Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by tanya

Can a New Employee Make an Injury Claim?

 

Steps To Take If You Have Been Injured At Work

Starting a new job is exciting, but there is always a risk of injury which poses the question ‘Can a new employee make an injury claim at work?’. So it’s comforting to know that your rights to a safe working environment are in place from day one of your new job.

Even if you’re still in your probationary period and you’re injured, you may be able to claim for compensation. Employers are required to have strict safety measures in place for their staff. So, if you were harmed due to employer negligence, you may be eligible to start a personal injury claim.

First Personal Injury can help as we partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

Your Health and Safety

Employers are legally required to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This applies whether you’ve been employed for one day or ten years. Such requirements include:

 

• Proper training
• Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• A safe working environment
• Risk assessments and safety measures
• Supervision for inexperienced workers

So if you’re a new employee, and you suffer an injury because these standards weren’t met, you may want to find out more about starting a personal injury claim.

 

Can You Claim Compensation If You’re Still in Your Probation Period?

Your probation period does not affect your legal rights to a safe workplace. If your injury was due to employer negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Employer negligence covers key factors such as lack of training, faulty equipment, or hazardous conditions.

 

Common Workplace Injuries For New Staff

While accidents can happen to anyone, new staff are statistically more likely to be injured, often because they’re unfamiliar with:

 

• Procedures and machinery
• Emergency protocols
• Specific safety risks of the job

 

Here are some common workplace injuries:

 

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Manual handling injuries
• Machinery accidents
• Falls from height
• Exposure to hazardous substances

 

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Injured at Work?

 

If you’re a new employee and have suffered a workplace injury, here are the essential steps to follow:

 

Report the Injury

You need to notify your manager or supervisor immediately. All workplace injuries need to be recorded in the company’s accident book.

 

Seek Medical Attention

Visit your GP or hospital to be checked, even if the injury appears to be minor.  Not only is this essential for your health, but medical records also serve as key evidence in your injury claim.

 

Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible:

 

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• CCTV footage (if applicable)
• Correspondence with your employer

 

Keep a Record

Make sure you document how your injury affects your life. This can help determine how much compensation you may be entitled to, including:

 

• Lost earnings
• Medical expenses
• Travel costs
• Emotional impact

 

Will Making a Claim Affect Your Job?

This is a common concern. However, it is illegal for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly because you made a claim. You generally have three years from the date of the injury to start a personal injury claim.

 

How to Start a Personal Injury Claim as a New Employee

Filing a personal injury claim can be complicated, so it’s always advisable to have a chat with a personal injury lawyer who has a good knowledge of claims for accidents in the workplace.

They will go through the circumstances of your injury and advise whether your employer was at fault. They will also consider the overall strength of your case.

 

At First Personal Injury, we specialise in supporting individuals affected by workplace illnesses and accidents. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

To start the claims process, contact our friendly team today by calling 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a confidential discussion about your potential claim.