Can I claim for a work injury if I didn't get medical help?

Updated: 3 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

You can still make a work injury claim if you did not seek medical attention at the time of your accident. However, medical evidence is one of the strongest forms of proof in any personal injury case, so your solicitor will need to rely on other sources of evidence to show the link between the accident and your injuries.

Why medical evidence matters

  • A medical report confirms the type and severity of your injury
  • It helps establish that the accident, and not another cause, led to your condition (known as causation)
  • It records the impact on your daily life, which is essential for calculating general damages

What if you didn’t see a doctor at the time?

Your solicitor can still build a case using other evidence such as:

  • Accident book entries or workplace incident reports
  • Witness statements, including from first aiders
  • CCTV footage
  • Your absence records from work
  • Receipts for painkillers, physiotherapy, or other treatment you arranged yourself

Even if you delayed getting help, you should still visit a health professional if symptoms continue. A doctor can assess your current condition, recommend treatment, and create a medical report that supports your claim.

You can still claim, but see a doctor as soon as you can. Tell them what happened and keep notes and photos. Late care is better than none and helps link your injury to the accident.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law

Soft tissue and delayed injuries

Some injuries, such as whiplash or other soft tissue damage, are easy to underestimate. Pain or mobility issues may only appear hours or days later. Seeking medical advice is still important, even if time has passed, as complications can develop.

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Will I need another medical during the claim?

In most cases, your solicitor will arrange an independent medical assessment. A medical expert will examine your injury, provide a prognosis for recovery, and outline any treatment or care you may need in the future.

This report is central to your claim. It helps calculate general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, and it also supports claims for the cost of ongoing treatment or care.

See also: The role of medical experts in injury claims

Will the medical be carried out near me?

Yes. Assessments are normally arranged close to your home. If travel is difficult, a home visit can be organised.

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About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

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Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon