Upper Body Injury Claims: A Complete Guide to Workplace-Related Upper Body Injury Claims
Workplace accidents don’t just cause minor cuts or bruises — they can lead to serious upper body injuries that impact your shoulders, arms, hands, chest, or neck. These injuries can be incredibly painful, limiting your ability to work, move, or carry out everyday tasks.
If you’ve suffered an upper body injury at work due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This guide explains how upper body injury claims work, what you could claim for, and how we can help you through the process.
What is an Upper Body Injury Claim?
An upper body injury claim is a legal case made by someone who has sustained one or more injuries to the upper part of their body due to a workplace accident or hazardous working conditions. Rather than dealing with each injury separately, a claim takes into account the full extent of your upper body injuries and how they affect your life.
For example:
- A factory worker may suffer a fractured shoulder, arm lacerations, and a neck sprain after being struck by falling equipment.
- A delivery driver might sustain a dislocated shoulder, chest bruising, and wrist fractures in a vehicle collision while on duty.
- An office employee could develop repetitive strain injuries (RSI) in their arms and shoulders due to poor workstation setup over time.
How to Make an Upper Body Injury Claim
We know that starting a claim while you’re in pain and dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be stressful. That’s why we’ve simplified the process:
Step 1: Arrange a Free Consultation
Get in touch with our friendly team for a free, no-obligation consultation — either online or by phone. We’ll listen to your experience, assess if you have a valid claim, and explain your next steps.
Step 2: Gather Vital Information
To strengthen your case, we’ll collect:
- Details of when, where, and how the injury happened
- Information about your job and working environment
- Medical records covering each of your injuries
- Photographs (if available) and official accident reports
- Details of your employer’s safety procedures (or any failings)
- Witness statements, if any
- Evidence of financial losses (such as lost wages, expenses, or private medical costs)
Once the evidence is gathered, your case will be handled by a solicitor experienced in workplace accident and upper body injury claims.
What If Your Employer Denies Responsibility or Has No Insurance?
If your employer refuses to accept blame or doesn’t have valid insurance, that doesn’t mean your claim has to stop. Your solicitor can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and examine liability
- Look into workplace safety records and health and safety breaches
- Obtain witness accounts and supporting medical evidence
- Pursue legal action if necessary
Thorough documentation — including accident reports, medical records, and HSE complaints — can make a significant difference to your case.
Who Can Make an Upper Body Injury Claim?
You could be eligible to claim compensation if your upper body injury was caused or made worse by:
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Unsafe working conditions or environments
- Falling tools, equipment, or unsecured materials
- Inadequate safety procedures or training
- Lack of appropriate protective equipment (PPE)
- Poor workstation ergonomics
- Violations of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations
You might be a:
- Full-time or part-time employee
- Agency or temporary worker
- Self-employed contractor
- Former employee (if the injury became apparent later)
As long as negligence or unsafe working practices contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to make a claim.
What Can You Claim for in an Upper Body Injury Case?
The value of your claim depends on how severe your injuries are, how they affect your life, and how long your recovery will take. A successful claim can include:
- Medical expenses — Treatment, surgery, physiotherapy, pain relief, and rehabilitation
- Lost earnings — For time off work and potential loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering — Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and ongoing mental health struggles
- Care and assistance costs — If you need help with daily activities or personal care
- Travel expenses — For hospital visits, therapy sessions, and medical appointments
- Adaptations — Modifications to your home, car, or workplace, if required for your recovery
- Loss of future earnings — If your injury affects your ability to work long-term
Your solicitor will make sure every aspect of your physical, financial, and emotional losses is carefully assessed.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — if a family member has suffered a serious upper body injury at work and cannot make a claim themselves, you may be able to act on their behalf. This applies if they are:
- Under 18
- Mentally or physically incapacitated
- Have sadly passed away due to their injuries
In fatal cases, close family members may also be able to claim for dependency losses and funeral costs.
How Long Does an Upper Body Injury Claim Take?
The time it takes to settle a claim depends on:
- Whether your employer admits liability
- The complexity and seriousness of your injuries
- How long your recovery is expected to take
- Whether there are any disputes over responsibility or evidence
Straightforward cases might be settled in a matter of months, while more complex cases involving serious or long-term injuries could take a year or more — particularly if medical assessments and future care plans need to be finalised.
We’ll keep you informed at every stage and manage everything for you, so you can focus on getting better.
Are Upper Body Injury Claims More Complicated Than Other Cases?
Yes — upper body injuries can be complicated because:
- Multiple body parts (shoulder, arm, chest, neck, hands) might be involved
- Injuries may have overlapping effects that impact your ability to work and move
- Some symptoms may take time to appear, particularly with strains or RSI
- Medical reports, x-rays, scans, and physiotherapy records are often needed
- Employers may be responsible for multiple safety failings
That’s why it’s so important to work with a solicitor experienced in handling upper body injury claims who understands the physical, emotional, and financial consequences you’re facing.
We’re Here to Support You
Upper body injuries can completely disrupt your life — physically, emotionally, and financially. But you don’t have to face this situation alone.
Our dedicated solicitors are here to:
- Support you through every step of the claims process
- Help you access the best medical care, rehabilitation, and financial compensation available
- Fight for maximum compensation to help you move forward with your life
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards recovery, justice, and peace of mind.