If you've suffered a slipped disc at work and your employer was at fault, we can help you claim compensation for your injury and related financial losses.
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Slipped Disc at Work Claims
A slipped disc, also known as a prolapsed or herniated disc, can cause severe pain, numbness, reduced mobility, and long-term discomfort. If you were injured because of unsafe working conditions caused by your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a slipped disc at work claim.
Common workplace causes of slipped discs include manual handling, repetitive strain, slips, trips and falls. Employers have a legal duty of care to prevent such injuries. If they fail to meet this responsibility, they could be held liable for your suffering and financial losses.
To find out if you’re eligible to make a claim, do not hesitate to speak to a specialist work injury solicitor. You can call 0800 470 0472 today or request a call back, and a friendly solicitor will offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Table of Contents
What duty of care do employers have to prevent herniated disc injuries?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that workers are safe from accidents and injuries at work. Their responsibilities include:
- Regularly assess tasks to identify and mitigate risks of back injuries.
- Where possible, eliminate manual handling tasks.
- Reduce risks by providing mechanical aids for heavy lifting.
- Redesign tasks and workstations to ensure they are ergonomic.
- Provide adequate manual handling training and information.
- Ensure that all equipment and machinery are ergonomically suitable and well-maintained.
- Encourage regular breaks from repetitive tasks.
- Maintain a safe work environment that is free of slip, trip and fall hazards.
If your employer fails to uphold their duties and you suffer a herniated or slipped disc, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
Am I eligible to claim compensation for a slipped disc at work?
To be entitled to claim for a slipped disc at work, you will typically need to prove the following:
- Your employer failed to fulfil their legal duty to ensure your health, safety and welfare.
- Due to their negligence, you were exposed to unsafe conditions or had an accident at work.
- As a result, you suffered a slipped disc injury.
- You are within the legal timeframe for starting a claim (usually three years).
A free consultation with a personal injury solicitor can help assess your eligibility and your compensation prospects.
What are the common causes of herniated discs in the workplace?
Some of the most common causes of a slipped disc at work include:
- Manual handling – improper lifting techniques or lack of mechanical aids.
- Repetitive strain – performing repetitive tasks that involve bending, twisting or lifting over long periods.
- Sudden or awkward movements – due to sudden jerks or jolts, or unexpected slips, trips and falls.
- Vibration exposure – long-term exposure to vibrating machinery or heavy vehicles can potentially cause discs to become displaced.
- Poor posture – sitting or standing in one position for long periods, with poor ergonomic support.
- Impact or trauma – such as being struck by falling objects, falls from height or machinery accidents.
If you suffered any type of injury at work due to a breach of duty, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses.
Which jobs carry a higher risk of slipped disc injuries at work?
Certain job roles are inherently more dangerous or involve activities that place significant strain on the spine, increasing the risk of a herniated disc. These include:
- Construction workers – heavy lifting, awkward postures and vibrating tools.
- Factory workers – repetitive strain, constant manual handling and awkward postures.
- Agricultural workers – manual handling and vibrating machinery.
- Warehouse workers – repetitive lifting, pushing, pulling and moving stock.
- Cleaners – constant bending, reaching and moving equipment and furniture.
- Lorry and truck drivers – prolonged sitting and exposure to vehicle vibrations.
- Nurses and carers – constant patient handling and awkward movements.
What are the symptoms and treatment of a slipped disc?
According to the NHS, a slipped or prolapsed disc occurs when the soft cushion between two adjacent bones in the spine bulges outward, potentially pressing on nearby nerves. The most common symptoms associated with it include:
- Neck or back pain.
- Numbness or tingling (pins and needles) in the arms or legs.
- Pain that worsens with movements or certain positions.
- Muscle weakness, impacting strength or grip.
- Problems bending or straightening the back.
- Pain in the buttocks (sciatica).
Typical treatment options for a slipped disc include:
- Rest and reduced physical activity.
- Physical therapy and exercise as soon as you feel better.
- Anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as ibuprofen.
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain around the nerves.
- Surgery in severe or persistent cases.
A severely herniated disc can cause a lot of pain, suffering and distress. It can also impact your ability to work and carry out daily activities. If your injury was due to your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a slipped disc claim.
What steps should I take if I suffer a slipped disc in the workplace?
