Back Injury at Work Claim

Injured Your Back at Work? We’re Here to Help

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries in the UK, leading to nearly 120 million lost work days every year. From lifting accidents and falls to poor workstation ergonomics, they can happen in almost any role, and the consequences can be painful and long-lasting.

At Osbornes Law, our specialist solicitors help people like you claim compensation for back injuries caused by unsafe working conditions. Whether your injury happened in a warehouse, on a building site, or at a desk in an office, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

• Free consultation
• No win, no fee available
• 50+ years’ experience in workplace injury claims

How do back injuries happen at work?

Back injuries can result from both sudden accidents and repeated strain over time. Common causes include:

• Falls from height (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
• Slips and trips on wet or uneven surfaces
• Manual handling accidents from lifting or carrying heavy items
• Poor workstation setup or long periods of sitting without movement
• Repetitive strain from repeated bending, twisting, or awkward movements
• Vehicle-related incidents (e.g. forklift accidents)

No matter your job role, from construction worker to office assistant, if your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

What are my employer’s responsibilities?

Employers in the UK are legally required to protect your health and safety under laws such as:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005

These laws mean your employer must:

• Provide proper training (e.g. safe lifting techniques)
• Supply suitable equipment (e.g. trolleys, back braces, harnesses)
• Maintain a safe working environment (e.g. clean, clutter-free floors)
• Assess and minimise risks through regular safety checks
• Offer ergonomic office equipment and appropriate breaks

If your employer fails in these duties and you suffer a back injury as a result, they may be liable for negligence.

Employers must also carry insurance to cover workplace injury claims, so your compensation will come from their insurer, not directly from them.

Can I claim if I was partly responsible?

In many cases, you will be able to claim for a back injury at work even if you were partly to blame.

For example, if your employer provided training on how to lift a heavy object correctly but you chose not to follow those instructions, the principle of ‘contributory negligence’ would apply. This means that you can still make a claim, but the amount of compensation awarded may be reduced to reflect your own responsibility.

For example, if you were 25% at fault, then you would receive 75% of the total compensation awarded.

Our specialist accident at work solicitors can help determine whether your employer is at fault for your back injury and advise on the likelihood of a successful claim.

Common back injuries in the workplace

Back injuries vary in severity, but even minor issues can cause long-term discomfort. Common workplace back injuries include:

• Herniated discs – often caused by twisting or lifting
• Muscle sprains or strains – due to overuse or poor posture
• Fractured vertebrae – typically from falls or being struck
• Spondylolisthesis – vertebra slipping due to repeated trauma
• Chronic lower back pain – from prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics
• Spinal cord injuries – serious, often life-changing injuries from falls or impact

Even if symptoms seem minor, seek medical attention and legal advice as early as possible.

Recent case study: Kitchen worker receives compensation for workplace back injury

A hospitality supervisor slipped on oil and food debris in a commercial kitchen, suffering soft tissue injuries to his back. His employer denied liability, claiming there was no spillage and that proper cleaning procedures were followed. We issued court proceedings and uncovered gaps in cleaning records, along with a witness statement supporting our client’s account. More details here.

How much compensation can I claim?

Back injury compensation is split into two parts:

1. General Damages

This covers the pain, suffering, and impact on your quality of life. The amount depends on the type and severity of your injury.

As a guide (Judicial College Guidelines):

Injury Type Compensation Range

• Minor (e.g. soft tissue injuries, recovery within 2 years) Up to £12,510
• Moderate (e.g. ligament damage, chronic pain) £12,510 – £38,780
• Serious (e.g. permanent mobility issues, spinal injury) £38,780 – £160,980

2. Special Damages

These cover financial losses such as:

• Lost earnings (past and future)
• Medical costs (e.g. physiotherapy, surgery)
• Travel expenses
• Equipment costs (e.g. ergonomic chair, back brace)
• Rehabilitation and support expenses

We’ll also seek interim payments if you’re struggling financially while the claim is ongoing.

How long do I have to claim?

You usually have three years from:

• The date of the accident, or
• The date you first realised your back injury was work-related

Don’t delay, the sooner you contact us, the easier it is to gather evidence and strengthen your case.

Do I need a Health and Safety Investigation to claim?

No. While serious accidents should be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a claim for compensation is entirely separate.

Your employer’s accident book, any internal investigation, and medical reports will all help support your claim, but you don’t need an HSE investigation to start the process.

Why choose Osbornes Law?

With over 50 years of experience, Osbornes Law is a leading personal injury firm trusted by thousands of clients across the UK.

• Osbornes Law are recognised as one of London’s leading personal injury firms, ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK for our expertise.
• Our lawyers are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), reflecting their specialist knowledge.
• Specialists in workplace and spinal injury claims
• With a 4.7★ rating on Trustpilot from hundreds of reviews, our clients trust us to deliver outstanding results and the support they need after an accident at work.

What to do after a Back Injury at Work

• Report the accident to your employer and ensure it’s logged
• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible
• Document everything, take photos, keep records of time off and symptoms
• Speak to a solicitor to understand your rights and next steps

Ready to make a claim?

To speak with one of our personal injury solicitors, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811

You can also book an initial, no obligation consultation to discuss your case.