Hand injury at work compensation

Posted on July 28, 2026

Accidents at work can happen in any industry, including offices, factories, warehouses and specialist engineering environments. In this case, our client was injured during his work as an agency contractor at an electrical engineering firm.

Hand injury claim

Our client was removing unset resin from the top of a plate as part of an electronic converter when his hand slipped, the screw driver type tool he was using pierced his protective rubber gloves and cut his hand.

He treated it on site with the work’s first aid kit, but later was in more pain, the injury was red and swollen with redness tracking up his arm. Our client quite rightly attended his local Accident and Emergency Department where he was told he had an infection. He was immediately treated with intravenous antibiotics, his wound was redressed and he was discharged with his arm in a high sling and a prescription for oral antibiotics.

Compensation for hand imjury

Acting on behalf of his client, personal injury solicitor Michael Talbot successfully recovered just over £3,000 in compensation, including special damages for loss of earnings and travel expenses associated with hospital and other medical appointments.

He also gained medical expert reports, and it was determined that our client has residual permanent scarring. His wound did heal within a month, but the hand was symptomatic for a further three months.

“Hand injuries can be particularly significant, especially where they affect dexterity, grip strength or a person’s ability to continue working in their profession,” said Michael. “In this case, it’s important to note that our client was an agency worker and they do have legal rights when they are injured during the course of their work, the same obligations apply.” Since the incident he has changed professions and is now retraining in carpentry and as a joiner, he said when he returned to work, he felt anxious and concerned another accident could happen.”

“Many employees worry about bringing a claim against their employer; however, employers are legally required to hold insurance for workplace injury claims. It is unlawful for an employee or agency worker to be dismissed or treated unfairly for pursuing a genuine claim so people should not be put off seeking legal advice if they have had an accident at work,” added Mr Talbot.

For employees working in electrical engineering firms, the risks can be particularly serious due to the use of machinery, tools, electrical equipment and manual handling processes. When an employer fails to provide a safe working environment, as was the case here, injured employees, including agency staff, may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

What to do if you have an accident at work

Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act employers have a legal duty of care towards their employees and must take reasonable steps to protect staff from injury and illness while carrying out their work.

Part of this includes carrying out risk assessments, providing suitable training, maintaining machinery, supplying appropriate protective equipment and ensuring safe systems of work are in place.

Following an accident at work, there are several important steps injured employees should take:

Firstly, medical attention should be sought immediately, both for health reasons and to create medical evidence of the injury.
The accident should also be reported to the supervisor/ manager and the employer, it should also be recorded in the workplace accident book.
If possible, photographs of the scene, machinery or injury should be taken at the time of the incident. Photographs of the injury during the process are also useful.
All contact details should be obtained from any witnesses.
It is also useful to write a timeline of events leading up to the incident and afterwards.

In accident at work cases your solicitor will help to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. This may involve obtaining medical records, reviewing accident reports, securing witness evidence and considering whether health and safety regulations were breached.

Accidents at work are common, thankfully many are not serious, but being injured in the workplace is something you can and should be compensated for.

How can we help?

If you have had an accident at work and need legal advice contact our personal injury solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.