Each year, thousands of UK workers suffer injuries or illnesses due to their jobs. As of December 2024, approximately 230,000 individuals were claiming under the Industrial Injuries Scheme (IIS), which offers non-contributory, no-fault benefits for disablement resulting from workplace accidents or over 70 prescribed occupational diseases. Of these claimants, 170,000 received Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) alone, while 31,000 claimed IIDB alongside Reduced Earnings Allowance and Retirement Allowance, and 28,000 claimed only Reduced Earnings Allowance and Retirement Allowance. In the quarter ending December 2024, there were 2,200 new claims, with 2,600 assessments completed, resulting in 1,400 payable awards.
In contrast, personal injury claims, which seek compensation for pain, suffering, and financial losses due to third-party negligence, have seen a decline in recent years. According to the Civil Justice Statistics Quarterly for October to December 2023, personal injury claims fell by 25% to 61,000, marking the lowest level since 2009. Despite this decline, public liability and clinical negligence cases have experienced sharp increases, indicating shifting trends in the types of personal injury claims being pursued.
Understanding the distinctions between these two options is crucial for injured workers. At Claim Time Solicitors, we specialise in guiding clients through both IIDB and personal injury compensation claims, ensuring you receive the maximum support you’re entitled to.
What’s in this blog?
- What is the industrial injury disablement benefit?
- What is a personal injury claim?
- IIDB vs. Personal injury claim: Key differences
- Can you claim both IIDB and personal injury compensation?
- Your right to submit a claim & when is IIDB the better option?
- When a personal injury claim is more appropriate
- How to start your claim & don’t let fear stop you from claiming
- Claim Time Solicitors: Here to support you
What is the industrial injury disablement benefit?
The industrial injury disablement benefit is a UK government benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides weekly payments to workers who have suffered accidents or developed certain diseases as a result of their job. Unlike a personal injury claim, IIDB does not rely on proving negligence, only that your condition is work-related.
Who can claim IIDB?
You might qualify if you:
- Were an employee (not self-employed) when injured,
- Suffered an accident or developed a disease due to your work,
- Have at least 14% disability as assessed by the DWP.
Examples of conditions that qualify
- Loss of fingers, limbs, or serious fractures at work,
- Industrial deafness caused by loud machinery,
- Asbestosis, industrial asthma, dermatitis, or lung disease,
- Vibration white finger or carpal tunnel syndrome from tools or machinery.
Payments are based on the extent of your disability, not your income. As of 2025, IIDB rates range from £41.28 to £206.40 per week, depending on your assessed level of disablement.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal action against someone whose negligence caused your injury, usually your employer, a contractor, or an equipment manufacturer. Compensation covers financial losses, pain, and suffering that are not addressed by IIDB.
What a personal injury claim covers
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity,
- Loss of earnings and future income,
- Medical, rehabilitation, and travel expenses,
- Long-term care or mobility costs.
While IIDB offers basic government support, a personal injury claim can fully compensate you for the broader impact of your injury.
IIDB vs. Personal injury claim: Key differences
| Aspect | Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit (IIDB) | Personal Injury Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | UK Government (DWP) | The negligent party’s insurer |
| Purpose | State support for workplace disability | Compensation for negligence and losses |
| Proof required | Must show injury/disease was caused by work | Must prove someone was at fault |
| Eligibility | Only employees | Employees, self-employed, or members of the public |
| Compensation type | Weekly payments | One-off lump sum or structured settlement |
| Assessment | Based on disability percentage | Based on severity and financial losses |
| Limit | Fixed weekly amount | No upper limit depends on the case value |
Can you claim both IIDB and personal injury compensation?
Yes, and many workers do.
The industrial injury disablement benefit can provide regular financial support, while a personal injury claim seeks compensation for pain, suffering, and financial losses not covered by IIDB. Claim Time Solicitors often coordinate both claims to ensure clients receive the maximum overall compensation available.
Your right to submit a claim
Under UK workplace law, employers have a duty of care to:
- Maintain safe work environments,
- Provide proper equipment and PPE,
- Deliver adequate training and supervision.
If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions or employer negligence, you can pursue a personal injury claim even if you’ve already applied for IIDB. Typically, you have three years from the injury date (or when you first became aware of it) to submit your claim.
When is IIDB the better option?
You should consider the industrial injury disablement benefit if:
- Your injury or illness is long-term and listed as a “prescribed industrial disease,”
- You were employed when the accident happened,
- You need financial support while recovering or awaiting a legal claim.
IIDB is especially valuable for workers who may not be able to prove negligence but can clearly demonstrate their job caused or contributed to the condition, such as vibration white finger, hearing loss, or lung diseases.
When a personal injury claim is more appropriate
A personal injury claim may be preferable if:
- Your employer failed to follow safety regulations,
- You suffered serious injuries with ongoing costs,
- You lost significant earnings due to time off work,
- You can prove another party’s negligence caused the accident.
In such cases, IIDB alone may not cover the full financial impact, whereas a successful personal injury claim could provide substantial compensation.
How to start your claim
- Seek medical attention immediately,
- Report the accident to your employer and ensure it’s logged,
- Keep records, photos, witness statements, medical reports, receipts,
- Get legal advice early from a specialist solicitor,
- Let your solicitor handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we manage your case on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.
Don’t let fear stop you from claiming
Many workers worry about claiming against their employer. But:
- Employers are legally required to insure against workplace injuries,
- You’re protected from unfair dismissal or retaliation,
- You have a right to compensation if harmed through no fault of your own.
Claiming isn’t about blame; it’s about fairness. You’ve contributed to your workplace, and if it caused your injury, you deserve financial protection.
Claim Time Solicitors: Here to support you
Whether pursuing industrial injury disablement benefit, a personal injury claim, or both, Claim Time Solicitors makes the process simple and secure. Our team ensures nothing is missed and all compensation options are explored.
- Expert advice on IIDB and workplace injury law,
- No Win No Fee, you only pay if we win,
- Confidential guidance every step of the way.
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, call Claim Time Solicitors today on 0800 970 2727 for free, confidential advice. We’ll help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
How do I know if I am eligible for IIDB?
You may be eligible if you were an employee at the time of the injury, your condition is work-related, and you have at least 14% disablement as assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What is the Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit (IIDB)?
The IIDB is a UK government benefit providing weekly payments to employees who suffer a work-related injury or develop an occupational disease. It is a no-fault benefit, so you don’t need to prove employer negligence.
How is IIDB different from a personal injury claim?
IIDB offers regular payments based on your level of disablement, regardless of fault. Personal injury claims, however, seek compensation for pain, suffering, and financial losses caused by another party’s negligence.
Can I claim both IIDB and personal injury compensation?
Yes. Many workers claim that IIDB covers basic support while pursuing a personal injury claim for additional losses like medical costs, lost earnings, or long-term care.