Construction Accident Claims

What is a construction accident?

A construction accident refers to any incident or event that occurs on a construction site and results in injury or harm to workers, visitors, or members of the public.

These accidents can be caused by various factors, including equipment malfunctions, falls from heights, slips, trips, falls, electrocution, and other hazards. Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, and even with strict safety protocols, accidents can still happen.

Examples of construction accidents

Examples of construction accidents include:

• Falls from heights, such as scaffolding or ladders
• Equipment malfunctions, such as crane collapses or forklift accidents
• Slips, trips, and falls on uneven or slippery surfaces
• Electrocution from faulty wiring or electrical equipment
• Crushing injuries from heavy objects or machinery

These examples highlight the diverse range of hazards on construction sites, emphasising the need for rigorous safety measures and vigilant supervision.

Statistics on construction accidents

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), construction sites are among the UK’s most dangerous places to work. In 2022/23, 53,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury from working in the construction industry.

Of these, 37,000 were musculoskeletal disorders, and 16,000 workers reported suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. These statistics underscore the importance of health and safety regulations and the need for continuous improvement in safety practices on construction sites.

Causes of construction site accidents

Construction site accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Main causes of accidents

The main causes of construction site accidents include:

• Poor site management and supervision
• Lack of training and inadequate induction
• Inadequate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Poor communication and inadequate risk assessment
• Inadequate maintenance of equipment and machinery
• Inadequate safety procedures and protocols

These factors can contribute to a range of accidents. Construction companies and site managers must take steps to minimise these risks and ensure a safe working environment for all workers. Proper training, regular equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols are crucial in preventing construction site accidents.

Construction and building site accident claims

Despite the protection of the law, many construction workers are at particular risk and may be reluctant to make an accident at work claim for any injuries. Initiating a building site injury claim involves proving negligence and understanding the conditions under which it can be filed, including no-win, no-fee arrangements and available support for those unsure about their eligibility.

Those most at risk tend to be ‘casual’ workers registered as self-employed under the Government’s Construction Industry Scheme.

Up to 1 million casual workers may have self-employed status in the UK. Most are not truly self-employed but are described as such to allow them to be engaged, often by agencies, without national insurance payments and with reduced worker safety rights.

London construction site claims

In London’s large construction sector, nearly 40% of all workers are migrants. Many of our construction industry clients have self-employed statuses, and we can still bring successful claims for nearly all of them.

A successful construction injury claim requires understanding the process and requirements, including proving the case and gathering evidence. In many cases, we can show that the relationship is, in reality, one of employer-employee, and in any event, there are still health and safety duties owed to the self-employed.

If a self-employed worker is injured because of the negligence of another worker or organisation, he can still bring a claim.

Construction accident claim case studies

£8,000 Settlement for construction site accident

Mr. C, a plant hire driver, was unloading a digger from his low-loader lorry when its mud-covered tires lost grip, causing it to slide off and overturn. Despite the foreseeable risk, his employers failed to provide sand or ensure wheel cleaning.

He sustained an ankle fracture requiring surgery but recovered within six weeks. Initially, his employers denied liability, but after legal action, their insurers admitted fault. The case was settled for £8,000 in damages plus legal costs.

This case highlights the importance of understanding how to claim compensation for injuries sustained due to employer negligence and the potential legal assistance available to navigate the process.

£50,000 Settlement for building site fall

Our client suffered multiple fractures to their left leg, requiring surgery, after a fall at a building site. Building site injury claims often arise from factors such as harsh weather conditions, poor equipment, and falling materials, highlighting the responsibilities of employers to ensure workplace safety.

Despite requesting the area be cleared, metal rails and equipment remained scattered, limiting workspace. Given only a step ladder instead of a proper platform, he struggled to fix boarding while balancing on uneven ground.

He lost his footing and fell. Thankfully, he recovered well but continued to experience mild knee and shin pain. He changed jobs to avoid ladder work and returned to full-time employment after a short absence. We secured a £50,000 settlement for his claim.

• Find more accident at work client stories

Have you been injured in a construction accident?

Some construction site workers are reluctant to file a claim because they may lose their jobs. However, claiming compensation is a critical step for individuals who have experienced serious accidents, and it is important to have clarity and support throughout the claims process.

In reality, most are not kept on if they cannot work through injury anyway because their self-employed status means they are not eligible for sick leave or pay. Employees with full employment status would have a further claim for Unfair Dismissal if the employer sacked them because they were off work on sick leave.

The employer is required by law to have liability insurance for worker accidents. In practice, the insurers deal with and pay for the claim, and the employer accepts this. So, it is rare for the employer to want to take any action against the employee.

Another reason migrant construction workers might be reluctant to bring a claim is issues with their immigration status. We can usually advise on these issues, and most claims will still succeed. Please contact us for free, no-obligation advice on a personal injury claim.

Construction workers face a higher risk of serious injuries, including head and brain injuries. If you’ve suffered an accident at work, contact our specialist personal injury lawyers for free, no-obligation advice on your claim.

To speak with one of our construction accident solicitors, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811