Construction accidents are a major safety concern in the construction industry. They can cause serious injury, disability or even death to workers and other people on the job site. To reduce the risk of construction accidents, employers must ensure that their workers are properly trained and equipped with the right tools and safety equipment. Additionally, employers must also have effective safety protocols in place to prevent potential accidents from occurring. By following these guidelines, employers can help create a safe working environment for their employees and make sure that they are protected from any potential harm. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. As such, it is important for workers to understand their rights and be aware of the legal options available to them in case they suffer an injury while on the job. This article will provide an overview of construction personal injury claims and how they can be pursued in order to receive compensation for medical expenses and other damages which you may be owed.
Construction sites are a dangerous working environment and accidents can have serious consequences. It is important to understand the causes of these accidents in order to prevent them. Common causes of construction site accidents include inadequate safety measures, unsafe work practices, lack of training and supervision, and hazardous materials. In addition, poor weather conditions or inadequate lighting can increase the risk of accidents on construction sites.
Construction accidents can be devastating for victims, leading to serious injuries, lost wages, and medical bills. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it is important to understand the personal injury claims process to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Guide to Personal Injury Claims – What to do if you’ve been injured as a construction worker
1. Seek medical attention immediately: The first and most important step is to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, it is crucial to get a medical evaluation to ensure that there are no underlying injuries that may worsen over time. This will not only help ensure proper treatment and recovery, but also provide important evidence for the claim.
2. Document the accident: It is important to document the details of the accident as soon as possible. Take photos of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and write down any details you remember about what happened.
3. Report the accident: Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. This report should detail the circumstances of the accident and any injuries sustained. It’s important to file this report as soon as possible, as there may be time limits for making a claim.
4. Seek legal advice: After the report has been filed, the worker should consider seeking legal representation. An experienced construction accident solicitor can help navigate the complex legal process and ensure that the worker’s rights are protected. The solicitor can also investigate the accident and gather evidence to support the claim.
5. Collate other damages: As well as the pain and suffering of the injuries, you may have other losses that you are owed. This could be loss of earnings, medical or travel expenses as well as any care or assistance you may have needed during your recovery. It is important to document any other losses you are owed such as wage slips or receipts.
Types of Construction Accidents
- Falls: Falls are one of the most common types of construction accidents, and can happen from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces.
- Struck by object: Workers can be struck by heavy objects, such as equipment, tools, or building materials, which can cause serious injuries or even death.
- Electrocutions: Electrical hazards, such as exposed wiring or faulty equipment, can lead to electrocutions and serious injuries.
- Caught in/between: Workers can be caught in or between heavy equipment, machinery, or building materials, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
- Vehicle accidents: Construction sites often involve a lot of vehicle traffic, and accidents involving trucks, forklifts, or other vehicles can cause serious injuries or death.
- Fires and explosions: Construction sites often involve flammable materials and equipment, and fires or explosions can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
- Overexertion: The physical demands of construction work can lead to overexertion, which can cause strains, sprains, and other injuries.
- Repetitive motion injuries: Construction workers often perform repetitive tasks, such as hammering or lifting, which can lead to repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Chemical exposure: Workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals on construction sites, which can lead to serious health problems.
- Trench collapses: Workers can be trapped or crushed in trench collapses, which can happen when trenches are not properly supported or shored.
Examples of Injuries and Compensation
| Injury | Severity | Compensation |
| Shoulder injury | Mild | Up to £7,890 |
| Back injury | Severe | £38,780 – £160,980 |
| Hand injury | Moderate | £5,720 – £13,280 |
| Back injury | Mild | Up to £12,510 |
A number of factors are taken into account when valuing your claim such as severity of injury, the length of time it will affect you and the impact it has had on your life. It would be for an expert to assess your injuries in order to accurately value your claim.
Employers Duty of Care
Employers always have a duty of care to you as their employee. Employers must ensure that you are kept safe whilst on a construction site and there are regulations that they must follow. They must:
- Provide personal protective equipment such as helmets or face masks that are suitable and fit for purpose.
- Provide training to all staff members to ensure work is completed to a safe standard.
- Regularly check and maintain equipment to highlight and fix any faults or defects.
- Keep the working environment clean and free of hazards.
- Make sure staff members are rotated to avoid repetitive injuries.
- Properly store heavy objects and equipment to reduce likelihood of injury.
If you feel that your employer has not followed health and safety regulations and you have sustained injuries, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Why choose GSR Solicitors?
- Personal Injury experts
- No win, No Fee, with No Hidden Costs
- Awarded Best-Top Rated Personal Injury Solicitors in Preston 2022
- Awarded Best Nationwide Personal Injury Law Firm 2022 by the Northern Enterprise Awards 2022
- Client driven, friendly and dedicated
We will deal with your claim on a no win, no fee basis so you don’t need to worry about any costs. To get started, simply fill in our contact form and someone from our team will be in touch for a free consultation. Or you can also call 01772 356201 or email team1@gsrsolicitors.com.
