Introduction
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious workplace accidents. They can result from falls, falling objects, machinery accidents or vehicle collisions, and often cause life-changing consequences. If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common head and brain injuries, employer duties, the evidence you need, and how much compensation you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 150 cases of serious head injuries, including brain damage and loss of consciousness, were reported under RIDDOR in 2022/23 (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE RIDDOR data published 2024)
- Head and brain injuries range from mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Employers must provide PPE such as helmets and ensure safe systems of work.
- Compensation can cover pain, suffering, treatment, lost income, rehabilitation and long-term care.
- You normally have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
Head or suspected brain injury needs urgent care. Report what happened, get same day assessment, and record headaches, dizziness, memory or light sensitivity. Notes and photos can really help your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a head or brain injury at work?
A head or brain injury is any trauma affecting the skull, scalp, or brain tissue. These injuries may cause temporary symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, or permanent effects including memory loss, personality change, or disability. Common workplace causes include:
- Falls from height – ladders, scaffolding or platforms without fall protection.
- Falling objects – tools or materials dropped from above without helmets.
- Machinery accidents – entanglement or impact with moving parts.
- Vehicle accidents – forklift, lorry or site vehicle collisions.
- Slips and trips – resulting in head impact on floors or structures.
Examples of head and brain injuries at work
| Injury type | Common cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Concussion | Slip, trip or minor fall | Headaches, dizziness, temporary memory issues |
| Skull fracture | Falling object, heavy impact | Severe pain, hospitalisation, long recovery |
| Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | Vehicle collision, fall from height | Permanent cognitive or behavioural changes, disability |
| Brain haemorrhage | Severe head trauma | Life-threatening, requires surgery and intensive care |
| Facial fractures | Machinery or tool impact | Disfigurement, vision or dental issues |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be eligible if:
- Your head or brain injury happened at work within the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide PPE, safe equipment, training or a safe working environment, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the workplace accident.
If unsure, start with Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a head or brain injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation, specialist equipment, home adaptations and care expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses. See example head injury calculation.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers are responsible under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the PUWER regulations. They must:
- Provide and enforce the use of PPE such as safety helmets.
- Carry out risk assessments for falls, falling objects and machinery use.
- Maintain safe equipment and working environments.
- Provide training and supervision for staff at risk.
Failing to meet these duties may make employers liable. See also Health and safety breach injury claims.
Employment status and head & brain injury claims
If negligence caused the injury, you can usually claim whatever your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a head or brain injury claim
- Medical records including CT scans, MRI results and GP notes.
- Accident book entries and incident investigation reports.
- PPE provision and training records.
- Witness statements and photographs of the accident site.
- Occupational health and workplace risk assessments.
Time limits for head and brain injury claims
The usual time limit is three years from the accident or from when you realised your injury was caused by work (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply if you were under 18 at the time or if you lack mental capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I already had a head condition?
Yes. If work made a pre-existing condition worse, you may still claim. See claims involving pre-existing conditions.
What if I was not wearing a helmet?
You may still claim. Compensation might be reduced if contributory negligence applies. See What is contributory negligence?.
Will I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injuries and provide a prognosis to help value your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
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.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- NHS: Traumatic brain injury - provides information on head injuries and concussions, including symptoms, treatment, and recovery advice relevant to workplace incidents.
- PUWER Regulations 1998 - outlines the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, ensuring safe machinery use to prevent head injuries at work.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for head or brain injuries sustained in workplace accidents.
- HSE: Workplace injury statistics - provides data on workplace accidents, including head and brain injuries, to support compensation claims.