Suffering a back injury at work can be life-altering. Whether caused by a single incident or long-term strain, back injuries can impact your ability to earn, move freely, and live without pain. If your employer failed in their duty of care and you’ve been injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in helping individuals in Biggleswade pursue workplace injury claims. We provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to your situation, and we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
What is considered a back injury at work?
Back injuries in the workplace can take many forms. Some injuries are caused by sudden accidents, while others develop gradually through repeated strain. Common examples include:
- soft tissue damage (sprains, strains or muscle tears)
- slipped or herniated discs
- fractured vertebrae
- nerve damage such as sciatica
- chronic lower back pain or spinal instability
These injuries can occur in a wide range of workplaces, including offices, warehouses, construction sites, retail spaces, and healthcare settings. You might have suffered a back injury from:
- manual handling of heavy or awkward objects
- repetitive tasks without proper ergonomic support
- slipping or tripping on unsafe surfaces
- falling from ladders, steps or platforms
- being struck by a falling object
- poorly maintained machinery or workstations
In all these cases, your employer has a legal obligation to reduce risk and ensure safe working conditions. If they fail to provide sufficient training, equipment, supervision or risk assessments, you may have a valid claim.
The importance of early legal advice
The sooner you seek legal advice, the stronger your position. Our experienced solicitors can help you:
- gather key evidence such as accident reports, witness statements and medical records
- assess whether your employer breached their duty of care
- arrange for independent medical assessments where required
- understand your legal rights and the value of your potential claim
Personal injury claims are subject to strict time limits. In most cases, you must start your claim within three years of the date of injury or the date you first became aware of it. Delaying legal action can make it harder to gather evidence and reduce your chances of success.
How much compensation can I claim for a back injury?
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on several factors, including:
- the type and severity of your injury
- how long your recovery is expected to take
- whether you can return to your previous role
- any ongoing pain, loss of mobility or impact on quality of life
- loss of income, both present and future
- out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel, treatment, home adaptations)
Compensation is typically split into:
- general damages for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury
- special damages for financial losses and expenses incurred as a result
Minor back injuries may attract compensation from £2,000–£10,000, while severe cases involving permanent disability or spinal damage can exceed £100,000. At Marley Solicitors, we will always seek the maximum compensation available.
We handle most workplace injury claims on a no win, no fee service basis. This means there is no financial risk to you. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. If your claim succeeds, our fees will be taken from your compensation, and these will be clearly explained from the outset.
Back injury claims and local medical services in Biggleswade
Getting prompt and professional medical treatment is essential, not just for your health, but also to support your legal case. A full medical record from the time of the incident can make the difference between a weak and a strong claim.
In Biggleswade, key medical facilities include:
- Biggleswade Hospital (Spring House, Potton Road) – part of the East London NHS Foundation Trust, providing community outpatient care and referrals
- Ivel Medical Centre, Chestnut Avenue – GP services with a strong local reputation for accessible care
- Saffron Health Partnership at Biggleswade Health Centre – offering routine and specialist GP services, with a CQC rating of “Good”
- Bedford Hospital – for imaging, orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, under Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Luton and Dunstable University Hospital – a regional centre offering more advanced spinal diagnostics and procedures
Attending your local GP as soon as possible after the injury helps to establish an early diagnosis. You may be referred for physiotherapy, X-rays or MRI scans, which all contribute to the overall medical evidence.
What to do if you suffer a back injury at work
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Report the incident to your supervisor or employer and ensure it is recorded in the company’s accident log.
- Seek medical treatment from your GP or local hospital. This ensures the injury is properly assessed and documented.
- Gather evidence such as photos of the scene, witness names, or unsafe equipment.
- Keep records of any time taken off work, travel to appointments, and receipts for expenses.
- Contact a solicitor who specialises in workplace back injury claims.
Our team at Marley Solicitors will guide you through every stage, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Proving employer negligence
To succeed in your claim, we must show that your employer owed you a duty of care and breached that duty, causing your injury. Employers have responsibilities under the:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
We will investigate whether your employer:
- failed to conduct regular risk assessments
- did not provide manual handling training
- supplied unsuitable tools or lifting aids
- ignored complaints or previous incidents
Even if you contributed to the accident in some way, you may still receive compensation on a split liability basis.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Choosing the right legal partner makes all the difference. At Marley Solicitors, we offer:
- decades of experience in workplace injury and employer liability claims
- a sensitive and approachable legal team who listen and support you
- access to local medical experts and rehabilitation providers
- a transparent, jargon-free claims process from start to finish
- a no win, no fee service in most cases
We are proud to support workers in Biggleswade and surrounding Bedfordshire communities.
FAQs
Can I claim for a back injury if I was working through an agency or zero-hours contract?
Yes. Employers owe the same duty of care to agency, part-time and zero-hours staff as they do to permanent employees. If you were injured while carrying out work-related duties, you can still bring a claim.
How long does a back injury claim take?
Most straightforward claims settle within 6–12 months. More complex cases, especially those involving long-term injuries or disputed liability, may take longer. We will keep you informed at every stage.
Get expert support in Biggleswade
If you’ve suffered a back injury at work in Biggleswade, don’t face the process alone. Marley Solicitors is here to provide trusted, expert legal support. We’ll assess your case free of charge, explain your options clearly, and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
Time limits apply, so contact Marley Solicitors today to begin your claim with confidence.
