Your Office Injury Experts
At RP Crawford Solicitors Limited, we understand the physical and emotional toll of workplace injuries. Whether it’s due to hazardous office environments or negligence from colleagues, we’re here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Office Negligence Claims
From slips and falls to ergonomic injuries, office negligence can take various forms. Common claims include:
- Slippery floors or obstructed walkways
- Faulty equipment causing accidents
- Poorly maintained office spaces
- Incidents arising as a result of negligence by one of your colleagues
Did you know that your employer can be held liable for injuries caused by your work colleagues?
Understanding Vicarious Liability
Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds employers or principals responsible for the negligent actions or omissions of their employees or agents, committed within the scope of their employment. Put simply, if an employee causes harm to another person while carrying out their job duties, the employer can be held legally liable for the employee’s actions.
This principle is based on the idea that employer’s benefit from the work performed by their employees and should therefore bear the responsibility for any harm caused by their actions in the course of employment. Vicarious liability typically applies to situations where the employee’s actions were committed within the scope of their employment, even if the employer did not directly participate in or authorise the specific act that caused harm.
Here are some examples:-
- Slip and Fall Incident: An office cleaning staff member mops the floor during office hours but forgets to put up a warning sign. An employee slips on the wet floor and suffers a back injury. The cleaning company, contracted by the office, could be held vicariously liable for the employee’s negligence in failing to provide a safe environment.
- Physical Altercation Between Colleagues: During a heated argument between two employees, one shoves the other, causing them to fall and break their wrist. The injured employee may pursue a personal injury claim against both the colleague and the employer. The employer could be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the altercation occurred within the scope of employment or during work-related activities.
- Faulty Office Equipment Injury: An employee sustains an injury due to a malfunctioning office chair that the employer failed to repair despite previous complaints. The employer could be held vicariously liable for the employee’s injury if it can be proven that the injury occurred within the scope of employment and that the employer was negligent in maintaining safe working conditions.
- Negligent Office Layout: The employer rearranges office furniture without ensuring proper safety measures, leading to an employee tripping over a misplaced chair and injuring their knee. The employer could be held vicariously liable for the employee’s injury if it can be shown that the negligence in office layout directly contributed to the accident.
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: An employee develops respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to toxic substances used in the office cleaning products. The employer could be held vicariously liable for the employee’s health problems if it can be demonstrated that the exposure occurred during the course of employment and that the employer failed to provide a safe working environment.
Vicarious liability is an important legal concept, particularly in cases involving personal injury, as it allows injured parties to seek compensation from the employer, who are generally insured and often have greater financial resources than the individual employee.
Why Instruct Us?
Choosing RP Crawford Solicitors means not settling for second best. Our team of legal experts specialises in personal injury law, and we’re known for our:
- Extensive experience negotiating settlements
- Track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients
- Compassionate approach to guiding you through the legal process
This is a very broad category, we have considerable experience in all manner of personal injury claims occurring in office settings. These may include slip and fall accidents, ergonomic injuries, accidents due to faulty equipment, and injuries resulting from physical altercations with colleagues, among others.
Determining the validity of your personal injury claim requires an assessment of various factors, including the circumstances of the incident, the extent of your injuries, and the liability of the parties involved. Our experienced legal team can provide a free consultation to evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, various parties may be held liable for your office injury, including your employer, property owners, maintenance companies, or even negligent colleagues. We will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue compensation on your behalf.
The compensation you may be entitled to for your office injury can vary depending on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and any ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation needs. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Our legal team will work diligently to maximise the compensation you receive.
In Northern Ireland, the time limit for your claim is generally three years from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware of your injury – with certain exceptions. However, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure compliance with deadlines and to preserve crucial evidence for your case.
While some personal injury claims may proceed to court if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, many cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements. Our priority is to achieve a fair and favourable outcome for you as efficiently as possible. We will explore all options and provide guidance every step of the way, including representing you in court if necessary.
Ready to Take Action?
Don’t wait to pursue the compensation you deserve. Complete our online claim form today and take the first step towards justice.
Your Accidents at Work Claim Specialists
Liam McDonald
Lucy Kelly
Gemma McCashin
Aine O’Kane