Building and Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are among the most dangerous working environments in the UK. With heavy machinery, working at height, and constant site activity, accidents at work are sadly common. Building and Construction Site Accidents and injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing trauma.
Construction Site Personal Injury Specialists
At Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, our personal injury specialists regularly support workers and contractors who have been hurt on building and construction sites. If you or a loved one has suffered an accident at work, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are inherently high-risk environments, and accidents can happen quickly if proper safety measures are not in place. Workers, contractors, and even visitors can be injured due to hazards such as unsafe equipment, poorly maintained scaffolding, or unexpected site conditions. Understanding the most common causes of accidents can help you take precautions and, if an incident occurs, ensure that you know your rights. Some of the most frequent types of accidents we see include:
- Falls from height – ladders, scaffolding, and roofs
- Slips, trips and falls – uneven ground, trailing cables, or site debris
- Falling objects – tools or materials dropped from above
- Defective machinery and equipment – faulty tools or poor maintenance
- Electrocution or burns – unsafe wiring or lack of training
- Crush injuries – caused by vehicles, site traffic, or collapsing structures
5 Scaffolding Hazards to Be Aware Of
Accidents involving scaffolding on building sites are extremely common and cause serious injuries such as spinal damage or brain injury. The erecting and maintaining of scaffolding systems is subject to extensive legislation and regulations but unfortunately such accidents are still too common. Scaffolding systems come with many inherent risks such as slipping, falling, being injured by falling objects or suffering a scaffolding collapse. Read more…
Employer Responsibility and Duty of Care on Construction Sites
Employers, contractors, and site managers are legally obliged under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations to:
- Carry out thorough risk assessments
- Provide safe, well-maintained equipment
- Deliver adequate training and supervision
- Supply correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ensure the site is kept tidy and safe for all workers
Even if you are self-employed or working as a sub-contractor, you are still owed a duty of care while on site.
Making a Construction Site Accident Claim
If you have been injured on a construction site, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Loss of earnings, including future income
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses and care needs
The standard time limit to bring a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident (or from the date you became aware of the injury). However, exceptions do apply, so it is always best to seek legal advice as early as possible.
What are the most common injuries caused by building and construction site accidents?
Head and Brain Injuries
On construction sites, these can result from falls, slips, defective equipment, or being struck by falling objects. Such injuries are often life-changing for workers and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury on a construction site, our specialist solicitors can help you pursue a claim on a No Win No Fee basis.
Back and Spinal Injuries
Back and spinal damage is common on construction sites, often caused by unsafe working practices or failure to follow safety procedures. Falls from height, being hit by debris, or accidents involving vehicles such as forklifts frequently lead to these injuries. Our team can assist you in seeking compensation for such incidents.
What to Do After a Construction Site Accident
If you are involved in an accident on a construction site, taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference to your recovery and any future compensation claim. Acting quickly helps to protect your health, ensures the incident is properly recorded, and strengthens the evidence should you decide to pursue legal action.
- Report the accident to your employer or site manager.
- Ensure it is recorded in the accident book.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Collect evidence – photographs, witness details, site conditions.
- Contact Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors for expert legal advice.
Why Choose Edwards Duthie Shamash?
Our dedicated team of personal injury solicitors has extensive experience in handling construction and workplace accident claims. We will:
- Investigate liability and gather evidence on your behalf
- Guide you through every stage of the claims process
- Aim to secure the maximum compensation available
- Offer funding options including no win, no fee arrangements
We understand the impact that workplace accidents have, not just on the injured worker, but on their family too. Our focus is on achieving the best possible outcome while offering clear, compassionate support.
Construction Site Accident Compensation Claims FAQs
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your construction site accident to start a personal injury claim. For industrial diseases or injuries discovered later, the time limit runs from when you became aware. It is always best to seek legal advice promptly. Contact Edwards Duthie Shamash for clear guidance on deadlines.
Yes. Even if you are self-employed or working through an agency, the main contractor or employer still owes you a duty of care on a building site. If you suffer an accident due to poor safety measures, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our solicitors can advise on your rights and next steps.
It is common for employers or contractors to dispute liability. Our solicitors can investigate the accident, gather evidence such as accident book entries, witness statements, and medical records, and pursue your construction accident claim even if fault is denied. Speak to Edwards Duthie Shamash for expert support in contested cases.
Compensation depends on the severity of your injury, medical needs, time off work, and any long-term impact. A construction site injury claim can cover loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. Our solicitors will seek maximum damages. Contact Edwards Duthie Shamash to discuss the likely value of your claim.
Most construction site accident claims are resolved through negotiation with insurers and settled outside court. However, if liability is disputed or settlement cannot be reached, our solicitors will represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve. Trust Edwards Duthie Shamash to guide you through every step.
