Construction accident claims

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries out there, according to HSE statistics. Your employer should minimise the risk of accidents – but sometimes things get missed. If you've been injured as a result, we could help you claim.

Give us a ring on 0800 707 6899 and we'll tell you where you stand. If you've got grounds, we work with a panel of construction accident lawyers. They're well trained in winning compensation for people hurt on site, often on a no win no fee basis.

It's an unexpected event that occurs while you're busy working on a construction site, from new builds to commercial projects, civil engineering or infrastructure, causing you harm or injury. You might be a bricklayer, labourer, electrician, plumber, joiner or another trade professional just trying to do your job.

Unfortunately, these accidents can happen in a range of ways. Here are some we see at Underdog…

What causes construction accidents?

Lots of things, if proper steps aren't taken to protect you and your colleagues on site. Common reasons for building site accident claims include:

• Machinery and equipment: Lots of construction tools, machines and vehicles can be dangerous, especially if they're not high quality, well maintained or used properly by others – or if they're used by anyone without proper training. You should also be given good personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Slips, trips and falls: Maybe a surface was left wet and slippery, or blocked by tools, wires or other common site hazards. You could also fall from faulty ladders or scaffolding, or down poorly marked holes and shafts.
• Manual labour: Shifting materials and tools around site and into position is tough no matter how fit you are; manual handling is a common cause of workplace injuries such as back and knee problems.
• Falling or flying objects: Tools, debris or material falling from heights or being ejected during jobs can strike you down if proper guards or handling processes aren’t in place.
• Chemical spills, fumes and spores: Exposure to nasty substances such as solvents, asbestos and silica dust isn't good for anyone without proper PPE, ventilation and safety guidelines.
• Long-term conditions: Over time, exposure to harmful noise, dust or repetitive motions can cause chronic illnesses, reducing your quality of life and ability to work.

All these risks can bite – but if your accident happened due to something else, you don't have to lie down and roll over. There's a good chance we can still help you claim if someone else was to blame.

What injuries can I claim for?

When safety on site is substandard, these accidents can leave you with a range of injuries. Whatever their severity, here are some examples you could claim construction accident compensation for:

• Broken bones and fractures.
• Muscle, ligament and tendon damage.
• Cuts and abrasions.
• Head and brain injuries.
• Loss of limbs.
• Hearing loss.
• Burns.
• Eye injuries.
• Respiratory issues.
• Long-term conditions (e.g. vibration white finger).
• Heatstroke or hypothermia.

Unfortunately, fatal accidents are more common in construction than in any other industry in Great Britain. Our panel of construction accident solicitors can also support claims on behalf of loved ones if it's within three years of their passing or from when it was discovered that an accident or illness was the cause.

Within this period, the claim must be settled or legal proceedings begun. Give us a call on 0800 707 6899 to chat through your situation.

If you're worried about making a building site accident claim, we can make sure you're not barking up the wrong tree.

Your employer has a duty of care to you and should go about their business in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. That means doing things like maintaining machinery and implementing proper safety protocols on site. If they don't, they could be held accountable for any harm you suffer as a result.

Some workplace accidents aren't clear-cut. Sometimes no one is to blame. But if you think you've been hurt because of someone else's failings, or even if you're not sure, you don't have to stay muzzled. We're patiently waiting for your call on 0800 707 6899.

Will I lose my job?

Claiming against your employer doesn't mean you'll get put in the doghouse. The Employment Rights Act 1996 and Equality Act 2010 state that you can't be sacked or treated differently for making a claim. Expert quote example -

"There are laws in place to protect you from being treated badly if you make a claim against your boss. So, if they've made a dropped the ball with a particular project or process, you're well within your rights to claim building site accident compensation."

- John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director

Getting hurt in an accident is enough to drive you barking mad, especially if someone else was to blame.

You might need time offsite as a result, potentially losing pay while coughing up for medical treatment and travel. Making a construction injury claim could cover your losses and help you make a better recovery, like paying for further treatments and even home adaptations to make your life easier.

Having an experienced construction accident solicitor as your loyal companion can help to hold the guilty party accountable. You may even improve safety for your team and help stop similar accidents from happening again.

Plus, you don't need to get your paws dirty. We'll do the hard work for you. If we think you've got a legitimate claim, we'll refer you to our network of legal experts and let them take the lead.

We can't fetch you an accurate number right away, unfortunately. But once a construction site accident lawyer knows the specifics of your case, they'll work out a fair amount based on factors including:

• The type and severity of your injury.
• Any past or future medical expenses and travel costs as a result, including treatments, ongoing care and home adaptations.
• Lost earnings from time spent off work.

The idea of taking legal action might seem ruff, but we've broken down what to expect into five simple steps.

1. Give us a call

Call us on 0800 707 6899 for free, or request a call back – it's up to you. We'll ask you about your construction accident and tell you whether you could make a claim. Don't worry – our advice is free and impartial, with no obligation to go ahead.

2. We'll pass you to our panel of construction accident lawyers

A dedicated legal team will handle things from here. We're partnered with a network of experts across the country with experience in compensation claims like these.

3. They investigate and submit your claim

Your legal team will ask you more about your accident, the injuries you suffered and how they've impacted your life. They'll dig up evidence such as photos, witness statements, and medical records to support your construction accident claim. They'll then let your employer's insurer know you're claiming against them.

4. The other side accepts or denies blame

If the other side bites and accepts liability, your legal team will negotiate your compensation. If they don't, they'll try to reach an agreement and your claim could go to court, but this is rarer than a disloyal labrador. Either way, your legal team will be faithfully by your side.

5. Your claim gets settled

If your building site injury claim is successful, you'll receive compensation from your employer's insurer, and your legal team will collect a small pre-agreed portion of it as payment for their support. In the rare case a claim is taken on and is unsuccessful, you won't pay anything.