In 2024, Usdaw solicitors claimed over £14.5 million for injured members

When accidents happen don’t forget the FREE accident and injury claim service for Usdaw members and their family

Members' Checklist

• Register your injury using the Usdaw Injury Assist form.
• If the accident happened in work, tell your Manager and Usdaw rep. The accident and your injuries should be recorded in the Accident Book.
• See your doctor.
• Keep any evidence regarding the accident.
• Know your entitlement to Sick Pay, and if necessary, make enquiries at your local Benefits Agency to claim your full entitlement to State Benefits.

More detailed advice on what you should do after an accident is provided in the Members' Handbook.

No.

Usdaw Injury Assist is completely free - there are no fees, no costs and no deductions to your compensation. Any fees etc. are charged to the other side (the person/company who caused your injury).
 
'No win, no fee' may sound good initially, but it just means that if your case is successful, you will end up paying out of your compensation an average of 25%. For this reason, 'no win, no fee' solicitors wont take your claim on in the first place if they don’t think they can win it.

No.

Usdaw only ever partners with well established, expert solicitors who share its values and commitment to members. This means Usdaw members benefit from top-tier representation, ensuring the highest quality advice for injury claims. By using trusted, experienced solicitors, members can be confident they are receiving the best legal support available.

Usdaw solicitors are committed to securing the maximum compensation for you. This does not change because the Injury Assist service is free, nor does the excellent level of service we expect for our members.
 
All solicitors work to the same procedures and rules, and obtain independent medical evidence to value the injuries. For any law firm to say they can “get you more” can be very misleading.

Injury Assist provides a free, no obligation advice service - where you can discuss a potential injury claim with a union solicitor and they will determine if you have a claim. Usdaw members are covered for any accident, anywhere in the UK and for package holidays outside the UK. 

Yes.

Family members who live with you are covered for any non-work related injury.

There is no reason why you should put up with an injury and pain caused by an accident which was somebody else’s fault. Please remember that as a victim of an accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you are legally entitled to receive compensation.  

The general rule is that you have three years from the date of the accident to issue Court proceedings against the person or organisation which caused your injury. If you do not issue Court proceedings in this time, you will not be able to bring a claim.

There are some exceptions to this rule though, so we recommend you register the claim, so that we can put you in touch with a union solicitor to get professional advice.

It all depends on the type of injury and the extent of the injuries suffered. Each case is different and your union solicitor will offer you guidance throughout.

An employer is not allowed to sack you if you are injured in an accident at work. Also, please remember that by law, your employer has to have insurance to cover their employees for accidents at work. In reality, the insurance company will deal with the claim and pay your compensation, not your employer.

Most cases are settled before they go to court. However, sometimes, it may be necessary to issue court proceedings if that is the best way of getting you the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible. Your union solicitor will advise you fully throughout your claim so that you know what to expect.

With all injury claims, your solicitor will need to prove that your injury or illness was caused as a result of the negligence of another party. Your union solicitor will help you to compile any evidence to help your case.

If you are partly to blame for your accident, you may still be able to claim some personal injury compensation, although it will be less than if you were entirely blameless.