The construction industry is one of the UK’s largest sectors and accounts for a large number of employees. Unfortunately, statistics show a higher than average rate of injury in the construction sector. Construction sites have long been recognised as involving particular dangers and risks to those working on them. Construction site accidents can arise for a range of reasons, including:

• Faulty machinery or equipment
• Unsuitable equipment
• Poorly constructed apparatus such as scaffolding
• Moving heavy items without proper equipment or assistance
• Falls from height
• Failure to identify, highlight and protect from exposed edges of temporary apparatus such as scaffolding poles
• Failure to provide proper safety equipment such as harnesses or head gear
• Slips or trips
• Poorly planned procedures
• Poorly organised procedures for certain tasks
• Lack of training
• Failure to carry out proper risk assessment
• Failure to adhere to a risk assessment, for example, due to pressures to complete a project by a particular deadline
• Poorly fixed ladders
• Poorly footed or supported ladders

While the basic legal principles in a construction site accident are similar to other types of accidents at work, construction site accidents can be particularly complicated. That is why you need a lawyer with sufficient skill and expertise in this area to assess and advise fully on all points that might arise.

There has been for many years a wide range of regulations which impose duties on employers in relation to their workers. There have been particular regulations focusing on the construction industry because it is recognised that there are special features within the sector. Not only is there a specific set of construction regulations, there are regulations governing specifically any employment where the worker has to undertake work at height.

One particular challenge in construction site accident claims, particularly from larger sites, is the often complex network of main contractors combined with several levels of sub-contractor. That can create complexity in identifying who holds the ultimate legal responsibility. Some lawyers don’t always understand fully how the law operates in these situations. In responding to a claim, an insurer will often seek to pass blame on to another contractor, so you need a solicitor who has the expertise and experience to establish who has overall responsibility for your accident.

Can you claim if you are self-employed?

Yes, in many situations you can. On construction projects, it is common for workers to be classed as self-employed. In many situations, a duty of care is still owed to you which means that you may well be entitled to claim compensation for an injury. It is not always a straightforward matter, though, and that is why you need expert advice at the outset on whether you may have a basis for making a claim.

What can you do to help your claim?

Our expert team will take the time to understand fully the circumstances of the accident. It is helpful if you can provide information such as the following:

• Whether your accident was reported and, if so, to whom? Was it your own employer, a main contractor or both?
• If there were other people involved in the circumstances of your accident, whether they work for a different contractor and if so, who?
• An understanding of the layout where the accident happened
• Details of your income if you have been absent from work because of your injuries

What compensation can you claim?

The most common categories are:

• Compensation for the pain and suffering you have had, and might still have, because of your injuries
• Compensation for loss of income if your injuries have meant you are unable to work for a period
• Compensation to reflect any future injury-related difficulties you may have in working
• Compensation for help given to you by family members with everyday activities which you cannot do because of your injuries

If you are interested in making a compensation claim for a construction site accident, please get in touch with us today for a confidential discussion.

Contact us

• Email us
• Call our personal injury claims team free on 0808 560 0872
• Arrange a callback by using our enquiry form

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