Why make a construction accident claim

How dangerous can construction sites be?

Construction sites are extremely dangerous places. Whether you work or visit a construction site, the place contains many risks. For example:

• heavy machinery
• working high up
• heavy loads being carried
• dangerous chemicals
• use of electricity

Building sites are so dangerous that the building and construction industries have more accidents than any other.

What types of accidents and injuries could occur on a construction site?

Many different types of accidents and injuries can occur on a construction site. For example:

• slipping
• tripping 
• falling 
• crushing
• manual handling
• defective machinery accidents 
• falling from a height 
• lifting heavy objects 
• electric shocks
• vehicle-related accidents 
• defective equipment

How common are construction site accidents?

Construction site accidents are common and can happen in a variety of construction sites, such as on new build sites and demolition works. Unfortunately, due to negligent employers, construction accidents do occur. 

Between 2019 and 2020, for example, work-related ill health affected 81,000 workers in the construction industry, and the most common type of construction site accidents were lifting and handling accidents. 

Which safety measures should be in place to prevent accidents?

As construction sites are so dangerous, safety measures need to be put in place and risks minimised. Extra health and safety laws apply to construction sites due to the many hazards. For example, employers should carry out risk assessments of the site and the tools employees use. They should also:

• tell employees where dangers lie
• provide adequate training
• provide the right protective equipment
• have procedures in the workplace for cleaning spillages
• regular maintenance of equipment

Who is liable for construction site accidents?

Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe at work. So if you have a construction site accident that was not your fault, they are likely liable. However, other people in the construction can be liable too, such as the:

• architect
• construction company
• site manager
• main contractor 

Therefore, sometimes it can be tricky to work out who exactly is liable for a construction site accident but a personal injury lawyer can do this for you. 

Is it possible to claim for construction site accidents?

It is possible to claim for a construction site accident. If your employer, or other person responsible, has not done what they can to ensure that the accident you suffered on the construction site, you may be able to make a compensation claim. This is where they have been negligent or not followed the laws they should have. 

You have three years from the date of the accident to make a construction accident claim.

Common reasons for not making a claim?

Unfortunately, some people who are due compensation for a construction site accident fail to make a compensation claim. Here are some reasons why below.

Not wanting to challenge an employer 

One reason for not making a claim is a fear of challenging an employer. However, this should not stop making a claim. Your employer will have employers liability insurance to pay the compensation and it is illegal for them to sack you or discriminate against you based on making a claim. 

Worried about the reaction of colleagues 

Some people, unfortunately, fear the reaction of other colleagues if they make a construction accident claim. However, by making a claim you are helping your colleagues. Your employer will learn not to make the same mistake and this keeps your colleagues safer at work.

Don't want to be seen as weak or making a fuss 

There is absolutely nothing weak or fussy about making a construction accident claim but sadly some people think there might be. If you suffer a construction accident that was not your fault, you have every right to claim the compensation you are due.

A belief that ‘these things happen' in construction 

Yes, ‘these things can happen' in construction but that does not mean that they should. There are health and safety laws which require your employer or other person responsible to make sure they do not happen so if an accident occurs, it is your right to make a compensation claim. 

So why make a construction accident claim?

There are plenty of reasons why you should make a construction accident claim. Here are some below. 

If the accident wasn't your fault you are entitled to claim 

When you suffer a construction accident that was not our fault, you are legally entitled to make a compensation claim. So there should be nothing stopping you from making a claim. 

Those who are liable should be held to account

A very good reason to make a construction accident claim is to ensure those responsible for your injury are held to account. A negligent employer is an employer breaking the law, and doing so at your expense. Making a compensation claim helps them to learn and realise where they went wrong. 

It can help you get your life back on track 

Although making a construction accident claim will not change the fact that you were injured, it can help get your life back on track. The money you receive can help with medical costs and to make any changes not required in your life. 

You can set an example and help prevent such accidents in the future 

The construction accident that you suffered should not happen to anyone else; I'm sure that after your experience, you would agree with this. You making a compensation claim for your construction accident can help prevent accidents in the future as after a compensation claim, an employer will think much more carefully about safety. 

Simply, you deserve justice 

An important reason to make a construction accident compensation claim is that you deserve justice for the accident you suffered. You have had a terrible experience and now it is time for you to feel some positivity and know that justice has been done.   

Think you could make a construction accident claim?

Experiencing an accident at work often means you can claim compensation.  Construction site workplace injuries are very common but also extremely serious. If you do have an injury from a construction accident and it was not your fault, you can make a compensation claim. An injury or accident in the workplace can massively impact your whole life and can even stop you from working. It is, therefore, only fair that you get the compensation due to you.

Let us at National Accident Helpline process your construction site compensation claim today.  Call or, if you prefer,  you can ask us to give you a call back here.  You can even begin your claim online here.