Office work doesn't feel high risk. That doesn't mean it's risk-free

Trailing cables, unstable shelving, poorly assessed workstations: office accidents are quieter than a construction site, but the duty of care is exactly the same.

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It's easy to assume office work is inherently safe, but the same basic duty applies as anywhere else: your employer needs to identify and manage hazards, keep walkways clear, and properly assess workstations, including display screen equipment, seating and lighting.

We see genuine claims arising from office environments regularly, they're just less often talked about than construction or industrial accidents.

What kinds of office accident claim do we handle?

  • Trips over cables, cabinets or clutter

    Including trailing leads and open drawers in walkways.

  • Falling objects

    Including from overloaded shelving.

  • Slips on office flooring

    Including recently cleaned or wet areas.

  • Chair and workstation-related injuries

    Including inadequate display screen equipment assessments.

  • Falls on office stairs

    Including poor lighting or missing handrails.

What if I was partly at fault?

Partial responsibility reduces compensation proportionally rather than removing the claim.

What you could receive

Office accident claims cover general damages for the injury and its effect on your life, and special damages for financial losses, including lost earnings and treatment costs.

We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.

How does a claim actually work?

Four stages, and you always know which one you're in.

  1. 01

    Initial consultation

    You tell us what happened. We give you a straight view on whether your claim has merit, free and with no obligation.

  2. 02

    Investigation

    We gather incident reports, photographs, and where relevant, workstation assessment and maintenance records.

  3. 03

    Negotiation

    We deal with your employer's liability insurer directly.

  4. 04

    Resolution

    Once agreed, your compensation is paid. We'll explain exactly how our fee is calculated before you agree to anything.

Don't leave it late

How long do I have to claim?

Most personal injury claims must be brought within three years of the accident, or three years from the date you first connected your injury to it. For children, that three year clock starts on their eighteenth birthday.

If you're not sure whether you're still within the time limit, contact us. We'll tell you quickly.

The money side

What will it cost me?

Nothing upfront. Where a no win, no fee agreement applies, our fee comes from your compensation only if the claim succeeds, and it's set out in full, in writing, before you agree to anything.

  • We'll explain the funding options available for your claim, which may include a conditional fee (no win, no fee) arrangement, clearly and in full before you decide whether to proceed.
  • Where a conditional fee agreement applies and your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. The law limits that fee in personal injury claims, and it is never taken from any damages awarded for future care or future loss of earnings. We explain exactly how it is worked out, in writing, before you agree to anything.
  • A cancellation fee may apply if you withdraw outside the 14 day cooling off period. Full details will be provided before you sign anything.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is an office injury taken as seriously as an industrial one?

Yes, the same duty of care and the same claims process apply, regardless of how low risk the environment seems.

What if I tripped over my own bag or a colleague's belongings?

This can be relevant to fault, but if a genuine hazard, cables, clutter, poor lighting, contributed, it's still worth getting advice.

Does display screen equipment count for a claim?

Yes, employers are required to assess display screen workstations, and injuries linked to a poor assessment can form the basis of a claim.

Do I need to have reported it formally at the time?

It helps, but a claim isn't ruled out without one, particularly where there's other supporting evidence.

Ready to find out where you stand

Tell us what happened. We'll give you a straight answer, and we won't pressure you either way.

Start your claimOr ring 0333 360 9696

Related claim types

All personal injury claims
Reviewed by Craig Bryan, Legal Services Director, COLP/COFA
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