If you have been injured at work in Openshaw, it is important to understand your legal rights and what steps to take next. Whether the injury occurred on a construction site or on a warehouse, office, or shop floor, you may be eligible for compensation through a work injury claim. These claims help workers recover financial losses, cover medical costs, and hold employers accountable for unsafe environments.
What is a workplace injury?
A workplace injury refers to any physical or psychological harm suffered while performing your job duties. It includes:
- Slips, trips or falls while at work
- Muscle or joint injuries from heavy lifting
- Accidents involving machinery or vehicles
- Burns, cuts or fractures
- Exposure to chemicals or dangerous substances
- Work-related stress or anxiety caused by poor conditions
Some injuries develop over time, such as repetitive strain injuries or mental health issues. Regardless of how the harm occurred, you may still have a valid claim.
Local risks: the reality for Openshaw workers
Openshaw, with its strong industrial and logistics background, presents a unique set of workplace risks. From the manufacturing facilities near Ashton Old Road to the transport depots and business parks around Pottery Lane, many locals are employed in physically intensive roles. These environments often involve operating heavy machinery, handling goods, or working at height – all of which carry a risk of accident.
Access to medical help is available through services like Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Longsight NHS Walk-In Centre. However, while medical care is vital, it is often not enough. Many injured workers face long-term consequences, including lost income and ongoing rehabilitation needs. A legal claim can help address the wider impact.
Do I still have a claim if I was partly to blame?
Yes. Even if you were partly responsible for your injury, UK law may still allow you to claim compensation. This is known as ‘contributory negligence’. If your employer failed in their duty of care, the courts may apportion blame and award a percentage of the full amount.
For example, if you failed to wear safety gloves but your employer never supplied them, both parties may share liability – but you could still be compensated.
Your rights as an employee
Employers in the UK are legally required to:
- Maintain a safe and hazard-free working environment
- Provide adequate training and protective equipment
- Follow industry-specific safety regulations
- Record and report accidents in the workplace
If your employer has failed in any of these areas and you were injured as a result, they may be held legally accountable.
Step-by-step: what to do after a work injury
Here is a guide to the key actions you should take:
- Report the accident – Notify your manager or supervisor immediately and ensure it is written in the accident book.
- Seek medical attention – Visit a GP or hospital for a full check-up, even if the injury seems minor.
- Document everything – Keep a record of dates, symptoms, costs, and correspondence.
- Take photographs – If possible, photograph the accident scene, equipment or visible injuries.
- Collect witness details – If anyone saw the incident, ask them to write down what happened.
- Request CCTV – If the accident was recorded on workplace CCTV, ask your employer for a copy.
- Speak to a solicitor – Legal advice early on helps protect your interests and guides your next steps.
How long do I have to claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to begin a claim. However, there can be certain exceptions:
- If symptoms appear gradually (e.g. hearing loss or RSI)
- If the injured person is under 18
- If the person lacks mental capacity
It is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing your opportunity to claim.
Can I still claim if I’m on a zero-hours or agency contract?
Yes. Your employment status does not prevent you from making a work injury claim. As long as your employer owed you a duty of care at the time of the accident, you are protected under UK law.
What happens if my employer denies responsibility?
It is not uncommon for employers to deny liability. A solicitor will gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and work with medical experts to strengthen your case. If necessary, your case may go to court – though many claims settle before that stage.
Real example: warehouse injury near Ashton Old Road
A local warehouse worker in Openshaw injured his shoulder while lifting unlabelled boxes without proper support. Despite reporting pain for weeks, no adjustments were made. With legal help, he secured compensation for lost earnings, physiotherapy, and travel costs. This case highlights how early action and documentation can make a crucial difference.
How much compensation can I receive?
The value of your claim depends on:
- Severity and type of injury
- Time off work and loss of earnings
- Medical treatment costs and ongoing care
- Pain, suffering, and impact on your lifestyle
Compensation is typically split into general damages (for pain and suffering) and special damages (for financial losses).
Why choose a solicitor in Openshaw?
Working with a solicitor who understands Openshaw’s workplaces means you benefit from local insight. Our team has advised workers from the area for over a decade, handling cases across manufacturing, construction, and retail. We understand the challenges locals face and work to secure the outcome you deserve.
We also stay connected with local medical providers, support networks and legal bodies, making the process easier for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be sacked for making a claim?
No. It is illegal for your employer to dismiss you for exercising your legal rights. If they retaliate, you may also be entitled to claim for unfair dismissal or victimisation.
Is there a cost to making a claim?
Most work injury claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and only contribute if your claim is successful. Your solicitor will explain the process in full before you commit.
Take action now – protect your future
If you were injured at work in Openshaw, acting early gives you the best chance of a successful outcome. Our local team is ready to advise you and support your claim from start to finish – with no upfront costs and no pressure.
