Every day, public service workers go above and beyond to support and protect our communities. But when accidents happen and workers face employment issues, there needs to be legal protection for those who protect.
That’s why UNISON members and their families have access to free legal advice and representation from the UK’s leading lawyers for trade union members, Thompsons Solicitors.
Your comprehensive legal package
Thompsons Solicitors can support UNISON members with:
- Personal injuries – at or away from work, on the roads or abroad,
- Serious injuries – including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries,
- Industrial diseases – including asbestos-related diseases,
- Work-related criminal law advice,
- Free, initial advice on medical negligence claims, with special terms if there if there is a case to pursue,
- Employment law advice via your UNISON representative,
- A free online standards wills service and reduced rates for conveyancing and powers of attorney.
As part of your membership, your loved ones can access:
- Free advice and representation for personal injuries away from work, on the roads or abroad,
- Special terms for clinical negligence,
- Discounted rates for wills, conveyancing and powers of attorney.
Keep 100% compensation
Making an injury claim via the UNISON legal service is entirely free of charge.
Unlike other legal providers, who will take up to 25% of damages from their clients, members who use the union legal service benefit from:
- Access to specialists in their field,
- 100% compensation,
- No deductions for legal fees.
Making a legal claim for injury or ill-health
If your employer fails to provide adequate protection and you suffer an injury or illness as a result, you can make a claim for compensation.
If you have been injured outside of work due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, or because of medical negligence, you can also make a claim.
Five things to remember if you suffer an accident or injury:
- Seek medical attention – whether from a first aider or by attending hospital for severe injuries, your priority should be getting the medical attention you need.
- Keep a record of the incident – take photographs of the scene and your injuries, record contact details of any witnesses, take notes of what happened and, if the accident happened at work, make sure it is logged in the accident book.
- Report the accident – if your accident happened at work, report it to your employers as well as your local UNISON health and safety representative.
- Get up to speed on your sick-pay entitlement – if you’re unable to work because of an injury, check your contract of employment to establish your sick-pay entitlement.
- Check if you’re eligible for compensation – get in touch with UNISON’s trusted legal provider to establish whether you could receive compensation to support with recovery.
Accessing legal advice and representation
Ready to make a claim or just looking for some initial advice? Call UNISON on 0800 0 857 857 to access free legal advice. You can also get in contact online at www.thompsonstradeunion.law.