The production company behind the blockbuster, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is facing legal action following an accident on set which left Harrison Ford with a broken leg.
The 73-year-old was injured after a metal door fell on top of his leg when he was filming on set in June 2014. As a result of the injury, the actor was airlifted to hospital and had to have surgery. Following the incident, filming was suspended and after an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive ruled that the incident had occurred due to a breach of employer’s duty of care.
The incident highlights that regardless of occupation and status, there is always the chance of an injury in the workplace as a result of negligence or a failure in an employer’s duty of care.
Accidents in the Workplace: When Can I Make a Claim?
While not everyone will be injured as a result of the door of the Millennium Falcon falling on their leg, workplace injuries are exceptionally common. Although injuries in the constructio, agricultural and manufacturing industry are the most common, workers in all sectors can be at risk of a workplace accident.
Regardless of where you work, if you were injured through no fault of your own, you will be able to take legal action. However, if you were responsible for your own injuries, you will not be able to make a claim for damages.
As well as not being at fault for your own injuries, there are other rules that must be followed when making a personal injury claim. There are exceptionally strict time limits in place when making a personal injury claim. To make a successful personal injury claim you must take action no later than three years after the accident. If you fail to act within the three year limit then you will be unable to make a personal injury claim.
Workplace Accidents UK: What is Needed to Take Legal Action?
While there are strict time limits and rules that must be adhered to as mentioned above, you will need to prove that your accident occurred through no fault of your own. This can be exceptionally difficult, especially if someone (or your employer) is denying responsibility. Therefore, you may need to prove that the incident occurred through no fault of your own and was due to negligence or carelessness. When you first contact our service, we will inform you of exactly what is needed to make a personal injury claim, however, you will almost certainly need to provide basic details of the incident such as where, when and how the accident occurred.
Further evidence offered will boost the validity of your claim and could prove to be crucial. A medical report can prove to be beneficial when making a personal injury claim as it not only shows the extent of your injuries but also gives insight into the rehabilitation time. Such a document, from a highly respected occupation, can prove to be vital in a personal injury claim. As well as a medical report, any other evidence you can provide should be given to your solicitors. This includes statements from witnesses to your accident, photographic evidence of either your injury or how the incident occurred. Further evidence can even be a note of the accident in the Accident Report Book in the workplace.
Personal Injury Solicitors: Contact Us
If you have been injured in the workplace through no fault of your own, contact our team of personal injury experts today using our online contact form or call our team on 0141 337 6678.