Fall from Height at Work Compensation Claims

What compensation can I claim for in a fall from height at work accident?

When a personal injury impacts your life significantly, the mechanism of compensation for your injury is there to get you back, as close as possible, to the situation you were in before the accident. If you are considering pursuing a fall from height at work claim, you may be entitled to this type of compensation.

Typically, the injured person will need to be compensated for:

• Any loss of earnings.
• The physical pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
• Medical expenses.
• The cost of care and support.
• Expected lifestyle changes.
• The cost of adaptations to a home or vehicle.
• Rehabilitation treatment and therapy.

The amount of compensation that you may receive depends on the unique circumstances of your case.  The settlement figure varies according to factors such as:

• The nature and severity of your injuries.
• The impact on your lifestyle.
• Your future care and support needs.
• The financial losses you have incurred.
• Any future financial burdens (e.g. loss of earnings, medical expenses etc).

Our experienced Fall From Height Claims Lawyers will work closely with you to ensure the full impact of the accident is factored into your claim and we will relentlessly pursue your case until the optimal outcome is achieved.

Who is responsible for a fall from height at work accident?

Quite simply a fall from height at work should never happen.

If it does, unless it was caused by the reckless actions of an employee, then the employer must have failed in their duties to protect you.  The Government and the Health & Safety Executive are very keen to prosecute for such accidents as they often result in serious injury or even death.

Your employer has a duty of care, which is a legal obligation, to provide you with a clean and safe working environment, proper equipment, and also to ensure workers are fully trained on all aspects of their job.

This includes carrying out a risk assessment, providing personal protection equipment, and providing full training in health and safety at work procedures.

If an employer fails in their duty to look after you whilst you are working for them then they may be liable for a fall injury compensation claim. No worker should ever have to go to work and suffer an injury or death.

We understand that you may feel uncomfortable about making a fall from height at work claim against your employer, particularly as you may have concerns over job safety. The fact is that your employer cannot dismiss you if you are injured due to their negligence and they must have insurance in place to cover them. They will not be liable to compensate you directly.

What should employers do to protect workers from falls from height?

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to ensure the safety of their staff whilst working at height by:

• Providing appropriate training.
• Providing the correct personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Conducting a risk assessment
• Ensuring all equipment is in good working order.
• Ensuring that surfaces are level, dry, stable, and free from obstacles.

It doesn’t matter which industry you are working in, if your job involves doing any work at height your employer is required by law to take every possible step to protect you.

Under the regulations, employers must make every reasonable effort to eliminate the need to work at height at all if possible.​​​

Can a third party be at fault for my fall from height at work?

In falls from height accidents, third-party liability refers to situations where someone other than the employer may be held responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. These third parties can include contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or any other party involved in the work activity.

For example, if a subcontractor's negligence or the use of faulty equipment caused the fall from height, the injured worker may have a valid claim against the subcontractor. Similar cases may arise when falls from height occur due to defective equipment. In such cases, the injured worker may be able to hold the equipment manufacturer or supplier accountable for producing or providing faulty equipment.

Determining third-party liability if falls from height at work requires a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence. Our experienced Falls From Height Solicitors at PSR Solicitors have the expertise to handle the complexities of such claims. We analyse the circumstances surrounding the accident, collect supporting evidence, and identify all potential responsible parties.

In pursuing third-party liability in falls from height compensation claims, we aim to establish negligence or liability on the part of the third party involved. This may involve demonstrating that the party failed to meet their duty of care, breached safety regulations, or provided defective equipment that contributed to the fall.

Who is at risk of falls from height at work?

Many types of workers can be exposed to the risks of injuries from falls from height. However, some industries tend to pose a higher risk of similar accidents. These include:

• Construction Workers: Construction sites often involve working at elevated heights, such as on scaffolding, ladders, or roofs. Construction workers are frequently exposed to fall hazards while performing tasks like roofing, installation, maintenance, or repairs.
• Painters and Decorators: Painting and decorating often involve working on ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms. Without proper precautions, these workers are susceptible to falls while carrying out their tasks.
• Warehouse workers: Warehouse workers face fall risks from elevated storage systems, unstable inventory, loading docks, material handling equipment, slippery floors, and insufficient safety measures. Employers must prioritise safety through equipment, inspections, training, and addressing hazards to reduce falls.
• Electricians: Professionals installing or repairing electrical or communication systems frequently work at heights, such as on utility poles, towers, or in confined spaces where fall risks exist.
• Farmers: Farming activities, such as fruit picking, crop maintenance, or working on agricultural machinery, may require individuals to work at heights. This includes working on ladders, platforms, or equipment like grain silos.

This is not an exhaustive list, and many more industries may be at risk of injuries from a fall from height. If you have suffered an injury because of a fall from height accident, and believe it has been caused by the negligence of an employer, safety officer, or third party, contact the Fall From Height Solicitors at PSR today.

What can cause work at height injuries?

At PSR Solicitors, we understand the causes and complexities surrounding falls from height at work. Falls from height can result in severe injuries and have a significant impact on your life. As a leading law firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have experienced falls from height due to work-related incidents.

There are various causes of falls from height at work that can give rise to potential legal claims. These causes include:

• Lack of appropriate fall protection, such as guardrails or safety harnesses
• Unstable or uneven surfaces
• Improper use of equipment
• Inadequate training
• Environmental factors like slippery surfaces
• Defective equipment
• Failure to assess and control risks in the workplace

Our team of experienced solicitors at PSR Solicitors specialises in handling falls from height cases. We understand the complexities involved and have a deep knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations and laws. We will diligently investigate the circumstances surrounding your fall, gather crucial evidence, and assess liability.

Our priority is to provide personalised legal representation tailored to your specific case. We will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Our goal is to help you pursue a successful compensation claim by holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a fall from height at work, contact PSR Solicitors for a confidential consultation. Our compassionate and dedicated team is ready to provide expert legal assistance and support you throughout your claim.

What should I do after a fall from height accident?

Your health and well-being are the primary concern, so the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Falling from height can cause internal injuries and brain injury, which may not be evident immediately.

All workplace accidents must be reported to the employer, and accurately recorded in the accident book. The more information you can collect about the time, place, circumstances, and people present the better. So take photos and video of the scene of the accident if possible, and keep a record of the names and contact details of any witnesses.

It is also helpful to keep a copy of any treatment you receive and any expenses you incur as these can all be used to quantify your personal injury claim.

Finally, we recommend that you seek advice from an experienced Fall from Height Solicitor as soon as possible after the accident as early intervention can make a huge difference to the outcome of your claim. We can provide a no-obligation initial consultation of your claim, and advise you on your options.

There are legal time limits on when you may begin the claim process for an accident - typically, 3 years from the date of the injury.

Our experienced solicitors can help you with a wide range of accident at height claims:

Being injured by a falling object dropped from a height

• Falls from ladders
• Collapsing scaffolding towers
• Falls from roofs
• Falls through skylights

For more information on the potential value of your Workplace Accident Claim, please take a look at our Accident Compensation Claims Calculator.