How Workplace Injuries Impact Families

Injuries at work can impact a person in more than just one way. It is not only the physical pain that a person has endured but it can create ripple effects which have practical, legal and emotional consequences for the families as well. We at SilverOak Solicitors recognise how difficult it may be to handle these circumstances alone, but we are here to offer you assistance and direction.

The Financial Toll of Work Injuries

When someone gets an injury at work that precludes them from returning to work, especially if they are the main provider for the family, financial consequences might be substantial. Self-reported diseases and injuries at work accounted for £21.6 billion overall in 2022–2023. While injury accounts for over 33% (£7.1 billion), illness makes up the most proportion of overall expenses at over 67% (£14.5 billion). Sick health instances typically result in more time away from work, increasing costs.

Losing a primary source of income might jeopardise a family’s ability to pay the mortgage, manage the household bills, or fund private rehabilitation. Their families might find themselves navigating overloading expenses while struggling to even maintain their own standard of living day to day.

The financial load gets far more severe when an work accident results in a death. The emotional impact may be heightened if dependents of the earner suddenly lose income and have to make major lifestyle changes. In circumstances of inadequate compensation, families may be entitled to file a claim at common law, but they must prove that the employer was negligent or breached their duty of care.

Find more useful advice on Workplace Accidents: Is Fear Stopping You From Speaking Up?

Emotional Impact on Families

In some circumstances a serious injury can cause PTSD and despair as well as be quite overpowering and cause a swirl of emotions. A 2024 research indicates that the consequences of a work-related illness or accident can extend much beyond the physical state of the wounded worker. In addition to the injured party, their family members who also experienced the trauma also suffer from the aftereffects. A way of life seems to be lost which leads to grief and fears about the future. Long-term care may seem difficult to members of the family and exacerbate the emotional fallout that has been building already.

Many major injuries, including traumatic brain damage, for example, can cause psychological and emotional problems for the sufferer over long term ranging from mood changes to challenges with their identity and cognitive impairments, which can strain the relationship between the affected party and their loved ones. Children may find it challenging to grasp what their parent is going through and how to react or change with the developments. Conversely, partners may find it difficult to be a carer and feel imprisoned in that capacity over time.

Life-Altering Injuries and Careers

The impact of an injury can be disproportionate depending on the person’s career or lifestyle and how important it is for them to be able to do that one thing. After being seriously hurt at work, one in every five people resign. A broken leg may seem like a small setback to the average individual, but it might mean the end of a professional dancer’s, sportsperson or athlete’s career. When someone loses their passion and source of support, it might result in an identity crisis. The injured person’s self esteem may suffer, and the future of the entire family may become uncertain.

Why Compensation Matters

Pursuing compensation following an injury at work can relieve financial burden for the afflicted individual and offer the means required for treatment and rehabilitation, as well as future stability. A well-prepared claim takes into account the following:

• Claim for Loss of Income, including future earning potential.
• Claim for Costs of medical care and rehabilitation.
• Claim for Emotional and psychological effects on the injured person and their family.

Injury compensation guarantees that the aggrieved’ s family is not left with the financial weight of an avoidable accident. It also makes the negligent parties accountable, which may prevent such catastrophes in the future.

Taking Action After a Workplace Injury

Work injuries can be devastating for the victim, but you do not have to face the challenges alone. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should get skilled legal assistance straight away. SilverOak Solicitors specialised in workplace injury claims and is committed to assisting you in obtaining the compensation and support your family requires to move ahead.

Contact SilverOak Solicitors today at 020 8578 7778 to speak with our personal injury experts. Let us guide you through the claims process with care and expertise.