I am 17 years old and had an accident at work, am I old enough to claim compensation?

[Carl]

I work as an apprentice and I have suffered a severe work related injury, my hand got caught in machinery because my glove got stuck and I have lost a finger and broke my hand.

The machinery was not safe, it had exposed moving parts and my employer hasn’t done a young persons risk assessment for me, hasn’t done any risk assessments on the machinery we were using and hasn’t documented any of his training records, I spoke to other people I work with and found out he hasn’t even recorded it in the accident book.

Would I be able to claim more money for employer neglect as well as my personal injuries? Or could I get in trouble for using unsafe equipment at work?

If I do win compensation for my claim would I have to wait till I am 18 or older to receive the money?

Thanks,Carl

 

[Sam-Expert-Lawyer]

Hi Carl,

Thank you for your enquiry.

You are certainly entitled to make a claim, however, as you are under the age of 18, you will need a Litigation Friend (usually a parent) to act on your behalf in making the claim.

The damages you are awarded would be held in a Court trust fund until you reached the age of 18.

We would support you throughout the whole process.

Should you have any questions, please contact us on our online chat, or dial our free number (0800 073 8804). We will be happy to help!