What Evidence Do You Need for a Work Injury Claim?

When you suffer an injury at work, the outcome of any compensation claim will depend largely on the quality, accuracy, and completeness of the evidence you can gather. Even straightforward workplace accidents can become disputed if crucial information is missing, unclear, or not recorded properly. Collecting evidence early—ideally from the moment the accident occurs—helps establish what happened, who was responsible, and how the injury has affected your daily life, health, and earnings.

This guide explains the key types of evidence you should collect, why each is important, and the common mistakes to avoid. By understanding what to record and preserve, you can significantly strengthen your position and reduce the scope for insurers or employers to dispute your claim.

1. Why Evidence Matters in a Work Injury Claim

In workplace injury cases, the injured person must show, on the balance of probabilities, that:

1. An accident occurred or a hazardous exposure took place
2. There was a breach of safety—for example, unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or inadequate training
3. You suffered an injury as a direct result of that breach
4. You have experienced measurable losses, whether physical, emotional, or financial

Good evidence helps you demonstrate these points clearly. It limits the opportunity for employers or insurers to suggest alternative explanations, minimise your injuries, or deny responsibility. Without solid evidence, even genuine claims can become drawn-out or undervalued.

2. Core Evidence You Should Gather

Below are the key types of evidence you should try to collect as soon as possible after the accident. Some items will be immediately available; others may take time or require formal requests. The earlier you begin gathering this information, the more reliable and complete your claim will be.

A. Medical Evidence

Medical documentation is one of the most important forms of evidence because it demonstrates the existence, nature, and impact of your injuries.

What to gather:

• GP or A&E Records

Attend a medical professional promptly—even if the injury seems minor at first. Early records help connect the injury directly to the accident date, preventing arguments that symptoms developed later or are unrelated.

• Photographs of Injuries

Take clear, well-lit photos as soon as possible. Continue taking photos over the days and weeks that follow to show how the injury develops.

• Notes on Symptoms and Treatment

Keep copies of:

• Prescriptions
• What you were doing at the time
• Physiotherapy referrals
• Appointment letters
• Sick notes or fit notes

Recording your treatment helps illustrate the seriousness and duration of your injuries.

Why this matters

Medical evidence makes it harder for an employer or insurer to argue your symptoms are exaggerated, pre-existing, or unrelated to the incident.

B. Accident Records

Most UK workplaces must keep an accident book and follow set reporting procedures. These records create an official, time-stamped report of the incident.

What to gather or request:

• Accident book entry
• Internal incident reports or email notifications sent at the time
• Near-miss logs
• Risk assessments for the type of work involved
• Method statements or safe working procedures
• Toolbox talk records relevant to the activity

If your employer completed a formal investigation, ask for copies of the findings.

Why this matters

These documents help show that the accident took place, how it was recorded, and what safety systems were (or were not) in place at the time.

C. Witness Evidence

Witnesses can support your version of events, confirm unsafe conditions, or describe the accident as it unfolded.

What to collect:

• Names of witnesses
• Job title or relationship to the workplace
• Contact details
• Short written statements, if they are willing
• Notes about what they saw or heard

Even if someone did not witness the moment of injury, they may provide valuable context such as awareness of faulty equipment, repeated complaints, or ongoing hazards.

Why this matters

Witnesses can counter attempts to blame you for the accident or dispute what happened.

D. Scene Evidence

Evidence from the scene of the accident can be extremely powerful, especially when conditions change quickly or equipment is repaired.

What to gather:

• Photographs or Videos of the Scene

Capture:

• The exact location
• Any hazards (spillages, debris, obstructions)
• Broken or faulty equipment
• Poor lighting or visibility issues
• Warning signs (or lack of them)

Use different angles and include wide-angle and close-up views.

• Equipment Logs and Maintenance Records

If machinery, tools, or vehicles were involved, request:

• Maintenance schedules
• Inspection reports
• Testing certificates
• Breakdown or repair logs

• Training Certificates

Keep copies of your own training records and request confirmation of:

• Induction training
• Machine operation training
• Manual handling training
• PPE training

• PPE Issue Records

If PPE was missing or inadequate, retain:

• Issue logs
• Photographs of damaged or worn PPE
• Notes describing what was supplied to you

Why this matters

Scene evidence demonstrates the physical environment and can highlight safety breaches, maintenance failures, or hazards that contributed to the incident.

E. Financial Evidence

To recover losses, you must show exactly what you’ve spent or lost as a result of the injury.

Collect

• Payslips showing normal earnings
• Overtime and bonus history
• P60 or P45 for annual income confirmation
• Receipts for travel to medical appointments
• Invoices for treatment, physiotherapy, or mobility aids
• P60 or P45 for annual income confirmation
• Parking receipts, medication costs, or equipment purchases
• Notes on care provided by family or friends

Even small costs can add up significantly.

Why this matters

Financial evidence helps demonstrate your losses clearly and ensures you do not miss out on legitimate compensation.

3. Helpful Additional Evidence

Although not required in every case, certain additional evidence can make your claim significantly stronger.

A. CCTV, Dashcam or Telematics Footage

Many workplaces use CCTV in warehouses, loading bays, corridors, entrances, and car parks. Vehicles and plant equipment often have dashcams or telematics systems.

What to do:

• Identify if cameras or systems may have captured the incident
• Notify your employer immediately and request the footage
• Act quickly, as footage may be overwritten within days

Why this matters

Video evidence can provide irrefutable proof of how an accident occurred.

B. RIDDOR Reports

Some work-related injuries must be reported under RIDDOR.

What to obtain:

• Confirmation of whether the incident was reported
• The report reference number
• A copy of the submitted report, if possible

Why this matters

A RIDDOR report indicates the incident was serious enough to require official reporting.

C. Symptom Diary

A symptom diary can help document how your injury affects your daily life.

Record daily:

• Pain levels
• Limitations on movement
• Impact on work
• Missed hobbies or social events
• Sleep disruption
• Emotional effects
• Medication taken
• Tasks you needed help with

Why this matters

This provides a detailed picture of your recovery and the wider impact of your injuries.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with strong evidence, certain missteps can weaken your claim. Avoid the following:

A. Delaying Reporting

Failing to report the incident promptly can create doubt about what happened.

B. Making Statements That Suggest Fault

Avoid apologising or accepting blame without knowing the full circumstances.

C. Throwing Away Damaged PPE or Tools

Keep damaged equipment as it may be important evidence.

D. Deleting Photos or Messages

Do not delete anything related to the accident or unsafe conditions.

E. Returning to Heavy Work Too Soon

Follow medical advice; returning early can worsen injuries and create inconsistent records.

Conclusion

A strong work injury claim relies on clear, thorough evidence. By gathering medical records, workplace documents, witness information, scene photos, and financial records, you can build a detailed and accurate picture of what happened and how the injury has affected your life. Avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference to the strength of your case.