Construction sites are typically one of the most dangerous environments to work in, where hazards like height, heavy machinery or electrics are present on a daily basis. Much like in other workplaces in the UK, construction site managers and employers have a duty of care over the people who work or enter their site. This includes providing adequate training, fully functional safety equipment, and clear safety protocols.
If your employer has failed in their responsibilities and you’ve been injured as a result, you could be entitled to claim compensation. That’s where we come in — at Injury Lawyers 4U, we’ll assess your case and work with you to get the justice you deserve. All on a no win, no, fee basis.
Can I make a construction accident claim?
In order to be eligible to make a compensation claim for a construction accident, there are a few things that must be proven:
- That your employer or another party was negligent.
- That this negligence directly caused your injury.
- That your injury happened within three years of making your claim.
At Injury Lawyers 4U, we work with you to establish if your case meets these criteria. If you’re unsure whether your circumstances qualify, don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.
What are the most common causes of construction accidents?
WIth the heightened level of hazard present in construction sites, there are a whole host of accidents that might befall you if unlucky. These are a few of the most common examples:
- Falls from height — This is the leading cause of fatal injuries on construction sites.
- Slips, trips and falls — These account for 26% of non-fatal injuries on construction sites according to the Health and Safety Executive.
- Manual handling injuries — Making up 19% of all non-fatal injuries on construction sites, these are usually caused by pushing, pulling or lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Trauma — Usually caused by being struck by moving objects, trauma like this makes up 12% of incidents on construction sites.
- Electrocutions and burns — This might happen when coming into contact with live wires or faulty machinery.
What are the most common types of construction accidents?
With so many possible causes of injury, construction sites also bring with them a whole slew of injuries of various severity. Here are some of the most common:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal injuries
- Vibration injuries
- Eye injuries
- Respiratory diseases
These injuries don’t just happen to builders — electricians, plumbers, carpenters and others working on-site face similar risks.
Who is responsible for construction accidents?
Because construction sites are typically the responsibility of a few different parties, this can further complicate already complex personal injury claims. Figuring out where the blame lies between your employer, another contractor or company on-site or the actual site owner or manager can be tricky.
Whatever the case, all employers and site managers must legally comply with the safety standards set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. If they have broken these laws, they will be considered negligent and at fault.
It’s also good to know that if you’re found partially at fault for the accident — known as contributory negligence — your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you’re 25% responsible, you’ll only receive 75% of the total compensation available.
Can I make a construction accident claim if I’m a contractor or self-employed?
All contractors and self-employed workers have a right to claim compensation. The company controlling the site has a duty of care, even if you’re not directly employed by them. This includes those on zero-hours contracts. If they’ve breached health and safety regulations, you may be eligible to claim.
What evidence do I need to support my construction accident claim?
After seeking medical treatment and reporting the accident to the site owner, the next step is to gather evidence that proves negligence was at least partly responsible for the accident. Here is some of the evidence that will help build a strong case:
- Records from your site’s accident book.
- Photos or footage showing the accident site and the hazard that caused it.
- Witness statements supporting your version of events.
- Independent medical assessments to document the extent of your injuries. We can assist with this.
- Evidence of the medical treatment you’ve received, along with a diary detailing your injury symptoms and medical appointments.
- Any documentation or receipts that show the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the injury.
When you speak to our expert team at Injury Lawyers 4U, we’ll ask for details of the accident and any evidence you can provide to support your claim. The sooner we view the evidence, the sooner we can begin processing your claim.
How much compensation could I receive for my construction accident?
As with other personal injury cases, damages for construction accident compensation claims are typically split into two categories:
- General damages — This covers pain, suffering and loss caused by the injury.
- Special damages — This covers financial loss, like loss of earnings, rehabilitation or care costs.
For an estimate of the level of general damages compensation you should expect, use our helpful compensation calculator.
How do I claim for a construction accident?
If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident on a construction site, the best place to start is to seek treatment for your injuries. Once this stage is complete, get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U. We’ll put you in contact with an expert personal injury solicitor who will listen attentively to your case and let you know whether you have grounds to claim. If you do have a claim, your solicitor will take you through every step of the injury claim process:
- Seek medical attention
- Contact Injury Lawyers 4U
- Gather evidence
- File your claim
- Receive compensation
Had a construction site accident? Get in touch to make a no win, no fee claim
When you talk to us at Injury Lawyers 4U, we’ll offer you our no win, no fee promise. That means you won’t pay a penny unless your case is successful, so there’s no financial risk to you. We offer this Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) so that all of our clients can pursue justice, not just those with enough money to fight the battle.
Contact Injury Lawyers 4U today to get your case started. Call 0333 400 4445 or fill in our online enquiry form and let our experienced solicitors fight for the compensation you deserve.