Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK, with thousands of injuries reported every year. From minor cuts and bruises to life-changing accidents, construction workers face hazards daily. If you work in the construction industry and you suffer an injury caused by your employer’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek compensation. Here’s what you need to know about common construction injuries, how to claim, and what compensation can cover.
What are the most common construction injuries?
Because of the variety of hazards present on any construction site, the danger of injury is far higher than in many other professions. Some of the most common personal injuries in construction jobs are:
- Fractures and broken bones — Often caused by falls from height, heavy machinery incidents or falling objects.
- Head and brain injuries — Can result from falls, being struck by objects or electrocution.
- Lacerations and deep cuts — Frequently caused by defective machinery, tools or sharp materials.
- Spinal injuries — May occur due to falls, scaffolding collapses or heavy object impacts. In the worst cases, such an injury could lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Muscle strains and sprains — Commonly caused by manual handling, repetitive lifting or overexertion.
- Burns and electrical injuries — Result from contact with live wires, faulty equipment or exposure to hazardous materials on site.
- Hearing loss or tinnitus — Develops from prolonged exposure to loud machinery without proper hearing protection.
- Respiratory conditions — Caused by long-term exposure to harmful dust or chemicals and can result in illnesses like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
If you’ve been the victim of a construction injury at work, and the accident that caused it wasn’t your fault, you could be owed compensation. Contact us and we’ll work with you to establish who was at fault and how much compensation you may be able to claim.
How do these injuries happen?
Workplace injuries, especially those in the construction industry, are often a result of employer negligence. Common failures that lead to accidents include:
- Lack of proper training — Your employer has a duty of care to provide you with relevant and up to date training. This should help to protect you at every step on site and beyond.
- Poor equipment maintenance — Your employer has a duty of care to keep all equipment and tools maintained, as faulty machinery can cause accidents.
- Inadequate PPE — Your employer must legally provide you with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where needed to keep you safe.
- Neglected risk assessments — All workplaces, especially in the construction world, must conduct regular risk assessments. Failing to do so will result in missed hazards and unsafe working environments
When an employer fails in their duty of care, accidents happen. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe working conditions, you may be able to hold your employer liable and claim compensation with a personal injury claim.
What should you do if you’ve been injured on a construction site?
If you’ve suffered a construction injury, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your right to compensation:
- Report the injury — The first thing to do after a construction accident is to inform your employer and make sure that the incident is recorded in the accident book.
- Seek medical attention — No matter how minor your injury might seem, get a professional diagnosis to assess its full impact.
- Document the incident — Be sure to take photos of the accident site, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the incident.
- Gather witness statements — Talk to colleagues that saw the accident as they can provide valuable evidence in a legal case.
- Keep records — Track medical bills, travel expenses, and lost wages — these can all contribute to your claim.
- Contact us — At Injury Lawyers 4u, one of our specialists can explain your rights and help you start a compensation claim.
How does employer negligence affect your compensation?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Your employer has a strict duty of care over you and your colleagues. That means they must protect you at all times, and if they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for your injuries.
To make a successful claim, you must prove that your employer breached their duty of care and that their negligence directly caused your injury. Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of the injury:
- Minor injuries will result in lower compensation
- Moderate injuries will result in standard compensation
- Severe injuries will result in higher compensation
What can compensation cover?
If your claim is successful, your compensation may cover both special damages and general damages. Special damages compensate for financial losses related to your injury, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, travel costs, and home adaptations needed for your recovery. This ensures that you’re not left out of pocket for essential treatments, time off work, or adjustments to your home or lifestyle.
General damages, on the other hand, are awarded for pain, suffering, and the long-term impact of your injury. These are based on the severity of your condition and how it affects your daily life. For an estimate of what you might expect to receive in general damages for your construction injury, you can use our compensation calculator.
How can Injury Lawyers 4u help you?
Construction injuries can have serious, life-changing consequences, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. If you’ve been injured at work, let Injury Lawyers 4u help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We work with specialists to assess your injuries and calculate the value of your claim, aiming for the maximum compensation possible.
With our No-Win, No-Fee guarantee, you won’t have to worry about upfront legal costs. You only pay if your claim is successful. Ready to make your claim? Get in touch today.