If you suffered a slipped disc injury in the workplace, taking the correct steps can help protect your health and legal rights to compensation. You should:
- Seek medical attention to get a diagnosis and begin treatment.
- Follow all medical advice and attend your scheduled medical appointments.
- Report what happened to your employer. Make sure it is recorded in the company’s accident logbook and ask for a signed copy.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, faulty equipment, or unsafe conditions.
- Ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Keep detailed records of your pain, symptoms and how the injury affects your work and daily life.
- Get legal advice as soon as possible to find out if you are entitled to make a slipped disc compensation claim.
What evidence do I need to support a slipped disc at work claim?
The types of evidence that can help prove liability and support a slipped disc compensation claim include:
- Medical records that confirm the slipped disc and the treatments received, including MRI or CT scans.
- An independent medical report detailing your injury and prognosis.
- A copy of an accident report filed with your employer.
- Any other communication you had with your employer, such as emails or letters.
- Photos or videos of the accident scene or the unsafe work conditions, including CCTV footage, if available.
- Statements from colleagues who saw the incident or can confirm unsafe conditions.
- Workplace documentation, such as training and maintenance records.
- A personal account of the accident, your symptoms and the impact on your life.
- Proof of related financial losses and expenses.
Your solicitor will help you gather the evidence needed to support a slipped disc at work claim and to seek appropriate compensation for your harm and losses.
Could I be fired if I make a slipped disc injury claim against my employer?
No. It is unlawful for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly simply for making a legitimate workplace accident claim. If this happens, you may be entitled to bring a further claim in an employment tribunal, for example under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Most employers must hold Employer’s Liability insurance specifically to cover such claims. It is the insurance company, not the employer directly, that pays the compensation if your claim is successful. Your employer will not be left out of pocket.
If you are concerned, your solicitor can reassure you of your rights and will handle all communication with your employer on your behalf.
What is the time limit to make a slipped disc compensation claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have three years to make a back injury at work claim, including for a herniated disc. This starts from either:
- The date of your accident.
- The date your injury was diagnosed and linked to your work (the date of knowledge).
Regardless, it is best to start your claim as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh. Some exceptions apply to the limitation period:
- If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year limit begins to run on their 18th birthday.
- If the injured person lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit to claim for them as a litigation friend.
How much compensation can I claim for a slipped disc at work?
The amount of compensation you could receive varies depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time, and the impact on your life.
There are two types of damages awarded for a personal injury:
- General damages cover your pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
- Special damages cover related financial losses and expenses, such as lost wages.
According to the 18th Edition of the Judicial College Guidelines, you could receive the following awards for general damages, according to the type and severity of your injury:
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Back Injuries | A severe back injury with spinal cord and nerve root damage, causing pain, disability and bladder, bowel and sexual impairment | £120,000 - £213,000 |
| A serious back injury causing nerve root damage, loss of sensation and some impairment to mobility, bladder, bowel and sexual function | £98,000 - £117,000 | |
| Back injuries causing chronic conditions and permanent disabilities | £51,000 - £92,000 | |
| A moderate back injury causing constant pain, discomfort and substantial osteoarthritis risk | £37,000 - £51,000 | |
| A moderate back injury with ongoing pain and disruption to everyday life | £17,000 - £37,000 | |
| A minor back injury recovering fully within 2-5 years | £10,000 - £17,000 | |
| Neck Injuries | A moderate neck injury causing spondylosis, serious movement limits, permanent or recurring pain and possible further surgery | £18,000 - £33,000 |
| A minor neck injury recovering fully within 3-12 months | £3,200 - £5,800 |
Can I make a slipped disc at work claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
If you are entitled to compensation for a slipped disc at work, our team of solicitors will help you make a no win no fee claim. This means that:
- There are no upfront legal fees to pay to your solicitor.
- If your claim is successful, your solicitor will be entitled to a pre-agreed percentage of certain parts of your personal injury compensation. This is known as a success fee and is capped at 25% of those damages.
- If you lose the compensation claim, you will not have to pay your solicitor’s success fee.
To find out if you can start a claim and how much compensation you could receive for a slipped disc at work, call 0800 470 0472 today for a free consultation. You can also use our online claim form to request a call back.
