Introduction
Leg injuries at work can range from simple sprains to complex fractures, crush injuries or even amputations. Because mobility is essential for most jobs, these injuries can have a major impact on your ability to work and live independently. If your leg injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, poor training, or lack of protective equipment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common leg injuries, employer responsibilities, what evidence helps, and how much compensation you could receive.
At a glance
- Around 3,500 fractures (excluding fingers and toes) were reported under RIDDOR in 2022/23, many involving serious leg injuries (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE RIDDOR data published 2024)
- Leg injuries include sprains, fractures, crush injuries, ligament damage and amputations.
- Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and carry out proper risk assessments.
- Compensation can cover pain, suffering, rehabilitation, lost wages and long-term care costs.
- You usually have three years from the date of the accident or diagnosis to begin a claim.
Get medical attention the same day and report your injury. Take photos of any swelling or bruising. Keep a record of how your injury affects walking, stairs and driving. These details can help your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director (NAL)
What is a leg injury at work?
A leg injury is any harm affecting the thigh, knee, shin, ankle or entire limb sustained during workplace activities. Injuries may be short-term or permanently disabling. Common workplace causes include:
- Slips, trips and falls – leading to sprains, ligament tears or fractures.
- Falling objects – causing crush injuries or broken bones.
- Machinery accidents – entrapment or contact with moving parts.
- Vehicle accidents – forklifts, diggers or lorries striking workers.
- Manual handling accidents – causing muscle strain or joint damage.
Examples of leg injuries and causes
| Injury type | Common cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sprain or ligament tear | Slip, trip or awkward movement | Pain, reduced mobility, physiotherapy needed |
| Fractured leg | Falls, falling objects, vehicle accidents | Severe pain, surgery, weeks off work |
| Crush injury | Machinery, forklifts, heavy loads | Tissue and nerve damage, risk of amputation |
| Knee injury | Manual handling, twisting or falls | Meniscus tears, ligament damage, long recovery |
| Amputation | Severe crush or machinery accident | Permanent disability, prosthetic use, lifelong adjustment |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your leg injury happened at work within the last three years, and
- Employer negligence (e.g. poor training, unsafe equipment, lack of PPE) contributed to your accident, and
- Medical evidence links your injury to the accident.
If you are unsure, start with Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a leg 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 and travel 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.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers are responsible under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the PUWER regulations. They must:
- Carry out risk assessments for slips, falls, machinery and vehicles.
- Provide and maintain safe equipment and work practices.
- Offer training in manual handling and safety procedures.
- Ensure PPE such as protective footwear and shin guards is provided where necessary.
If employers fail in these duties, they may be liable. See also Health and safety breach claims.
Employment status and leg injury claims
From slips on wet floors to crush injuries on site, leg injuries can affect any worker. If negligence caused your injury, you can usually claim whatever your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a leg injury claim
- Medical records, x-rays and physiotherapy notes.
- Accident book entries and incident reports.
- Photographs of the accident scene and injuries.
- Training and PPE provision records.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
Time limits for leg injury claims
You usually have three years from the accident date or the date you realised your injury was linked to unsafe working conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and those lacking capacity.
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 leg problem?
Yes. If your job aggravated a pre-existing condition, you may still claim. See claims involving pre-existing conditions.
What if I was not wearing PPE?
You may still claim. However, compensation might be reduced if contributory negligence applies. See What is contributory negligence?.
Do I need to attend a medical appointment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injury and long-term impact. See What happens at a medical appointment.
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:
- Do you qualify?
- How much compensation could you get?
- How does No Win, No Fee work?
Read more: Work accident claim guide
One quick call can give you clarity and confidence about your options after a work accident. A specialist advisor will:
- Give free, confidential and impartial advice
- Explain clearly how No Win, No Fee works
- Connect you with the right solicitor for your case
You're under no pressure to claim. We'll get you the right advice, when you need it.
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
- HSE: Slips and trips at work - provides guidance on preventing slips and trips, common causes of leg injuries in the workplace.
- NHS: Leg pain and injuries - offers information on leg injuries, including causes, treatments, and recovery advice for workplace incidents.
- PUWER Regulations 1998 - outlines the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, ensuring safe machinery use to prevent leg injuries at work.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for leg injuries sustained in workplace accidents.