How to Prove a Back Injury at Work

A back injury at work can have serious consequences, not just for your health but also for your ability to work and earn a living.

Whether you’ve been hurt in a one-off incident or developed a problem over time due to poor working conditions, proving that your injury is work-related is essential if you want to make a successful personal injury claim.

In this guide, we explain how to prove a back injury at work, the types of evidence you’ll need, and how a solicitor can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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

“The service has been brilliant from start to finish and I am extremely grateful for it.

I was initially in two minds whether to go for a claim and had no experience in this area but from the start Helen was extremely helpful and reassuring.”

1. Report the Injury Immediately

As soon as the injury occurs, or as soon as you realise it may be linked to your job, report it to your employer. Make sure the details are recorded in the company’s accident book. This is a legal requirement in workplaces with 10 or more employees, and it provides a formal record that your employer was made aware of the incident.

If there’s no accident book available, write down the details and give a copy to your manager or HR department. Keep a copy for your own records too. Delays in reporting an injury can make it harder to prove when or where it happened.

2. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Always see a GP or go to hospital promptly, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious at first. Back injuries can worsen over time, and early diagnosis is important for both your recovery and your claim.

Be clear with your doctor about how the injury happened, and ensure it’s noted that the incident occurred at work. This information will form part of your medical records and can help support your claim.

3. Get a Formal Medical Diagnosis

A successful injury claim requires more than just saying you’re in pain—you’ll need evidence from a medical professional. Your GP may diagnose you with a condition such as:

• Soft tissue damage
• Muscle strain
• Slipped or herniated disc
• Spinal injuries or nerve damage

They might also refer you for scans or treatment such as physiotherapy. The diagnosis, treatment plan, and any medical reports will all be important in proving the severity of your injury and its likely cause.

4. Gather Witness Statements

If any colleagues saw the accident or can confirm unsafe working conditions, their statements can strengthen your case. This is particularly important if your employer disputes what happened or denies responsibility.

Witnesses can also provide insight into your usual work environment, which is helpful in cases involving repetitive strain or poor manual handling practices.

5. Collect Photographic or Video Evidence

Photos and videos can be incredibly helpful in proving how your injury occurred. If your injury was caused by something visible—like damaged flooring, a cluttered walkway, or faulty equipment—take clear photos as soon as possible.

You should also ask your employer if there is any CCTV footage of the incident. Many systems only keep footage for 30 days, so request a copy quickly before it’s deleted.

6. Keep a Personal Injury Diary

Start a diary where you record the impact the injury is having on your life. Include notes on:

• Pain levels
• Mobility issues
• Sleep problems
• Medical appointments
• Time off work
• Tasks you’re no longer able to do

This diary can serve as evidence of the ongoing impact of your injury, particularly if you’re claiming for loss of earnings or a reduced quality of life.

7. Follow Workplace Procedures

Your employer might ask you to attend a medical assessment through their Occupational Health provider. Make sure you cooperate with any requests, as this shows you’re taking the injury seriously and allows your employer to understand your limitations.

However, these assessments are not the same as an independent medical report. Your solicitor will usually arrange a separate medical examination to support your personal injury claim.

8. Speak to a Specialist Solicitor

Personal injury claims involving back injuries can be complex—especially if your employer denies responsibility or if the injury developed over time rather than in a single incident. A specialist solicitor will:

• Assess whether your employer breached their duty of care
• Help gather the right medical and legal evidence
• Arrange an independent medical report
• Deal with your employer’s insurance company
• Negotiate a fair compensation settlement

Most importantly, they’ll take the pressure off you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

When Are You Eligible to Claim?

You may be entitled to compensation if your injury was caused by:

• Lifting or moving heavy items without proper training
• Poor posture or seating at a desk due to a lack of ergonomic equipment
• Repetitive movements without breaks or rotation of tasks
• A fall or trip caused by poor housekeeping or lack of maintenance
• Falling objects that weren’t properly secured
• Inadequate risk assessments or failure to provide PPE

Employers have a legal duty to ensure your safety at work. If they failed in that duty, and you were injured as a result, you may be able to bring a claim.

Let Grieves Solicitors Help You Prove Your Case

At Grieves Solicitors, we understand the stress and uncertainty that come with a workplace injury. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury claims, we’re committed to helping you get the support and compensation you deserve.

We’ll help you gather the right evidence, arrange medical assessments, and deal with the legal process on your behalf, all on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Speak to one of our expert solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.

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.