Compensation for Falling Over an Extension Cord in an Office

I was told by a colleague that if I claim compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office I will be sacked. However, it was a genuine accident and I sustained a serious back injury. Can my employment be terminated for claiming? What should I do?

Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor

Editor in Chief

Eoin P. Campbell

There is a common misconception that making a personal injury claim against an employer – such as claiming compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office – will result in the termination of a work contract. However, most employers would not discriminate against an employee who has been genuinely injured at work and who needs to claim compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office.

You should bear in mind that an employer cannot dismiss a member of staff simply for claiming compensation for an injury at work. Should an employee be dismissed on that basis, the employer in question would be likely to have to face an unfair dismissal claim in addition to being liable for compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office.

Of course this does not mean that they will be delighted about a claim for compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office being made against them, as there are usually financial implications for an employer from a claim for compensation being made against a liability insurance policy. An employer may for instance have to cover the excess on the insurance policy if a work injury claim is made.

Provided that you have genuinely been injured at work as a result of your employer’s negligence, you should certainly consider making a claim for compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office, as long as you sustained an injury in the accident which required medical treatment at a hospital or doctors surgery.

Only you can make the decision about whether you should claim compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office; however you should not do so until you have sought legal advice. You should find out about the claims process, what it involves, how much compensation you are likely to be awarded and also the likelihood of making a successful claim. Only when you have all the facts should you make the decision about whether to proceed with legal action to recover compensation for falling over an extension cord in an office.

The best step you can take to get the ball rolling is to speak with a personal injury solicitor and confirm whether you are in fact eligible to make a claim for compensation for falling over extension cord in an office. You will then be advised of all of your options and will be instructed on what you need to do next should you wish to start the claims process.