Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by tanya

Tendon or Ligament Injury at Work

When Can You Claim Compensation?

If you have suffered from a tendon or ligament injury at work, you may want to find out more about making a personal injury claim. Thousands of employees are injured every year in the workplace, many of which involve damage to tendons or ligaments.

These soft tissue injuries can be extremely painful, leading to extended time off work, expensive medical treatment, and in some cases, long-term disability. The difference between the two is that ligaments connect bones to other bones, while tendons connect muscles to bones.

Employers are legally obligated to provide their employees with a safe and healthy work environment. However, injuries can and do happen. If you suspect you have sustained an injury through no fault of yours at work, First Personal Injury can help you find out more about filing a claim for compensation.

 

Tendon and Ligament Injuries At Work

Tendons and ligaments are crucial for movement and stability. Injuries to tendons and ligaments may often occur due to:

 

• Overuse and repetitive strain
• Sudden twists or impacts
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Heavy lifting or improper manual handling
• Poor ergonomics or unsafe work practices

 

Common injuries include:

 

• Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, usually from repetitive motion.
• Sprains: Stretching or tearing of a ligament, often from slipping or falling.
• Ruptures or tears: Severe damage requiring surgery or long-term therapy.

 

These injuries are often painful and debilitating. You may require time off work, physiotherapy, and possibly surgery.

 

What is Employer Negligence?

Employer negligence may occur when an employer fails to meet the legally required duty of care. Examples can include:

 

• Inadequate training: Employees not properly trained in safe lifting techniques or equipment use.
• Faulty equipment: Using defective or worn-out machinery that leads to injury.
• Unsafe working conditions: Wet floors without signage, cluttered walkways, or poor lighting.
• Lack of risk assessments: Failing to assess and mitigate risks associated with repetitive tasks or physical labour.

 

If your injury could have been prevented by reasonable employer action, then negligence may have played a role.

 

Common Work Scenarios Which May Lead To Injury

Some workplaces have tasks which make employees more susceptible to soft tissue injuries than others. Common scenarios might include:

 

1. Construction and Manufacturing

Manual handling of heavy objects without proper equipment or technique can easily lead to ligament sprains or tendon tears. This may particularly affect the shoulders, knees, or wrists.

2. Office Environments

Long hours at poorly configured desks can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI), such as tendonitis in the wrists or elbows due to prolonged typing or mouse use.

3. Healthcare and Social Work

Lifting patients or handling aggressive movements from those in care may lead to back, shoulder, or knee ligament injuries.

4. Warehousing and Logistics

Improper loading/unloading methods, or rushing to meet delivery deadlines, can result in slips or overexertion. This may lead to torn ligaments or strained tendons.

 

When Can You Make a Personal Injury Claim?

Time Limits

You typically have three years from the date of the accident—or the date you became aware of your injury, to start your claim.

 

Eligibility Criteria

You may be eligible to claim workplace injury compensation if:

 

• You suffered a tendon or ligament injury at work
• The injury was caused by employer negligence or unsafe working conditions
• The injury has caused financial loss (e.g., lost earnings, medical expenses)

Evidence to Support Your Claim

To make a successful claim, you’ll need to gather evidence such as:

 

• Medical records: Diagnosis and treatment details from a GP or specialist.
• Accident report: Ensure the incident is recorded in your employer’s accident book.
• Witness statements: From colleagues or any others who saw what happened.
• Photographic evidence: Of the injury or the unsafe condition that caused it.
• CCTV footage: If available, this can be strong supporting evidence.

 

What Compensation Can You Claim?

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injury, its impact on your life, and financial losses incurred. Compensation usually covers:

 

• General damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (quality of life)
• Special damages: For financial losses such as lost wages, travel to appointments, and medical bills.
• Future losses: If your injury leads to long-term disability or affects your ability to work.

 

Your personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you regarding potential compensation amounts for your case.

 

How to Start a Claim

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Always seek medical treatment immediately. Your health comes first, and your medical record is also essential evidence for your claim.

Step 2: Report the Injury

Notify your employer and ensure the incident is logged in the accident book.  Ask for a copy of the report for your records.

Step 4: Gather Evidence

Work with your solicitor to compile all necessary evidence. They may also arrange for an independent medical assessment.

 

Can I Claim If I’m a Temporary Worker or Self-Employed?

As a temporary worker or self-employed, you may still be able to claim. Employers and site managers have a duty to ensure that all workers, regardless of their employment status, are safe while on-site. If you can prove that negligence played a role in your injury, you may still be entitled to compensation.

 

Need Help with a Workplace Injury Claim?

At First Personal Injury, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Whether your tendon or ligament injury happened on a construction site, in an office, or anywhere else due to employer negligence, we’re here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us now on 0333 358 2345 📧 Or contact us online and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you for a free, no-obligation consultation.