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

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 12, 2025

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.

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.

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.

External references

Citizens Advice: Claiming personal injury compensation — sets out how a claim works and the importance of evidence, including medical reports.
GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury — official guide to whether you can still claim without immediate medical help.
Thompsons: Personal Injury – Time Limits — covers the three-year limit and when delays in seeking medical treatment matter.
Accident Claims Advice: How to prove causation — explains what you can do if you didn’t get medical help right away.

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.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

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