Types of construction site accidents
Below are the most common causes of serious construction injuries and how we support clients affected by them.
Falling objects
Injuries Caused by Falling Objects on Site
Tools, equipment and materials falling from height can cause severe head, brain, spinal and orthopaedic injuries. Employers must secure loads, maintain exclusion zones and provide head protection.
Case study – Mr CD: A falling metal object caused a catastrophic brain injury. We secured early rehabilitation support and a £6.5m settlement.
Learn more about our brain injury work.
Falls from height
Falls from ladders, scaffolding and roofs remain a leading cause of serious injury. Employers must provide fall‑prevention systems and protect fragile surfaces.
Case study – Mr DM: A steeplejack fell 13 metres due to inadequate safety measures. We secured urgent rehabilitation and a £2.2m settlement.
Machinery & equipment failures
Poorly maintained or incorrectly used machinery can lead to crush injuries, amputations and serious orthopaedic trauma.
Case study – Mr O: Our client sustained fingertip amputations while dismantling a suspended crane. We achieved a £210,000 settlement.
Workplace vehicle accidents
Injuries Caused by Forklifts, Cranes & Plant Vehicles
Forklifts, cranes and other plant vehicles pose significant risks without proper training or traffic‑management systems.
Case study – Mr X: An untrained worker was told to operate a forklift, resulting in serious crush injuries.
Explosions, fires & hazardous substances
Exposure to flammable substances, toxic fumes or unsafe electrical systems can cause life‑altering injuries, including brain damage from inhalation.
Case study – Mr CM: Excessive exposure to solvent fumes in a confined space caused psychological and physical harm. We secured £145,000 in damages.
Electrical injuries
Contact with live electrical systems can result in burns, nerve damage or cardiac arrest. Employers must carefully manage electrical risks.
Lone worker accidents
Working alone increases the risk of delayed emergency response and hidden hazards.
Case study – Mr DB: Our client fell through a concealed hole and sustained a spinal cord injury. A settlement of over £5m funded adaptations and lifelong support.
Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?
Determining fault after a construction injury
Responsibility may lie with:
- employers
- site or project managers
- main contractors or subcontractors
- equipment suppliers or manufacturers
Even self‑employed workers or visitors may be entitled to claim.
Evidence needed for a construction accident claim
Strong evidence is crucial and may include:
- RAMS (risk assessments/method statements)
- incident reports
- training records
- maintenance logs
- witness statements
- HSE investigation findings
Rehabilitation after a construction injury
Securing early support & interim payments
We prioritise early rehabilitation and work to secure interim payments to cover urgent financial pressures, treatment, equipment and support.
Construction accident claims time limits
There are strict time limits for bringing claims, so you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Claims for construction injuries are complex and require detailed investigation. The sooner we start the investigation, the sooner we can gather evidence, move the claim forward, and get you and your family the help you need. There is no need to wait until any internal or external investigations are complete and indeed, we can support you through these investigations.
Get in touch
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, our expert solicitors are here to help.
