain Injury at Work: What Are Your Legal Rights?

Suffering a back pain injury at work can have a serious impact on your daily life. From ongoing discomfort to time off work and long-term mobility issues, back injuries are not just physically painful, they can be emotionally and financially draining too.

Whether your injury was caused by lifting something heavy, a slip on a wet floor, or poor office equipment, it’s important to understand your legal rights and what steps you can take if your employer has failed in their duty to protect you.

Reach out to us today on 0800 0747 644 or complete a Free Online Enquiry to tell us more about your situation.

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How Back Injuries Happen at Work

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace problems in the UK. They can happen suddenly, such as during a lifting accident or a fall, or develop over time due to poor working conditions.

In manual labour roles, heavy lifting or twisting movements are often the cause. In office environments, poor posture and inadequate seating can lead to long-term back pain. Jobs that involve repetitive movements or long periods of standing or sitting without breaks can also contribute.

In many of these situations, employers could have prevented injury by providing the right training, equipment, or support.

Your Employer’s Duty of Care

Every employer in the UK is legally required to provide a safe working environment. This includes carrying out risk assessments, offering proper manual handling training, supplying the right tools or equipment, and addressing any hazards promptly.

If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent injury, whether that’s by ignoring safety concerns, failing to act on reported issues, or not providing proper training, they may be held legally responsible for your back pain injury at work.

What You’re Entitled To

As an employee, you have certain legal rights if you’ve suffered an injury in the workplace. First and foremost, you have the right to report the incident and ensure it’s recorded in the company’s accident book. You are also entitled to seek medical attention, whether through your GP or in an emergency setting, and to take time off to recover if necessary.

Importantly, if your injury was caused by employer negligence, you have the right to claim compensation. This can help cover not just your pain and suffering, but also financial losses such as missed earnings, travel costs to medical appointments, and any future care or treatment you might need.

The law also protects you from being dismissed or treated unfairly for reporting an injury or making a claim.

Can You Make a Claim?

To bring a successful personal injury claim, you’ll need to show that your employer breached their duty of care and that this led directly to your injury. Evidence such as medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and the workplace accident report can all strengthen your case.

There is usually a three-year time limit to make a claim, starting from the date of the injury or from when you first became aware that your symptoms were linked to your work. Because of this, it’s vital to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

How Much Could You Receive?

Compensation for a back injury at work varies depending on how serious the injury is and the impact it’s had on your life. A minor strain may result in a smaller amount, while a more serious injury, such as a slipped disc or nerve damage, could attract a much higher award. The amount also takes into account how your injury affects your ability to work, whether you need ongoing treatment, and any pain or distress it has caused.

At Grieves Solicitors, we can help estimate the value of your claim based on your individual circumstances and medical evidence.

We’re Here to Support You

At Grieves Solicitors, we’ve supported hundreds of clients who’ve suffered workplace injuries, including many with back pain injuries. We know how overwhelming it can feel to start a claim, especially when you’re still in pain or worried about your job. That’s why we offer a friendly, straightforward approach with no legal jargon and no pressure.

We work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means there’s no financial risk in bringing a claim. Our experienced team will handle everything on your behalf, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on your recovery.

Protect Your Health and Your Rights

You don’t have to suffer in silence after a back pain injury at work. If your employer failed to keep you safe, you may be entitled to compensation, and you deserve legal support from a team that puts your wellbeing first.

Contact Grieves Solicitors today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options, and if you choose to go ahead, we’ll fight to get you the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.

Our caring and supportive team are here to listen and advise on 0800 0747 644. Or you can complete a Free Online Enquiry to set up a free consultation or tell us more about your story.

Here at Grieves Solicitors, Personal Injury Specialists, we offer a no win, no fee solution to funding your claim (a conditional fee agreement) which means that you do not have to worry about legal costs and expenses.  You can read about our no win, no fee agreement here.